The representation ofLGBTQ+people in television has changed drastically over the last two decades, and we no longer regard it as a source of surprise but rather as an element of relevance. It’s become a habit for practically every TV show, from classic sitcoms tothe newest Netflix originals. While it used to be limited to lesbian and gay representations on television, many more are currently taking place.
Some characters come out as gay but later realize they are bisexual. In another scenario, some are insecure about their gender and choose to change it in order tobe true to their feelingsrather than submitting to the laws of society, which do not fully support them. In any case, several LGBTQ+ characters have appeared in TV shows over the years, and here are some of our favorites.
10Asia Kate Dillon as Taylor Mason (Billions)
With her performance as Taylor Mason onBillions, Kate Dillon became the first non-binary actor to play a non-binary character on television. The CEO of Taylor Mason Capital was always the smartest person in the room, and they even became a CIO at Axe Capital after the company’s legal problems were resolved.
Conversely, Taylor’s decision to leave Axe Capital and establish their own business wascrucial to their growth as a personand plot progression. Dillon even mentioned back then how playing Taylor Mason onBillionshelped them come to terms with their gender identity, and they came out as non-binary not long after.
9Eliza Taylor as Clarke Griffin (The 100)
Clarke Griffin is the main character of The CW’sThe 100, in which she played a lesbian role that not only appealed to all genders but also became one of thebest on-screen romances in televisionhistory. Her relationships with Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey) and Niylah (Jessica Harmon) brought romantic suspense to the forefront ofThe 100, and Eliza Taylor’s chemistry with both of them was incredible.
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Even though it was only for a brief time, Clarke’s intimacy with Lexa was one of the series' main draws, making her one of the best LGBTQ+ characters. Fans ofThe 100will empathize with how disappointed they were when their hopes of seeing both of them end up together were dashed right in front of their eyes.
8Michaela Jae as Blanca Rodriguez (Pose)
Posefeatured multiple unforgettable queer characters, but we chose Blanca Rodriguez for several reasons, including the fact that she was the main character. She has one ofthe most compelling character arcsin the series, as after she has a positive HIV diagnosis and realizes that many queer teens, especially Black trans women, have been abandoned, she becomes the head of the house and accepts these people by becoming a surrogate mother.
What really makes her stand out in the show is her commitment not to give up on life but rather to fight through it, so she may help so many others like her who are falling deep into the abyss. Michaela Jae came out as a trans woman beforePose, which may have had something to do with how she portrayed such an incredible role in the series.
7Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce (Black Lightning)
Nafessa Williams' portrayal of Anissa Pierce, the first Black lesbian superhero, has been praised by many around the world. Many individuals find the character to be highly inspiring since they would like to see a powerful woman kicking the living daylights out of criminals, but her being a lesbian figure means much more than that.
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InBlack Lightning, when Anissa came out as a lesbian to her family, there was barely a minute of silence before they embraced her wholeheartedly. Nafessa highlighted her role and what it signifies in aninterview with Entertainment Weekly.
“I believe love is love. I’m just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians – and black lesbians in particular – who don’t really see themselves on TV. My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian, is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly how she looks. I hope that our family on the show is an inspiration for some families just to be open and accept your children and love them. The Pierce family does a great job of doing that.”
6Ncuti Gatwa as Eric Effiong (Sex Education)
Eric Effiong was one ofthe best-written characters in TVhistory, not only because he was a sweet and compassionate friend that everyone desired but also because he always remained himself. He’s typically outgoing, cheerful, and fashionable, and he doesn’t mind revealing his true self in front of others, but he feels his father has never accepted him as gay.
During a scene in the first season ofSex Education, Eric’s father suggests removing the outrageous outfit he’s wearing to a school dance to prevent him from being bullied, but Eric chooses to stand up for himself regardless of what other people think. In some ways, he is an inspiration for many who are afraid to come out to their parents and friends, making him one of the best LGBTQ+ characters.
5Nicole Maines as Nia Nal (Supergirl)
Nia Nal, better known as Dreamer, is a fictional superheroine fromthe Arrowverse TV seriesSupergirl. The character, who appears in the fourth season of the series, is based on an ancestor in DC Comics, Nura Nal, also known as Dream Girl. The character is a trans woman in the series, although Nicole Maines, who plays her, came out as one several years ago.
Additionally,Supergirlmade headlines by casting Maines as the first transgender superhero in television history. She worked as a junior reporter with Kara and later as a hero and obtained her powers from her mother, which was passed down to her due to her transition. Instead of having her a tragic backstory, as most TV series do these days to emphasize a trans character, Nia Nal demonstrates that they can also be powerful and strong individuals who save the world.
4Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett (Modern Family)
Modern Familyis unquestionably one ofthe most popular sitcoms of the last decade. As a result, what it symbolizes through characters is quite significant as it may result in controversy or agreement among people around the world. The character of Mitchell Pritchett, a gay lawyer married to Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet), carried it out really well in the sitcom.
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The characters Mitchell and Cameron were not only a remarkable representation of the LGBTQ+ population on television, but they also received praise from various critics and fans. Fans ofModern Familywere not surprised to learn that Jesse Tyler is gay in real life, as he married Justin Mikita in 2013.
3Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Nobody expected Rosa Diaz, the stern and tough detective, to have a soft spot for women, especially after a brief relationship with Adrian Pimento (Jason Mantzoukas). Perhaps it makes sense given how she kept her personal life hidden from both her coworkers, includingher childhood friend Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), and the viewers.
It isn’t until the fifth season ofBrooklyn Nine-Ninethat we learn she is bisexual, however, she leans more towards the lesbian side. Regardless, the character portrayed the reality of queer people in which not everyone is always supportive of them since her parents did not accept her as a bisexual woman. The actress who played the character, Stephanie Beatriz, acknowledged openly that she is also bisexual.
2Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn (Euphoria)
Euphoriais well-known fortackling characters' personal issuesby delving into their relationships and family troubles, which lead them to succumb to drugs and societal pressure. Jules, played by Hunter Schafer, is no exception in the series, as she becomes romantically involved with Rue (Zendaya), a drug addict.
Her portrayal as a young trans woman puts her in a difficult predicament in the series, which is not unusual among teenagers, but Hunter Schafer, like her character, came out as a transgender person in real life, lending weight to the role she played. In fact, Jules' relationship with Rue provides a more genuine picture of how trans women wish to be perceived and breaks the mold of how society sees them.
1Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres (Grey’s Anatomy)
It’s no surprise that Callie fromGrey’s Anatomytops our list since actress Ramirez did an excellent job conveying Callie’s character and how she came to embrace her sexuality. In the fourth season of the show, Callie, the former head of orthopedic surgery, discovers she is bisexual and marries the woman she loves despite her parent’s objections.
While it appears to be an unfortunate development for her, the audiences feel otherwise since it makes them feel more connected to the character. Sara Ramirez recently came out as a non-binary person, and their exit from the show in 2016 left a lasting impression on fans.
