Celebrating Diversity: The Power of LGBT Movies and TV Shows
Welcome to our latest dive into embracing gender creativity when raising our kiddo. As we navigate our journey of raising our child with a gender-creative approach, we’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of diverse and inclusive portrayals in LGBT movies and TV shows.
Recently, LGBT movies and TV shows are starting to change how we see gender and sexuality. Instead of pushing old stereotypes, shows are becoming more representative of our world. A wide range of LGBT movies present new ways of storytelling and allow us to celebrate all kinds of identities and ways of living.
These stories are starting to highlight characters who don’t follow traditional gender rules, allowing people to figure out their identities and feel seen and supported. Consequently, shows like “Steven Universe” and “Sense8” are leading the way. They show the beautiful complexity of the families we choose and how love can look different for everyone.
Additionally, we’re seeing more strong women characters who show that you can be a hero without “being saved” by someone else. Whether it’s the fighters in “Wonder Woman” or the complex women in “Big Little Lies,” these characters motivate and encourage us.
While there’s been progress, we still have a long way to go. Unfortunately, not all representations of LGBT people have been successful. Old stereotypes are hard to shake off, and we need stories representing everyone’s experiences. Therefore, by choosing to watch shows and movies that celebrate all kinds of people, we can help make the media world more welcoming for everyone.
Letβs look at some standout LGBT movies and TV shows that show different gender identities and relationships. Most of these suggestions lean more towards adult interest, and I will post a different list of LGBT movies/TV shows for children and teens later.
LGBT Movies
Moonlight
“Moonlight” (2016) tells the story of Chiron, a Black guy growing up in a tricky part of Miami. The LGBT movie includes three main parts: his childhood, teen years, and adulthood. This touching movie shows Chiron’s journey as he tries to figure out his identity. As he works to discover who he is and likes, he fights with societal expectations and his own challenging situations at home.
As a kid, Chiron has to deal with his mom’s problems with drugs and being picked on by bullies. He finds some kindness and a safe place with Juan, a local man involved in selling drugs, and his girlfriend, Teresa.
They show him that the family you choose can sometimes understand you better than anyone else. As a teenager, Chiron gets closer to his friend Kevin, and they share a moment that changes both of their lives forever.
In the last part of the story, Chiron seems harsh on the outside but still deals with a lot of pain from his past. Meeting Kevin again makes Chiron face everything he’s been running from.
“Moonlight” breaks away from the usual depicted tough-guy image of Black men. Chiron’s story is filled with softness, love, and learning to accept yourself. With its beautiful filming and music, this movie captures the deep loneliness and bits of hope in Chiron’s life.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) takes place on France’s beautiful but wild coast in the 1700s. The movie tells the story of Marianne, a painter hired to secretly paint a wedding portrait. Her subject, HΓ©loΓ―se, is a young woman just out of a convent who is unhappy about getting married. Marianne watches HΓ©loΓ―se during the day and paints her at night. As they spend time together, they feel a strong connection beyond just a painter and her subject.
Directed by CΓ©line Sciamma, this film dives deep into the theme of wanting someone you’re not supposed to. With every look and word not said between Marianne and HΓ©loΓ―se, you can feel the tension of their forbidden love. It questions the rules of their time, showing how these two women fight for their own choices. When they look at each other in a way about more than just seeing β it’s about understanding and feeling.
Sciamma’s storytelling is as much about the art of looking and understanding as it is about the emotion of love itself. With no music in the background, the natural sounds of the setting make their growing love even more touching.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a powerful LGBT movie that shares a moving story of love between two women and thinks deeply about who gets to make art. It demonstrates how women have been left out of history and how telling stories can free us.
The Danish Girl
“The Danish Girl” (2015) tells the true story of Lili Elbe, one of the first to have gender confirmation surgery, in the early 1900s. The movie takes place in Copenhagen, where Einar Wegener, a famous artist, starts questioning his gender after posing as a woman for his wife Gerda’s paintings.
As Einar becomes Lili, the movie shows her journey to becoming her true self, even when society isn’t ready to understand. The movie carefully handles Lili’s changes, examining her journey’s challenging and personal parts.
At its core, “The Danish Girl” is a deep love story about how Gerda supports Lili. It shows their strength and closeness, even when facing significant challenges about love and being true to oneself. Their story helps us think about acceptance, authenticity, and what people do to be themselves.
Directed by Tom Hooper, this LGBT movie provides a glimpse into the history of transgender people and tells a powerful story about love and being who you are.
