Photo created by Grace Eberts
By Grace Eberts, Academics EIC
We have been begging and begging for LGBTQ+ representation on TV for many years now. Many have tried and missed the mark with token gay characters, trans characters played by cis actors, and even creating a mockery of bisexual women. However, I think we finally have a few Gen-Z-focused shows that highlight the LGBTQ+ community in the right way. I shamelessly will admit that I have binge-watched all of these. Some take a dramatic, “sex and drugs” approach, while others take a slow look back to the past, honoring the stories of those that have paved the way for our generation. Here are my six favorite shows from the past year with proper LGBTQ+ representation.
“The L Word: Generation Q” – Showtime
If you watched the original “The L Word,” you may recall being disappointed by a lack of transgender and bisexual representation among the dynamic, scandalous lesbian community of Los Angeles. So, why give the new and improved show a chance? We get to watch Alice, one of the original cast members, struggle with her bisexuality amidst her career branded as a lesbian talk show host. You see Micah struggle post-transition with his sexual identity and find clarity through experimentation. Beyond this, the storyline incorporates disability awareness, addiction, and—just like the original—lots of cheating and scandal.
“Pose” – FX
I’ll be honest—my summer revolved around “Pose.” The 1980s ball culture of New York is a story that often goes untold. Even more, buried are the stories of trans youth and other individuals of the queer community who rebuilt their lives after being thrown out of their homes by unaccepting parents. “Pose”, follows the journey of these individuals and sheds light on the unfortunate reality of queer youth both then and today. The show also takes a very raw approach to show the effects of the AIDs crisis on communities and families. The story centers around Black and Latina trans characters (played by trans actors!!!) while also displaying song, dance, and the vibrancy of ball culture.
“Halston” – Netflix
If you know the actual history of Halston, you know his story is filled with cocaine, corporate overtake, and obsession with fame. But putting this story into a mini-series allowed producers to display some of the vibrant scenes from the Studio 54 era. The series tells the story of Halston and his lover Victor Hugo and their unstable relationship. The dialogue bounces between the stress of the fashion world and Halston’s struggle with finding peace with his life, career, and sexuality.
“Ratched” – Netflix
When I began “Ratched,” I basically expected another season of American Horror Story with a different title. But let me tell you, Sarah Paulson served us the psych ward love story I never expected. This story is definitely disturbing, but also strangely real and honest. The show couples trauma with sex and identity to show lead character Mildred’s struggle in understanding her attraction to Gwendolyn, who is out but very much does not feel accepted by society. The show takes a look back at the terrible practices of conversion therapy. This is the only part of the show I don’t love. Some of the practices they show are poorly discounted as the work of a crazy, evil doctor and ignores the actual widespread nature of these conversion tactics. However, it all plays into the storyline and further sets the scene for why Nurse Ratched can not come to terms with her sexuality.
“Sex Education” – Netflix
We all know “Sex Education” and the joy of watching the main character Otis go through his sexual awakening alongside his sex therapist, mother, and best friend Eric. However, Eric doesn’t serve as comedic relief or act as the “gay best friend.” Viewers get to look into his personal life and see how his sexuality interacts with his faith, his family, and his personal style and expression. One of his love interests, Adam, is an angsty bisexual boy who is sent away to military school and internally battles with his attraction to men. Ola, Otis’ ex-girlfriend, is pansexual and explores relationships with different individuals while being unapologetically herself. The show explores many different parts of the LGBTQ+ community, while also accurately displaying regular teenage life and the ins and outs of school, friends, and family.
“The Wilds” – Amazon Prime
We all love a good coming-of-age series—but “The Wilds” does it a little differently. When a group of teenage girls gets left stranded on an island, Texan and Southern Christian Shelby is forced to come face to face with her own sexuality amidst Toni, an openly gay basketball player. Viewers get an inside look into the battle Shelby faces with her internalized homophobia and the toll this takes on both her and her friends’ mental health. This battle between religion, sexuality, and parenting represents a reality that many youths are still challenged with today.
