Now that streaming platforms and production companies have started to notice that they should have diverse characters on their show, Netflix has joined the group. We decided to compile a list of the best Netflix shows that celebrate queerness to give viewers a little entry into the whole of well-constructed queer characters.
Best Netflix Shows That Celebrate Queerness
Heartstopper
Following the story of two students in school, Nick and Charlie, this show focuses on their friendships and interactions within a school where people of all gender identities and sexualities are unafraid to be themselves. Nick and Charlie become friends, so their love story begins when the latter starts developing a crush on the former. Find out how here.
Young Royals
This Swedish show follows a prince who has just been enrolled into a private boarding school. This teenage drama may have an odd premise but is deeply rooted in exploring the different kinds of people in real life, especially when they come from a privileged background. Apart from the queer romance that takes centre stage, fans of the show also talk about how amazing it is to show that coming out is personal to everyone. Check out the show here.
Sex Education
Following the two protagonists, Otis and Eric, this show explores their friendship and their schoolmates’ lives as they navigate the throes of puberty without enough information. Otis starts a sex clinic where he shares advice with people, often sharing gender-neutral and sound advice. The show represents characters from across the spectrum and also tries to include as many perspectives as possible regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Stream the show here.
Warrior Nun
When 19-year-old Ava wakes up in a morgue with a divine artefact embedded in her back, and has superpowers that give her the ability to fight demons here on Earth. She becomes a part of the ancient Order of the Cruciform Sword and continues to battle evil as a warrior nun. The show explores the aspects of Christianity and queerness together. Reconciling what seems to be two things on opposite ends, the show decides to celebrate bisexuality and lesbianism freely. Watch the show here.
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The Haunting of Bly Manor
This show tells the story of au pair who are invited to the house to take care of the nieces and the nephews when one of them starts seeing apparitions. It is told in a non-linear fashion and features queer characters that are set in the late 80s, which is a wonderful time to explore queerness. Find out how by catching the show here.
Feel Good
Following the lives of two characters, Mae and George, this show explores identity, trauma and love through their tumultuous and heartwarming relationship. The show explores how coming out is personal, but the way it affects the partner is also important and this show does that. It is a semi-autobiographical take on Mae Martin’s life and their experiences with dating in general. Stream the show here.
Atypical
Following a teenager with autism, this show explores his and his family’s life through the series. The show has queer characters who are not ostracised for who they are, and even though they have problems with identity and figuring out who they are, it is still an organic journey for the character without any odd subplots. Find the show here.
Heartbreak High
A reboot of the old Australian show of the same name, this one focuses on modern students with modern norms in dating, fashion and tech. They represent many students and how they define themselves in the current generation. The story follows a ‘sex map’ of sorts where students’ sexual rendezvous are drawn on the walls for everyone to see. They all must attend a sex ed class to make up for this incident. Catch the show here.
First Kill
Forbidden romances for the win, this show follows a vampire and vampire hunter as they fall in love and discover each other’s secret identities. They are both ready to make their first kill. Bordering on Shakespearean, this story speaks of the two characters empathising with the other side while also figuring out who they are outside of the boundaries that have been assigned to them. Watch the show here.
Queer Eye
The fabulous five are back; this time, they are ready to do up anyone looking for help. The five characters spend a week with that episode’s ‘hero’ to help them make their life better and get more satisfaction from their situation. It is about using resources they already have in order to make something good instead of spending an exorbitant amount of money and resources. Stream the show here.
All of these titles are available to stream on Netflix. What will you be binging this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
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