It’s Pride Month, and while we should celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories all throughout the year, there’s no better time than now to highlight them. Representation matters, and though there’s still so much work to be done, so much has changed in the last 10, even five, years. We’re seeing more inclusive, diverse, and authentic stories, and thanks to streaming sites, they’re really accessible as well. Here are some of our favorite Netflix films and shows that spotlight the LGBTQIA+ community.
Queer Eye
It’s not just a makeover show. Queer Eye is one of Netflix’s most popular shows, and it’s easy to see why. Each season is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and discover your inner Jonathan Van Ness. Now on its fifth season, Queer Eye‘s Fab Five is taking on historic Philadelphia to give makeovers to everyday heroes, from a gay pastor to a struggling dog groomer. Watch it here.
The Politician
From the creator of Glee and American Horror Story Ryan Murphy, The Politician chronicles the juicy world of school politics. Think the 1999 dark comedy movie Election, but on steroids. Here, Ben Platt stars as Payton Hobart, an ambitious teen who wants nothing more than being elected President of the United States. While the first season saw Payton doing everything in his power to be elected the student body president of the fictional Saint Sebastian High School, the second season has him as a student in New York University, running for a seat in the New York State Senate. Watch it here.
I Am Not Okay With This
Navigating puberty is no walk in the park, especially if you’re a teenage girl who’s just discovered that she has telekinetic powers. Based on the comic book of the same name by Charles Forsman, I Am Not Okay With This tells the story of Syd Novak (Sophia Lillis, It), a 17-year-old girl who has to make sense of here supernatural abilities while grappling with the ins and outs of puberty. Watch it here.
The Half of It
Ellie is a shy, smart, cash-strapped student who makes extra money doing other students’ homework. When she’s approached by football player Paul to write love letters to his crush, Ellie refuses. Why? She’s secretly in love with the same girl. But eventually, Ellie is forced to take on the job. Will they be found out? Or will Ellie come clean? Watch it to find out.
Feel Good
This deeply personal comedy-drama stars comedian Mae Martin as Mae, an up-and-coming stand-up comedian and recovering addict. Her addictive behaviors leak into every part of her life, including her romantic relationships, so when she starts a relationship with George (Charlotte Ritchie), she has to do whatever she can to transform their relationship from an addictive one to a healthy one. Watch it here.
Circus of Books
Circus of Books was a gay porn shop that’s been a safe space for Los Angeles’ LGBT+ community for over 35 years. But its owners Karen and Barry Mason are a straight, mainstream couple who kept their business a secret, even from their kids who were educated in religious schools. This documentary is told from the lens of artist Rachel Mason, Karen and Barry’s daughter. She asks them the hard-hitting questions, such as how they started the store, and why Karen reacted so negatively when her own son came out as gay. Watch it here.
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas
Hannah Gadsby’s 2018 special Nanette made us ugly-cry in between laughs and won the comedian Emmy and Peabody Awards. It was a tough act to follow, but Hannah managed to do that with Douglas, which she named after her eldest dog. As in Nanette, she also talks about her experiences with misogyny as a lesbian woman. Douglas is a masterful extension of her first special, so if you liked that, you’ll love this. Watch it here.
A Secret Love
Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel were lovers for almost seven decades, but remained closeted for most of their lives. This documentary chronicles their love story, from when they first met, to when they came out to their conservative families, to how they grappled with the decision to get married. Watch it here.
Did we miss your faves in this list? Tell us about them in the comments!
