Clear your schedule for a #LVW Netflix and chill situation
BY FIONA FLETCHER REID, IMAGES BY NETFLIX, BBC, SHOWTIME
Lesbian Visibility Week is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a telly marathon? Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming coming-of-age story, a sci-fi series, or costume drama, we’ve got something for everyone.
Here are 10 shows featuring lesbian characters and storylines that we recommend you add to your watchlist this Lesbian Visibility Week:
Heartstopper
Based on the beloved graphic novels, this heartwarming Netflix series follows Charlie and Nick as they navigate friendship, crushes, and self-discovery. Laced with British charm, the loveable characters star in a teenage story that’s low on angst and high on relatability. Heartstopper also features a sweet lesbian couple, Tara and Darcy. Tara is a confident lesbian who helps Charlie navigate his feelings, while her girlfriend Darcy is a trans woman. Their relationship is a positive portrayal of young LGBTQIA romance that we love to see on screen.
Sense8
This sci-fi epic from the Wachowski sisters centres around eight strangers from across the globe who are suddenly linked mentally and emotionally. With a cast including the lesbians Nomi and Amanita, Sense8 is a visually stunning show with a complex plot that explores themes of identity, connection, and empathy.
Heartbreak High
This reboot of the classic 90s Aussie teen drama follows Amerie and her friends as they experience social high school dilemmas. Expect steamy scenes, enviable outfits, and a healthy dose of Aussie humour – perfect for anyone who needs a dose of nostalgic teen drama with a queer twist. We particularly love the neurodivergent representation in the romance between Sasha and Quinni.
Orange Is The New Black
This hard-hitting dramedy takes place in a women’s prison and follows Piper Chapman, a privileged woman sentenced to 15 months for drug money transportation. Not afraid to tackle issues of race, class, sexuality, and the prison system, the show features a stunning cast of lesbian characters, including fan favourites Alex Vause and Piper Chapman. Before Orange is the New Black (OITNB), lesbians were rarely seen on television, and when they were, they often fell into stereotypes. Their groundbreaking portrayal of lesbians helped to increase visibility, challenge stereotypes, and make lesbian characters central to this must-see cultural moment.
Feel Good
In a refreshing take on modern relationships through the queer lens, Mae, a recovering addict and comedian, falls for George, seemingly ticking all the boxes. Feel Good tackles addiction, sexuality, and mental health with honesty whilst maintaining a comedic tone. It explores the complexities of navigating love when identities are in flux, showcasing a unique queer romance with heart and humour.
Gentleman Jack
Anne Lister was a real-life 19th-century lesbian who documented her life in a four-million-word coded sex diary. Detailing her relationships, Gentleman Jack is a costume drama with a complex central character played by celebrated queer ally Suranne Jones. Considered by many to be the first modern lesbian the show avoids tired tropes and delivers a fresh take on a lesbian period piece.
The L Word: Generation Q
This sequel to the first lesbian TV show of its kind follows a new generation of LGBTQIA characters living in Los Angeles. It features a diverse cast of lesbian characters and attempts to correct some of the mistakes made in the first iteration. Includes new characters and the return of fan favourites.
Tales Of The City
This miniseries, based on the beloved novels by Armistead Maupin, follows a group of friends living in San Francisco across multiple decades. It explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the ever-changing LGBTQIA experience from the 1970s onwards. Prepare for heartwarming and nostalgic storylines with an ensemble cast including Laura Linney, Elliot Page and Murray Bartlett.
Euphoria
This drama dives into the gritty world of high school teenagers navigating drugs, sex, and social media. Euphoria is a visually beautiful yet often uncomfortable watch, but it doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of adolescence and the evolving relationship between Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya) and Jules Vaughn (played by Hunter Schafer).
A League Of Their Own
Taking the subtext of queer relationships hinted at in the 1992 film, this now-cancelled show brought them to the forefront and depicted a variety of sapphic relationships. Set during a time when same-sex relationships were criminalised., the show portrays the dangers, anxieties, and hurts faced by its characters. However, it also celebrates the ways these women carved out spaces to love openly and live authentically, rather than merely survive in secrecy.
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