June is LGBTQ+ Pride month and while many Pride parades have been canceled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the gays are not. Supporters and members of the community have to think of creative ways to celebrate and reflect. One great way is to support queer content creators and enjoy some excellently gay TV.
We have seen a flood of queer shows on TV, thanks in no small part to Ryan Murphy and his team of producers who seem to be churning out rainbow-tinged series one after the next. Thankfully, many shows now include at least one character or queer storyline but we should still demand more. We wanted to highlight shows that center their comedy or drama on LGBT characters. Here are 7 fabulous TV shows on Netflix to celebrate queer creatives and Pride this June.
7. Bonding
Bonding tells the story of two friends in New York City who are trying to navigate their twenties and pay the bills. Tiff works as a dominatrix and enlists her gay best friend, Pete to be her assistant. What could go wrong? The show is absolutely hilarious and heartwarming. Pick your safe word, then get weird with this superb Netflix show.
6. Pose
Pose is a revelation. The show examines different aspects of society in 1980s New York City. It looks at the ball culture that flourished at that time and tells the story of queer artists of color who compete in lavish balls. The second season of the show drops on Netflix on June 11 and you better get caught up with season one before it lands. The entire cast of the show is perfect, but MJ Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Billie Porter are exceptional.
5. Feel Good
Mae, a comedian and recovering addict, falls for a woman named George in Feel Good. As Mae battles her inner demons, George navigates dating another woman for the first time and how to come out. This romantic comedy (dramedy) has gloriously high highs and devastatingly low lows. For plenty of laughs and maybe a tiny cry, give this show a shot.
4. Hollywood
The historical revisionism you didn’t know you wanted, Hollywood reimagines the Golden Age of Hollywood as a more progressive, open-minded, and equal time. Joe Mantello, Patti LuPone, and Holland Taylor all give standout performances in this breezy drama. If those names didn’t already have you adding this show to your list, Dylan McDermott plays Ernie, a man who runs a male prostitution ring from his gas station, The Golden Tip.
3. The Politician
Like Hollywood, The Politician is produced by Ryan Murphy and his brand of soapy camp ever apparent. The show follows Patton, played by Ben Platt, a young gay man who is determined to become President of the US. His first big hurdle is becoming president of his High School. He must survey and work the political landscape of teenage life, which turns out to be more difficult than expected. Judith Light, Bette Midler, and Gwyneth Paltrow all shine in this silly romp.
2. AJ & the Queen
Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race have probably already seen AJ & the Queen, a show that features many of the drag queens that appeared on the reality TV competition. Trinity the Tuck, Latrice Royale, and Monique Heart are just a few of the dozens of queens who have cameos. AJ & the Queen stars RuPaul, who plays Ruby Red a queen who was set to retire from performing when a twist of fate changes those plans. Ruby ends up caring for a child, AJ who joins Ruby on a cross-country tour. This show is not breaking any new ground, but it is a lighthearted blast.
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1. London Spy
London Spy is a few years old, but it’s only been on Netflix for about a year. If you haven’t caught this taut spy thriller yet, give it a shot. Ben Whishaw‘s character, Danny falls in love with a banker, Alex who then mysteriously vanishes. Danny does his best to uncover the truth behind Alex’s disappearance with the help of Scottie, played by Jim Broadbent. Every scene that Broadbent and Whishaw share together feels groundbreaking.
There you go! 7 shows with queer characters that you should give a try. Honorable mentions, also on Netflix: Sense8, Schitt’s Creek, Queer Eye, Tales of the City, Glee, and Dancing Queen are all wonderful options as well.
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