It’s no secret that Pride Month is an exciting time in The 6ix. There are cool events, drag brunches and of course, the Pride Parade. But if you want to have a nice evening in and relax with some good LGBTQ+ TV shows for this time of year, I’m here to save the day! Although there’s still a long way to go for LGBTQ+ representation in media, it’s safe to say that there’s been progress. And right now, there are films and shows that avoid the dreaded trope of queer-baiting and actually portray an authentic picture. So, without further ado, let’s get into some of my recommendations.
LGBTQ+ TV shows to watch for Pride Month
Heartstopper
You all know I can’t talk about queer TV without mentioning this one, right? The show has received love from both critics and fans alike and for good reason, especially with inclusivity in representation. It’s a British coming-of-age love story that focuses on two teenagers Charlie and Nick, with themes that show the journey of self-discovery while navigating through high school.
Streaming platform: Netflix
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Schitt’s Creek
This is probably another obvious one too. Created by Toronto-born Dan Levy and his father, Eugene Levy, this sitcom is also a fan-favourite. It follows the Rose family as they find their lives completely turned upside down after losing all their wealth and fortune, ultimately forced to move into a small town called Schitt’s Creek.
Streaming platform: CBC Gem, Amazon Prime
Our Flag Means Death
If the idea of a period comedy piece with a queer pirate crew sounds like fun, then you can’t miss out on Our Flag Means Death. It draws inspiration from the life of the pirate, Stede Bonnet. In the show, Bonnet’s ship comes across another captain, Edward Teach (Blackbeard), and his crew and mishap ensues.
Streaming platform: Crave
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BoJack Horseman
To say that asexual representation in media is lacking would be an understatement. But if there’s one show that hit the right notes, it’s this one. The adult animated show focuses on anthropomorphic horse, BoJack Horseman, who’s a former 1990s sitcom star. The series also does a good job when it comes to showcasing mental health issues.
Streaming platform: Netflix
Pose
This particular show welcomes audiences to the world of drag ball culture in NYC and is set during the 1980s and 1990s. The second season also has a take on the AIDS crisis that had gripped the city back then. The show has been praised for its representation of transgender individuals.
Streaming platform: Disney+
One Day At A Time
This is a reboot based on the original 1975 series. It focuses on the life of a Cuban-American family who lives in LA. In addition to themes of gender identity and LBGTQ+ representation, the show also offers creative takes on different real-life issues, including mental health.
Streaming platform: Netflix
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I Am Not Okay With This
Based on the graphic novel by Charles Foresman, it’s about teen Sydney Novak, who has telekinetic powers. Think the usual teenage angst, thrown in with the fantasy and sci-fi element attached to it.
Streaming platform: Netflix
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Sex Education
The show follows the day-to-day happenings of a group of high school students, including one whose mother is a sex therapist. In addition to a host of LGBTQ+ characters, it also covers topics of bullying, self-discovery and more.
Streaming platform: Netflix