Thankfully, pop culture is starting to incorporate LGBTQ+ culture onto mainstream TV shows that used to exist in a heterotopia of sorts. Of course, there is still a ways to go when it comes to erasing heteronormative influence on our culture but TV shows are a place to start, sort of? It’s exciting that “a recent report from GLAAD discovered that the amount of queer characters on our screens has increased by over 100 to a new record.” (gaytimes) In this sense, one could say that LGBTQ+ representation on television shows has never been better?! An article for gaytimes notes that “Netflix boasts a plethora of entertain(t)ing LGBTQ+ comedies, dramas, and thrillers…”. The article then goes on to list 54 of these shows that you can stream right now! For now, I’ve decided to gather my top 5 shows from Netflix, as I’ve binged quite a few series recently. I mean who doesn’t want to watch television that validates their identity? If you’re just looking for a show to watch that doesn’t make you feel unincluded from the narrative because your sexual identity is not represented, we at SHA are here with recommendations!
Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)
“The series is one of the funniest comedies currently on television and features a pansexual character in David, played ever so brilliantly by Dan Levy. He embarks on relationships with both men and women, and it’s never presented as an issue, it’s simply accepted by every character.” (gaytimes)
Schitt’s Creek happens to be one of the funniest shows that depict LGBTQ+ culture in a way that is more accurate. Dan Levy does a terrific job communicating inclusivity via the character of David.
Tales of the City (2019 – present)
“Netflix’s 10-episode revival of the iconic queer series follows Mary Ann (Linney) as she returns home to San Francisco, where she’s reunited with her daughter and ex-husband Brian 20 years after leaving them for her career. ” (gaytimes)
Pose (2018- 2021)
“Pose, co-created by Ryan Murphy, made waves from its start for having the largest cast of trans actors as series regulars on a scripted show, which includes Janet Mock and Our Lady J. Beyond the numbers, the series has been renowned for its genuine warmth and the due diligence it gives the 1980s New York City ball scene.” (thrillist)
Sex Education (2019- )
“Sex Education is basically exactly what it says on the tin. Otis (Asa Butterfield), the repressed son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson), teams up with Maeve (Emma Mackey) to run an under-the-table sex therapy business at their high school despite the fact that Otis himself is a virgin. Sex Education is one of the better LGBTQ-inclusive teen comedies out there.” (thrillist)
Feel Good (2020- 2021)
“A surreal drama in the vein of HBO's Euphoria, Netflix's Feel Good follows a lesbian comedian as she embarks on a relationship with a woman new to same-sex relationships... Feel Good is a short but sweet watch, with two, six-episode seasons.” (screenrant)
The list most definitely goes on, as Netflix features a lot of great LGBTQ+ representation in both shows and films. I would definitely suggest checking out our recommendations along with any other ones that you can find. If you’re like me you will find it refreshing to watch shows that accurately depict sexuality as a spectrum!
By: Alyssa Morterud