15 Best Teen Shows With LGBTQ+ Representation

While most TV shows may be slow to diversify and become an all-gender space, teen TV shows seem to be adapting pretty quickly. While far from perfect, there are certainly more LGBTQ+ characters exploring sexuality and forming relationships on TV for teen and young adult audiences than anywhere else.

This is important not only for an industry that needs to become more inclusive, but also for the millions of teenagers and young adults who watch these shows and see themselves on screen for the first time. While it’s important to remember that no avatar can ever be perfect, the more opportunities LGBTQ+ characters have on major shows, the better their chances of representing the teen LGBTQ+ community in a way that’s true. more comprehensive.

Updated by Danielle Bruncati on January 4, 2022: 2021 sees an explosion of LGBTQ+ teen content and even uncovers some favorites that have been neglected since the early days of the early years. 2010. What makes all of these shows great is that they all represent different aspects of LGBTQ+ lives, relationships, and simply the existence of LGBTQ+ in the world. With each new character and storyline, the world is one step closer to treating LGBTQ+ people as normal.

Degrassi: The Next Level (2016-2017)

Available on Netflix

For many generations, weed This series is one of the most progressive for teenagers to watch and never shy away from tackling serious topics. However, Degrassi: Next Lesson Truly the most progressive of all forms of homosexuality.

From Miles and Tristan’s complicated and often toxic relationship, to Zoe’s realization that she’s been hiding her gender from the world for years. The film even explores what it wants to appear in different families and cultures.

Future President Diary (2020-2021)

Available on Disney+

in spite of future president’s diary Perhaps more for younger teens, but it’s still a show that teens and adults of all ages can enjoy. The film focuses on high school student Elena, who is trying to figure out her life despite growing up to be the future President of the United States.

However, the film also pays close attention to Elena’s family, including her brother Bobby, who has begun to explore his sexuality. In season one, Bobby realized he was gay after falling in love with one of his best friends. His sexual exploration continues in season two, when he begins to date and embrace his sexuality.

Trouble (2019-)

Available on Hulu

A spin-off of the popular Freeform series Mr and Mrs. Foster, that’s troublesome. Sisters Carly and Mariana move to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. There, they move into a common building and make new roommates.

While the show primarily focuses on Carly and Marianne, other residents of Coitel get a chance to shine as the complex’s manager, Alice Kahn. Alice is an aspiring comedian and a lesbian who isn’t always so lucky in love. Through the film, Alice accepts her gender, comes out with her immigrant parents, and even begins to find romance.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2019-)

Available on Disney+

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Of course, a widely successful DCOM by-product Music High School. The play takes East High School as the setting and tells the story of East High School’s drama department staging various drama productions under the guidance of eccentric drama teacher Ms. Zhan.

Like most teen shows, HSMTTMTS Full of cute couples, but one of the cutest has to be Seb and Carlos. Although the two start off as just friends in the first season, it’s clear that there is a serious relationship between them. With Carlos’s help, Seb accepts her gender and the two begin an epic high school romance filled with support and love.

I’m Not Satisfied With It (2020)

Available on Netflix

Unfortunately, part of Netflix’s historic “cancel after a season” club, I’m not satisfied with it is a unique teen series worth celebrating. Based on the graphic novel, the film follows Sydney Novak as she struggles with her new-found superhero identity while also exploring her sexuality.

Like many teenagers, Sydney wasn’t sure what her gender was, a struggle that became a major complication throughout the season. In the end, Sydney accepts the fact that she is attracted to girls, especially her best friend Dina.

Julie And The Ghost (2020)

Available on Netflix

Currently nominated for multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Teen Film, Julie and the Ghost Since its launch in 2020, it has grown a large following. The show focuses on Julie Molina, a young artist who gave up music until she accidentally summons the ghost of a teenage rock band that died two decades ago.

One of the ghosts is none other than the band’s drummer Alex, who is also gay. In 1995, Alex had a hard time being gay while he was alive, but he soon overcame it with another ghost, Willie. Willie helps Alex adjust to his new life, and makes him wish love was always with him.

