For years, representation of the LGBT+ community on television was scarce, with a few exceptions here and there. But now, the landscape has changed dramatically, and there is a wealth of quality programming that is inclusive and diverse. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, romance, or even action-adventure, there is something for everyone when it comes to LGBT+ television.
One of the first and most iconic LGBT+ TV shows was the British mini-series "Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit" which first aired in 1990. Based on the novel by Jeanette Winterson, the show follows a young lesbian's coming of age in a strict Christian family. Despite being controversial at the time of its release, it paved the way for future LGBT+ representation on television.
Another classic series is "Queer As Folk," which first aired in 1999. This groundbreaking show followed the lives of a group of gay friends in Manchester, England, and was praised for its realistic depiction of the LGBT+ community. The American version of the show, which aired from 2000 to 2005, was also well received.
"Six Feet Under" was a landmark show in terms of LGBT+ representation, as it was one of the first mainstream dramas to feature a prominent gay character. The show, which ran from 2001 to 2005, followed a family who owns a funeral home and was praised for its in-depth character development and realistic portrayal of the LGBT+ community.
"The L Word" was a landmark series that ran from 2004 to 2009 and was one of the first television shows to focus solely on the lives of a group of lesbian and bisexual women. The show was groundbreaking in its representation of the LGBT+ community and remains a staple of the genre.
More recent series include "The Bisexual," which premiered in 2018 and was praised for its nuanced portrayal of bisexuality. "Gentleman Jack," which first aired in 2019, is a historical drama based on the real-life story of Anne Lister, a lesbian in 19th-century England. "It's A Sin," a mini-series released in 2021, explores the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBT+ community in the 1980s and 90s.
"Heartstopper," which first aired in 2020, is a coming-of-age romance between two young men, while "A League of Their Own" and "Big Boys" are both shows that focus on the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals. Finally, "The Last Of Us" is a video game series that features a lesbian protagonist and was praised for its representation of the LGBT+ community.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the must-watch LGBT+ TV shows that are currently available. From drama to romance, these series offer a window into the lives of the LGBT+ community and are a testament to the progress that has been made in terms of representation. So, whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the world of queer television, these are the shows you cannot miss.
