This week, we're talking you through our favourite films and TV shows that represent the LGBTQ community. Diversity in the media has moved forward by leaps and bounds in the last few years, normalising queer relationships and transgender main characters across mainstream TV. All of which helps to spread awareness and representation for everyone's stories.
From sitcoms, to classic films and drama series - here are our top recommendations for you to add to your watchlist!
While each character in Euphoria brings their own individual complexities to the show, the way in which queer people’s identities is examined is groundbreaking because being queer isn’t their main character trait. Each LGBTQ character has their own battles to fight, and their sexuality or gender identity is always shown as secondary to their plight: never the cause of it.
Co-created by Ryan Murphy, Pose made waves from the start for having the largest cast of trans actors on a scripted show. The series has been renowned for its genuine warmth and the due diligence it gives the 1980s New York City ball scene, not to mention the incredible fashion. A cinematic and visually beautiful watch.
Deemed 'Possibly the loveliest show on TV' and 'like a hug in tv form' by The Guardian - Heartstopper is a must watch for feel good vibes, comedic yet gentle storytelling of two teenage boys navigating friendship and discovering their sexuality.
This series does such a wonderful job of shedding light on autism (the protagonist is an austistic teenage boy) as well as highlighting his sister's journey of discovering her sexuality. It's heartwarming, relatable and funny as well as meaningful and the episodes are only 20 minutes - easy to binge!
A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood. It became the first LGBTQ film with an all-black cast and the second-lowest-grossing film domestically to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
Big Boys is a broadly autobiographical comedy based on writer Jack Rooke’s experiences at university shortly after the death of his father. It sees Rooke living in unusual accommodation with the slightly-older Danny. The series is about the “unlikely friendship between sweet, shy, closeted Jack and boisterous, laddish and ever-so-slightly mature student Danny.”
The story of Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn) and his struggles as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California's first openly gay elected official. The film offers an unflinching look at homophobia during that era. A touching yet tragic film most definitely worth a watch.
A documentary produced by Laverne Cox exploring the history (and the lack) of trans representation in Hollywood. It highlights the ridicule that gender non-conforming folk have faced over the years and how the industry needs to move forward to undo trans stereotypes.
If you haven't already watched Schitt's Creek yet, this has to be next on your list. The writers did such an amazing job of telling an LGBTQ+ storyline without making it out to be a huge deal. It's the kind of show you'll want to rewatch over and over again.
Watching an episode of Queer Eye is like having a therapy session. It's essentially a makeover show with 5 men who specialise in different areas - but it's not as superficial as it sounds. The support and love that the Fab 5 show to each person is so beautiful and there are often more psychological changes than there are physical. The episode with the priest is one of the most emotional transformations! Guaranteed, you'll want them to be your best friends after watching a season.
If you liked this blog, you'll probably like part one of this series spotlighting LGBTQ+ owned small businesses. Read it here.
