15 Best Netflix Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters (Perfect for Binging)!

Times are truly changing, and they are changing for the better.

In the past few years, people fought for a more diverse representation of characters in the media. Representation is something that has gained traction over the years and has garnered a lot of discussions.

Now, we are beginning to see more LGBTQ+ movies and TV shows.

They are now taking up more space in movies and series, and more importantly, our hearts. They are now getting more into the spotlight, and we are here for it! While we understand that we still have a long way to go, we are hopeful that we remain in the right direction.

Here are 15 of the best Netflix shows with LGBTQ+ characters that are perfect for binging!

1. Atypical

Atypical is a story about 18-year-old Sam Gardner, a boy on the autism spectrum played by Keir Gilchrist. It is a heartwarming coming-of-age dramedy that follows Sam as he tries to find himself, seek love and independence.

However, he is not the only one in this emotional journey of self-discovery. Sam has a sister with a story that is relatable to many members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Played by Brigette Lundy-Paine, Casey is an athlete who later discovers that she is falling in love with her friend Izzie.

2. Sex Education

Sex Education centers on a group of teenagers as they navigate their sexual misadventures.

However, its depiction of its LGBT dramas is one for the books. The series does a great job of creating character dimensions as it explores their different stories.

Otis, the main character, has a gay best friend, Eric, who deals with bullies, family expectations, and relationships. His bully, Adam, another person who struggles with his sexuality and takes it out on Eric, is also a storyline worth noting.

3. Bojack Horseman

Famously known for its depiction of mental health, addiction, and other controversial issues, the tragic comedy sitcom follows the stories and inner-demons of five people: the washed-up celebrity Bojack Horseman (Will Arnett), his career-focused agent, Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris); his ghostwriter, Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie); his celebrity rival Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul Tompkins); and lastly, his asexual roommate, Todd (Aaron Paul).

4. Elite

Elite is a Spanish mystery teen drama that explores progressive issues and sexual themes.

The premise revolves around a murder resulting from a conflict between classes. However, it also features a lot of sexual romance on the sidelines.

The show features the same-sex relationship of a very iconic on-screen couple named Omar and Ander.

5. Grace and Frankie

Grace and Frankie are played by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, respectively.

The show offers an intriguing story of two unlikely friends. Their lives are turned upside down as each of their husbands decided to leave them for each other. The series will make you laugh and cry, as it shows how Grace and Frankie navigate their new lives as their husbands plan to get married to each other. 🙂

6. Pose

The drama series, Pose, follows the 1980s ballroom scene in New York City.

It heavily focuses on the lives of Latino and African-American queer communities. The show is praised for having the most number of trans actors as regular characters on the show, namely, Indya Moore, MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Hailie Sahar, and Angelica Ross.

7. The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy, a superhero fantasy series based on a comic book, follows the story of adopted super-powered children in a dysfunctional family.

Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore) raised them to help save the world. The estranged siblings have united together after learning about their father’s death. While the story isn’t mainly about gender and sexuality, it features genderqueer characters so yay for representation!

8. Modern Family

Modern Family, a mockumentary family sitcom, is a series that follows the lives of three families that are all different. It features a nuclear, blended, and same-sex family.

The show represents each family in comical situations based on what families typically experience. The show features Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Ferguson) and Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet), a same-sex couple who adopted Lily, a Vietnamese child.

Honestly, this show is one of the best Netflix shows with LGBTQ+ characters. It’s one of my personal favorites: super laugh-out-loud funny and also gut-wrenching dramatic. I love watching it with the people I love! 🙂

9. The Fosters

If you’re looking for an LGBT show on Netflix, check out The Fosters.

It follows the story of a family with a lesbian couple, Stef (Teri Polo) and Lena (Sherri Saum), and their five children. The show depicts the realities and complexities of real life.

It gained controversy for showing the youngest same-sex kiss between characters Jude Jacob (Hayden Byerly) and Conor (Gavin MacIntosh), who are 15 and 16 years old in real life, respectively. Personally, I don’t see the issue. Right?

10. One Day At A Time

The sitcom is based on an old series of the same name.

It revolves around a Cuban American family consisting of Penelope, the divorced matriarch, and her two kids, Alex and Elena (Isabella Gomez).

Elena is a strong-headed feminist whose sexuality has put a strain on her relationship with her father. She has a non-binary love interest named Syd (Sheridan Pierce).

Elena’s story hits close to home, because I had the same experience with my parents when I came out.

Honestly, though? I feel so much better and complete about my sexuality, so I’m happy that I still did it.

11. Riverdale

Riverdale is a teen drama series whose characters hail from Archie Comics.

The story begins with the death of Jason Blossom, one-half of the Blossom twins. Things turn dark as Archie (KJ Apa) and his gang uncover mysterious secrets in the small town of Riverdale.

The show also features Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsche) as she deals with her bisexuality. She eventually gets together with Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) in season 2. #spoileralert

12. Bonding

Bonding features Tiff (Zoe Levin), a psychology student who works as a dominatrix at night, and her gay best friend, Pete (Brandon Scannell).

Pete is a struggling waiter aspiring to be a stand-up comedian in New York. He reconnects with his best friend Tiff. She offers him to be her assistant/bodyguard while she works at night. The show explores facets of BDSM culture, so trigger warning for anyone who’s not a fan of this!

13. Dancing Queen

We get to see the life of Alyssa Edwards, also known as Justin Johnson, as she balances being a world-famous drag queen and being a dancing teacher.

In her 8-part docu-series Dancing Queen, she shows how she navigates her real life as she deals with family and love. Alyssa participated in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5.

14. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy series about a team of detectives in New York City.

While the show follows hilarious storylines, you’ll see that it also tackles real issues such as racism and homosexuality.

One of its iconic characters is Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), a black gay man who worked his way to the top. The show also features Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), a badass lesbian detective.

Honestly, her coming out story made me cry bucket of tears because it reminded me of my own coming out experience. (Interested in this topic? Here are 4 people whose coming out stories surprised lots of people.)

15. Queer Eye

Queer Eye is a reality makeover show. It is a reboot of the iconic Bravo series.

It features five gay men as the new Fab Five: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, and Jonathan Van Ness. They travel the United States helping people make lifestyle changes.

The Fab Five members share their expertise in fashion, food and wine, design, grooming, and culture in hopes of transforming lives.

We’re barely at the tip of the iceberg. There are more shows out there with great LGBT characters in varying genres!

It is just the beginning of the era of queer representation, and we’re excited for a world where love comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. 🙂 

Want More LGBTQ+ Content?

Check out Yes, We Gotchu podcast on Spotify!