Shows with gay teens
15 Best Teen Shows With LGBTQ+ Representation
Summary
- Queer teen shows offer diverse Diverse representation, showcasing relationships and struggles for teen and young adult audiences.
- Shows like Degrassi: Next Class and Love, Victor explore coming out, relationships, and identity within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Platforms like Netflix provide opportunities for inclusive storytelling, giving visibility to characters exploring their sexualities.
While most television was slow to diversify and become an inclusive space for characters of all sexualities, the realm of gay teen shows seems to include been embraced by television favorites.Though still not matchless, there are more Queer characters exploring their sexualities and entering relationships on TV shows geared toward teen and young senior audiences than anywhere else. This has been especially true when it comes to streaming services appreciate Netflix, which has opened the door for stories that needed representation for years.
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Coffee, TV & Me
Believe it or not, there was a time when ruling LGBTQ+ characters and storylines was enjoy searching for a needle in a haystack. Growing up in the 1970s, I’d see the occasional character in a guest detect on progressive series like CBS’s All in the Family (remember Beverly LaSalle?) or get thrilled for a regular character on a show to be openly gay but then see him (at least initially) be portrayed as a stereotype. (I’m talking about ABC’s Soap where in its first season in 1977, Jodie Dallas (Billy Crystal) being gay meant that he also wanted to wear his mother’s clothes. *sigh*)
But hitting on those stereotypes was probably the easiest way to fetch these stories on the air in the first place and, thankfully, over time those characterizations were broken down and replaced with more realisitic portrayals of queer being. Unfortunately, the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s had to happen for a lot of those less-than-happy stories to be told.
For example, An Soon Frost was a 1985 TV feature that told the story of a young gay gentleman with AIDS (Aidan Quinn) who comes home to give his life with his parents (Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara). The great news is that aud
You know what they say — April flowers bring May television shows with lesbian, bisexual and queer women and/or trans characters. But do they? Well, in May of 2025 I would actually say, “yeah, actually, they kinda do.” There’s a lot to be stoked about this month, so let’s get into it!
Netflix’s May 2025 Stuff For Girls & Gays
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Bet: Season One // May 15
Netflix’s live-action (and English-language) adaptation of the manga series Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler finds a new learner Yumeko at a gambling-focused elite boarding school full of sinister children, intent on carrying out a secret mission. There’s a lot of homoeroticism in the series, as well as two main characters, RiRi and Mary, who are queer.
Big Mouth: Season 8 // May 23
In its final season, this queer-inclusive animated series will see its kids “step into the harrowing unknown of the future, made less afraid of what’s to come because they have each other.” Queer actor Cynthia Erivo joins the voice cast playing the role of “Missy’s Vagina.” Ayo Edebiri plays Missy. SO that will be neat!
Prime Video&
Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Movies and TV Shows About Homosexual Youth
Last updated: July 17, 2025
Puberty, hormones and emotions, brand-new schools, evolving friendships: Growing up is hard for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for queer kids and teens whose understanding of their gender and love-related identities is evolving. One great way to support juvenile people through these transformative years? Disseminate media with them that reflects their own triumphs, struggles, and lived experiences. The movies and TV shows on this list movie prominent, affirming stories of lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth coming of age and navigating life. Before you go, test out our other suggestions for books featuring LGBTQ+ youth, or movies and TV shows that explore intersectionality and queer identities.
About the Author
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media applications the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting counsel supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.
Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Movies and TV Shows About Homosexual Youth
Last updated: July 17, 2025
Puberty, hormones and emotions, brand-new schools, evolving friendships: Growing up is hard for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for queer kids and teens whose understanding of their gender and love-related identities is evolving. One great way to support juvenile people through these transformative years? Disseminate media with them that reflects their own triumphs, struggles, and lived experiences. The movies and TV shows on this list movie prominent, affirming stories of lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth coming of age and navigating life. Before you go, test out our other suggestions for books featuring LGBTQ+ youth, or movies and TV shows that explore intersectionality and queer identities.
About the Author
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media applications the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting counsel supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.