Call Me by Your Name
“Call Me by Your Name” (2017), set in sunny 1980s Italy, tells the story of first love. It dives into the intense feelings and hurdles of a surprising love story between Elio, a 17-year-old, and Oliver, an American scholar staying with Elio’s family over the summer. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on AndrΓ© Aciman’s novel, this film takes us on a vivid journey of young love and finding oneself.
TimothΓ©e Chalamet plays Elio with deep emotion, exploring his feelings and longing for Oliver, played by Armie Hammer. Their love grows in the stunning Italian countryside, making every moment of their summer together special. The movie captures the slow, dreamy days of summer filled with shy looks, quick touches, and deep talks that show how much they mean to each other.
Furthermore, “Call Me by Your Name” goes beyond a regular love story. It gives us a closer look at discovering desire, the changing nature of sexuality, and the unforgettable impact of first love. It invites viewers to think about the fleeting nature of connections, the puzzle of who we are, and the lasting mark of memories. Additionally, with its rich storytelling and beautiful music, the film is a heartfelt tribute to the ups and downs of young love.
This touching LGBT movie celebrates love in all forms, asking us to open up to the changes and growth that true love brings. “Call Me by Your Name” is a deep dive into the true meaning of love, making us feel every moment of Elio and Oliver’s unforgettable summer.
Tangerine
“Tangerine” (2015), directed by Sean Baker and shot on an iPhone, uniquely captures the vibrant life of Los Angeles. Set on Christmas Eve, it follows Sin-Dee Rella, a transgender woman played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, who, after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity, embarks on a citywide adventure with her best friend Alexandra, also a transgender street worker played by Mya Taylor.
What makes “Tangerine” special is how it uses new filmmaking techniques to share its main characters’ real, raw lives. The movie is full of emotions, showing the complex parts, the happy moments, and everything in between of living a life that many people don’t see. It’s a lot about the power of friendship and how people stick together, especially in the transgender community, even when times get tough.
The way Sean Baker directs, and the lively filming style bring out the fast-paced life of the characters and the city they live in. “Tangerine” has broken new ground with its filming techniques and the stories it tells, giving a voice to people who are often left out of movies. It mixes humor, profound moments, and sweet scenes, offering a well-rounded view of life that many viewers might not be familiar with.
Besides its plot, “Tangerine” proves that movies made outside big studios are influential. It highlights why it is crucial to show different kinds of people and their stories in films. It asks viewers to open their minds and hearts to stories that might be new to them. So, it reveals a world entire of color where everyone’s story helps us learn about acceptance, our identities, and the true meaning of family.
LGBT TV Shows
Pose
“Pose” (2018-2021), an exciting LGBT TV show, immerses us in the colorful world of ballroom dancing in New York City during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals created it to showcase the real-life joys and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people and gay men in the ballroom scene.
People love this show for its characters, who each face challenging situations but still hold onto hope. They deal with rejection, discrimination, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. “Pose” takes us into the exciting world of ballroom dancing, focusing on the LGBT community. ‘Houses’ compete in dance competitions and share their journeys towards acceptance, love, and success.
What makes “Pose” stand out is that it features transgender actors in significant roles for the first time, bringing authenticity and depth to the storytelling. MJ Rodriguez stars as Blanca, her group’s compassionate yet resilient leader. Her performance, along with those of Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Billy Porter, and Angelica Ross, truly resonates with the audience.
Watching “Pose” is entertaining; it educates viewers on the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. The series highlights the value of having a supportive family, even if they’re not blood-related.
Focusing on stories that TV and movies usually don’t tell, “Pose” has changed culture and helped people understand more about LGBTQ+ lives. It’s known for its mix of exciting drama, heartfelt moments, and the beautiful world of ballroom dancing, significantly impacting and leaving a mark beyond just TV.
Orange Is the New Black
“Orange Is the New Black” (2013-2019), made by Jenji Kohan and inspired by Piper Kerman’s book, changed TV by showing what life is like in a women’s prison. Known for having diverse characters, it was one of the first shows to focus primarily on its LGBTQ+ characters. The show looks closely at who they are, their love lives, and what they go through in prison.
The show tells the stories of the women incarcerated at Litchfield Penitentiary. Each woman brings a unique background and story, enriching the show with diverse human experiences. It starts with Piper Chapman, a New York woman serving time for a crime she committed years ago, and quickly expands to include stories from many women from various walks of life.
