In 2023, some television series took a giant leap in representing the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Here’s a look at some of our favourite shows that not only entertained but also celebrated and highlighted the lives and stories of LGBTQ+ characters.
Everything Now: This series follows Mia, who returns to school after a hospital discharge following her battle with an eating disorder. The storyline portrays a group of canonically queer characters whose queerness doesn’t define them but rather exists as an integral part of their lives.
Wheel of Time: An adaptation of Robert Jordan’s fantasy saga, this series follows the journey of Moiraine, a member of a magical organisation as she takes five young people on a journey, believing that one of them might be the reincarnation of the Dragon, a powerful individual prophesied to save the world or destroy it. The series subtly reveals her forbidden relationship with another woman. While not central to the storyline, the portrayal of her relationship adds depth to the storyline.
Heartstopper: Based on the popular graphic novels, this series beautifully explores the relationship between two teenage boys while including a lesbian couple and a trans femme character in its main ensemble.
Sex Education: Renowned for its bold approach, the final season continued its exploration of LGBTQ+ characters, skillfully tackling complex themes with humour and sensitivity, addressing issues like religion, postpartum depression, and abuse.
XO Kitty: A spin-off of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Kitty Covey embarks on a journey of self-discovery that includes questioning her sexuality when she develops feelings for another girl.
Fellow Travellers: Spanning the 1950s to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, this series follows a passionate yet tumultuous romance between two men and navigates pivotal historical moments.
The Fall of the House of Usher: This series revolves around a powerful CEO Roderick Usher and his genius COO sister Madeleine Usher, both heading a corrupt pharmaceutical company and the events leading to the deaths of all of Usher’s Six children. Most of the Usher children are unapologetically queer, offering a diverse portrayal of relationships.
Gen V: Set at Godolkin University School of Crime Fighting, this series features a bigender superhero and delves into their complex romantic entanglement, exploring themes of identity and attraction.
Harlem: Centred around four friends navigating life in their thirties in Harlem, this series features two queer characters as part of the main cast and we watch them try to balance love, life and their careers as working professionals.
Deadend Paranormal Park: An animated series following Barney, a gay transgender teen boy, and Norma, a bisexual character, as they discover the paranormal within their local theme park.
