the MCU may still struggle with LGBTQ+ representation, HBO Max has multiple shows within various genres that center around LGBTQ+ characters. Nuanced representation of of the LGBTQ+ community within television has been long overdue, and many shows still struggle with the concept, but HBO max features several shows that understand exactly what makes good and interesting queer representation.
Creating and distributing shows about the LGBTQ+ community is vital in ensuring audiences understand that the lives and experiences of queer people are just as meaningful as anyone else's. Queer audiences deserve to see their experiences reflected back at them through characters in television (or even LGBTQ+ characters in video games). Considering the amount of suppression the queer community has faced in the past, their representation in media is long past overdue.
As each individual streaming services vie for audience attention, HBO max understands that representation is important in attracting a diverse audience. They spared no expense in collecting some of the most profound, entertaining, and empowering shows that focus on LGBTQ+ characters and issues. Here are some of the best LGBTQ+ shows on HBO Max right now that all audiences should check out.
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Seasoned sitcom creators Mindy Kaling and Justin Nobel ed forces to write a lighthearted teen comedy entitled Mindy Kaling left The Office, her shows have displayed a heartfelt and hilarious vision at their core, The Sex Lives of College Girls is no exception. The show takes place at Essex College, wherein the freshmen students (who make up the show’s primary cast) explore their sexualities and learn from their experiences. For example, the character of Lexington (Reneé Rapp) examines issues regarding being closeted and coming out as lesbian.
I May Destroy You
The series the biggest tv shows of 2020, partially because of its insight into modern-day queer struggles that are not often addressed, such as the dangers and pleasures of hookup culture within the LGBTQ+ community. I May Destroy You won a GLAAD Media award as well as an NAA image award for its powerful writing and stunning production.
Generation
Generation was canceled after only one season, this series can be applauded for continuing to question and explore what it means to be young and gay in America.
Adventure Time: Distant Lands
Adventure Time: Distant Lands. This compelling romance was part of what made Adventure Time: Distant Lands such a satisfying conclusion to the Adventure Time world.
Nuclear Family
The documentary series Nuclear Family by Ry-Russo Young delves into the true story of how her mothers were sued by sperm donors for paternal custody of Ry-Russo. Shows about the struggles of parenthood are common, but this 2021 documentary explored the specific struggles and systemic and societal opposition LGBTQ+ parents confront when they create a family. Ry-Russo’s personal footage, interviews, and personal connection to the story really bring home the struggles queer parents have to go through in order to seek out the dream of typical family life that most people take for granted.
Doom Patrol
Although this show wasn't the first to show a Doom Patrol. Niles Caulder (Timothy Dalton) gathered a group of misfits with superpowers to fight crime as they try to find an accepting community. The show features fully realized gay characters like Larry (Matt Bomber & Matthew Zuk), non-binary characters like Danny the Street (later Danny the Brick and Danny the Ambulance), and characters like Maura Lee Karupt (Alan Mingo Jr.) who find joy and pride in their identities. While the whole show includes queer narratives both implied and explicitly, Doom Patrol season 1, episode 8, “Danny Patrol” is one of the most celebratory LGBTQ+ episodes ever released.
Gentleman Jack
For those who love period piece stories about LGBTQ+ characters, Lesbian period pieces have been mocked by SNL, they always manage to find an audience. Gentleman Jack creator Sally Wainwright based the show on the real-life letters and journals of 1830s industrialist Anne Lister who kept large sections of her writings in codes. When these codes we decrypted they revealed a rare insight into the LGBTQ+ lives of people in 1800s society. In Gentleman Jack, Anne Lister moves to Yorkshire to save her family’s land, but along the way strikes up a secret romance with the inheritor of the Crow Nest Estate, Ann Walker. Audiences can revel in the lush estates and beautiful English countryside while being fascinated by the true-life love story of Britain's earliest and most famous lesbian couple.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn began as a foul-mouthed parody of DC characters told through the lens of Batman villain Harley Quinn, but it eventually became an examination of bisexuality. While Harley Quinn features many characters and cameos, the relationship between Harley and Ivy is the soul of this show. In Harley Quinn season 2, Harley confirms her romantic feelings for Poison Ivy, and for the rest of the season, the two struggle to explain their feelings for each other until they eventually profess their love for each other. For longtime queer DC audience , seeing two of DC’s most iconic characters in a confirmed romantic relationship was as validating as it was entertaining, hilarious, and heartfelt.
Steven Universe
People love Steven Universe because it delves into gender identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance in a way that is understandable and important for all. It is one of the first cartoon shows to prominently feature multiple lesbian romances within the primary cast of characters and to show those characters as explicitly romantically involved. Steven Universe demonstrated that not only cis-gendered or heterosexual characters could find an audience, but LGBTQ+ characters could be heroes in their own right.
Legendary
The HBO competition reality show the LGBTQ+ community. Ballrooms were once made up of various houses that would give shelter to disenfranchised queer children and would compete in runway competitions. In the show, Legendary, various houses imitate this culture by competing in voguing, runway, and dance challenges for a grand prize of $100,000 dollars. The show features a plethora of iconic hosts such as Jameela Jamil and Megan Thee Stallion. Most importantly, Legendary showcases many queer artists while highlighting the history of Ball Culture and demonstrates how that history still affects media today.
