BEST LGBTQ+ SHOWS TO WATCH RIGHT NOW
In the past, it has been difficult to find LGBTQ+ shows or films to watch. The LGBTQ+ characters we were given often carried the same boring storylines or worse, no story at all. Of course, there is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation and visibility, but things are much better than years before.
According to GLAAD’s Where We Are on TV report from 2021-2022, 92 regular characters in 775 series broadcasted on primetime programming were LGBTQ+. This comes out to 11.9% of characters, which is an increase of 2.8% from the year before. This number goes up to 141 when taking into account additional recurring LGBTQ+ characters on primetime.
There is no denying the lack of variety that continues within this representation. For example, we don’t see many asexual or transgender characters. The majority of the LGBTQ+ characters in this report are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Along with the increase in LGBTQ+ characters, there has been more energy put into creating unique stories that better depict just how diverse this community is. If you are looking for a new LGBTQ+ show to watch, we’ve got you covered.
Queer Eye
Many people have heard of the hilarious and entertaining Netflix reality tv series Queer Eye. This show stars the Fab Five, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, and Jonathan Van Ness. Together they combine their unique expertise in things like fashion and food to elevate people’s lives. Each episode follows one person in need of serious change and the Fab Five’s attempt to make it happen.
Feel Good
Feel Good is a British show that follows Mae Martin, a recovering addict, and comedian, as they try to tackle life. This show is full of comedy, drama, and romance between Mae and their girlfriend George, played by Charlotte Ritchie. Feel Good explores how complicated it can be to navigate gender and sexuality.
The Other Two
The Other Two is a comedy that follows Brooke, Cary, and their young pop star brother, ChaseDreams. Cary is a gay aspiring actor, and Brooke was once a professional dancer. As the title suggests, Brooke and Cary are struggling in their lives as “the other two” siblings, while their famous 13-year-old brother outshines them.
The L Word: Generation Q
The L Word: Generation Q is a sequel to the 2000s hit, The L Word. If you enjoyed the original series, the sequel carries many similarities. It follows a group of friends navigating life in Los Angeles. Full of diverse LGBTQ+ characters, love, sex, and friendship, what’s not to love?
Betty
Betty follows a group of diverse women and their journey with skateboarding. This series shows just how tricky it can be to navigate something male-dominated like this. Expect fun relationships and lots of laughs while getting a peek into the world of skater girl culture.
Bonding
The Netflix comedy Bonding follows Tiffany, a grad student in New York City who moonlights as a dominatrix. She hires her high school gay best friend, Pete, to be her assistant. Pete gets a look into the world of BDSM and sadomasochism, while Tiffany tries to find a balance between school, work, and fun.
Dickison
The dramedy Dickinson tells the story of Emily Dickinson as she tries to find her place in the world. She’s seeking a career as a writer, but her life is much more complicated than that. She is in love with her best friend Sue and is also dealing with the often harsh societal expectations placed on women during the 1800s.
There are plenty of other enjoyable shows with an LGBTQ+ character or two that are not mentioned in this list, including Schitt’s Creek, Vida, Special, Elite, Gentleman Jack, and Work in Progress. These days you can have your pick of binge-worthy LGBTQ+ shows.