“Orange Is the New Black” shows that people in prison are more than just inmates. It shows how complex people deal with life inside and outside the prison. It’s especially good at showing LGBTQ+ relationships and lives accurately and in detail, which was pretty new for TV.
For example, characters like Sophia Burset show the series’ focus on diverse LGBTQ+ stories. Sophia is a transgender woman who fights for her rights. The friendship between Poussey Washington and Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson adds depth to this focus. The show also tackles complex issues like racism, power struggles, and injustice in prison life. This makes it essential and emotional to watch.
Ultimately, “Orange Is the New Black” has significantly impacted how we view LGBT people in media. It is known for its mix of funny and serious moments and for showing women’s strength and courage. The show has led the way for more shows that describe a wide range of stories in a true-to-life way.
Transparent
“Transparent” (2014-2019), created by Jill Soloway, is a groundbreaking show about a family in Los Angeles. The story starts when the father, Mort Pfefferman (played by Jeffrey Tambor), reveals he’s a trans woman named Maura. This moment changes everything and leads to a deep, sometimes funny look at being true to yourself, even when society might not agree.
The show examines Maura’s grown-up kids, Sarah, Josh, and Ali. Because of their parents’ brave decision to live as Maura, they all start questioning their identities and goals. “Transparent” is known for its intelligent and sensitive portrayal of how complex family life and personal identity can be.
What makes “Transparent” stand out is its focus on sharing transgender stories that are often overlooked in LGBT TV shows. It portrays Maura’s life and other LGBTQ+ characters in a realistic and emotionally diverse manner.
The show doesn’t just talk about LGBTQ+ issues. It also explores what it means to be Jewish, the search for deeper meaning in life, and how culture shapes us. The story is about change for Maura and her whole family as they learn more about themselves and how to accept each other.
People praise “Transparent” for its true-to-life storytelling and strong acting. The show has helped bring more attention to gender identity and how we see it on TV. It proves how powerful stories can be in helping us better understand and care for each other.
Steven Universe
“Steven Universe” (2013-2020), made by Rebecca Sugar, is a unique cartoon that both kids and adults love. It takes place in a made-up town called Beach City and tells the story of Steven Universe. He’s a young boy and part of the Crystal Gems, magical beings who keep the Earth safe from space dangers. Steven is half-human and half-Gem, putting him in a unique spot to show us about love, who we are, and why being different is powerful.
What makes “Steven Universe” stand out is how it welcomes all kinds of characters. The show includes many different types of people, including LGBTQ+ relationships and characters who don’t stick to usual gender roles. It talks about these topics carefully, making it an excellent way for kids to learn about big ideas.
People enjoy the show for many reasons. It shares deep stories, develops its characters in detailed ways, and tackles tough topics. Topics include consent, facing challenges, and the value of empathy and support. “Steven Universe” presents difficulties but always concludes with hope. It teaches that love can overcome any obstacle.
The show’s bright, lively animation and songs that touch your heart make its stories even more vital. Characters use music to share their feelings, making us feel even closer to them.
“Steven Universe” has changed what kids’ TV can be. It teaches us kindness, to accept everyone, and that it’s okay to be yourself, no matter what. With its creative stories and wide range of characters, “Steven Universe” keeps showing us the beauty of being unique and the power of coming together.
Sense8
“Sense8” (2015-2018) is a show made by Lana and Lilly Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski. It’s about how people can connect deeply beyond just talking or being in the same place. The show tells the story of eight strangers from around the world. They find out they are “sensates.” This means they can share thoughts, feelings, and even skills.
These eight people come from different places and backgrounds, with different cultures, races, and ways of living. “Sense8” shows a wide range of people and celebrates everyone. Additionally, the show talks about love, who we are, facing unfairness, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people. It shows how these eight strangers support and understand each other no matter what.
One of the big things about “Sense8” is how it includes many different kinds of people. For example, it has a transgender woman named Nomi Marks. She’s played by Jamie Clayton, who is also transgender. The show treats her story with a lot of care.
“Sense8” is exciting, with lots of action and drama. The eight sensates work together to face dangers. The show takes us to many places worldwide, enriching its stories.
At its heart, “Sense8” teaches us about empathy and how we’re all connected. It encourages us to see what we have in common, even if we seem very different. Even though it ended too soon, “Sense8” significantly impacted. It’s known for being open and accepting of everyone, showing the strength in our differences.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on gender representation in media? Which LGBT movies and shows have resonated with you? Let’s discuss how we can continue to push for more authentic portrayals of diverse identities and relationships. Share your views, and let’s keep the conversation going!