Love you, Victor (2020-)

Available on Hulu

set in the same universe love and a series of books for teenagers, love, winner Focuses on Victor Salazar, a teenager who transfers to Creekwood High School, determined to find out his gender.

When it comes to representing LGBTQ+, love, winner Did a lot of things right, including exposing the harsh reality that not all LGBTQ+ people get love when they come out. Thankfully, Victor doesn’t let his family’s hesitation become too uncomfortable, focusing instead on his new-found freedom and connection.

I never (2020-)

Available on Netflix

Mindy Kaling enters the teen comedy genre with blockbuster original series I never have. This hilarious series focuses on Devi, a first-generation Indian-American teenager who, after the worst year of his life, decides to reinvent himself in hopes of becoming the most popular person in high school. learn. Dating boy.

While Devi’s pranks look hilarious, there’s an underrated storyline that revolves around Devi’s best friend, Fabiola, as she comes to terms with her gender identity. When Fabiola started dating Eve, her story hit an all-time high in season two. Their love story is complicated not only because they are a lesbian couple but also because they come from two very different social classes.

Once a day (2017-2020)

Available on Netflix

A reboot of the popular 1970s sitcom of the same name, this version one day at a time Tells the story of a close-knit Cuban-American family as they all struggle to find their place in the world.

As the eldest daughter of the Alvarez family, Elena knows how to speak her mind, even when telling the truth is scary. Elena makes her family debut in the first season, and it’s an important story coming out. At the end of the season, Elena is dating her non-binary partner, Sid.

Sex Education (2019-)

Available on Netflix

sex Definitely for older teens as it’s clearer. The play follows high school student Otis who decides to start an underground sex education class in his school. Otis considers himself qualified to lead the course because his mother is a sex therapist.

there is a program called sex sex, Although Eric and Adam’s relationship had a rough start, the two eventually confessed their feelings for each other at the end of the first season.

Nanny Club (2020-)

Available on Netflix

Inspired by the hugely successful book series of the same name, nanny club There have been several adaptations, but the most recent was on Netflix in 2020. The series entered the new decade by bringing in LGBTQ+ representation.

In reality, nanny club was one of the first shows to feature transgender child characters/actors. Bailey quickly bonded with Mary Anne during her time as a babysitter. Before long, Mary Anne became Bailey’s staunch supporter.

Bold Style (2017-2021)

Available on Hulu

Right after the end of the fifth season, bold typeface Arguably one of Freeform’s best TV shows. Set in the fictional Scarlett magazine office, the film follows three best friends as they navigate their careers, love, and friendships in their twenties.

One of those closest friends is Kat Edison, Scarlett’s social media manager, a radical activist and a young woman struggling with her own sexuality. Through Kat’s experience, the program successfully sheds light on the issue of bisexuality and biphobia occurring in the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Fosters (2013-2018)

Available on Hulu

When fostering began airing on ABC Family (now Freeform) and was one of the channel’s most progressive shows. Set in the Adams Foster family, the series follows the ups and downs of each family member, especially several adopted children.

In terms of the representativeness of LGTBQ+, fostering have everything. From same-sex relationships like Lena and Stephen’s to the debut of Jude herself. The series also focuses specifically on transgender characters, with a story about the transition and backstory of romance between Carly and Aaron.

Accessories (2019-2020)

Available on Netflix

Based on the teen novel of the same name, jewelry Tells the story of three teenage girls who befriend each other after meeting in the group Thieves Doe Doe Don’t help.

Leading the group is Elodie Daivs, a grieving girl who moves in with her father after her mother’s death. Over the course of the show’s two seasons, Elordie was romantically involved with an emerging elder and later with a friend she met in Order of No Name Thieves.

Young Royal (2021-)

Available on Netflix

Speaking of Netflix, there are a lot of hidden gems on the streaming service, including plenty of international/foreign language options. One of them is the Swedish series Young royal. The film focuses on Prince William, a wild teenage prince sent to a boarding school to avoid trouble. Although the school did not tame William, it did allow him to discover his sexuality for the first time when he fell in love with Simon.

young royal An interesting and complex look at the plight of LGBTQ+ royals as they learn their gender will be an issue for the royal family.