11 of the most wholesome queer TV shows and movies to watch this Pride Month

I will be binge watching them in a single sitting


What better way to celebrate pride month than to watch some wholesome and relatable queer movies and TV shows? We’ve rounded up 11 of the best ones we think you should add to your watchlist, and before you think that you’ll never get through all of them, think again, as all of these are so addictive you’ll have watched all the seasons in a weekend.

From gay romantic relationships and friendships, non-binary relationships, bisexual, transgender, and aromantic characters, all of these shows celebrate queer relationships and characters in the best way! So what are you waiting for, prepare for your watchlist to have a serious glow up.

One Day at a Time

This heartwarming and hilarious family show is largely about the day-to-day life of a Cuban immigrant family, with matriarchs Penelope and her mother, Lydia, at the forefront.

But one of the most important subplots within the show was is about Penelope’s daughter Elena’s realization about her sexuality and her coming-out experience, as well as her relationship with Syd, her non-binary love interest. The show does an amazing job allowing Elena to slowly come to terms with her sexuality, as well as providing one of the best non-binary characters in a series. One Day at a Time is available to watch on Netflix.

She-Ra: Princess of Power

The series tells the tale of an orphan named Adora, who leaves behind her former life in the evil Horde when she discovers a magic sword that transforms her into the mythical warrior princess She-Ra.

Showrunner Noelle Stevenson, a member of the LGBTQ+ community ensured that the show features multiple lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary and aromantic characters. For an animated kid’s show, She-Ra showcases a more diverse cast of characters and in-depth personalities than many other tv series. She-Ra: Princess of Power is available to watch on Netflix.

Steven Universe

In Steven Universe, the world is protected from evil threats by the Crystal Gems, a movement of Gems sworn to protect the Earth from the Homeworld Gems. Their powers flow from their gemstones; magical gems embedded somewhere on the host’s body.

Steven is a young half-human, half-gem boy who inherited his gemstone from his mother, a Crystal Gem named Rose Quartz, who gave up her form to create Steven. As Steven tries to figure out the secrets to using his gem, he spends his days in Beach City doing activities with the other Crystal Gems, whether it’s helping them save the universe or just hanging out

Series creator and showrunner Rebecca Sugar was sure to make her fantasy/sci-fi series as LGBTQ+-inclusive as possible by creating queer and nonbinary characters as well as a same-sex proposal and wedding. Plus, every season of the show has 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, so don’t just take our word for it! Stephen Universe is available to watch on Hulu.

Heartstopper

If you have watched it, Heartstopper will have stolen your heart, and if you haven’t, it will.

The love story of super-shy nerd Charlie and charismatic popular guy Nick is the most wholesome show to grace our screens this year. As Charlie struggles with being one of the only openly gay kids at his school, he befriends Nick, the school’s, seemingly straight, star rugby player. Their friendship then blossoms into something more as Nick starts to explore his own sexuality. Watch it, and prepare to cry. A lot. Heartstopper is available to watch on Netflix.

Grace and Frankie

Grace and Frankie is a show about two women in their 70s who move in together when their husbands reveal they’re gay and in a 20-year relationship. The show is great if you’re looking for something more relaxed, and with an age range closer to your grandparents than yourself.

Still, it provides a rare portrayal of a senior gay relationship, and later on in the series, another one of the characters comes out as bisexual, but no spoilers here! Instead, you’ll just have to watch it for yourself to see if you can deduce who it is! Grace and Frankie is available to watch on Netflix.

Special

Based on Ryan O’Connell’s memoir ‘I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves’, Special is about a gay man named Ryan who lives with cerebral palsy. Like the book, the show is honest, funny, and self-aware.

O’Connell stars as himself in the Netflix series, for which he also serves as executive producer and writer, and it’s painfully adorable but doesn’t shy away from the personal issues he had about accepting himself for being both gay and disabled. Special is available to watch on Netflix.

Alex Strangeglove

This movie centres around Alex Strangeglove, an ambitious high school senior who makes plans to lose his virginity to his girlfriend. Things become complicated when he meets a handsome and charming gay kid from the other side of town who unknowingly sends him on a roller-coaster journey of sexual identity.

You already know exactly what kind of film it is, but if you’re looking for a feel-good, slightly predictable, but still very enjoyable movie, this is definitely one to watch. Alex Strangeglove is available to watch on Netflix.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

An unbelievably wholesome and funny show, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt focuses on Kimmy, a woman who has been trapped in a bunker believing that doomsday is happening above her.

When she is rescued from the bunker and moves to New York she has to learn how to live in the world she thought had been destroyed. Featuring insanely loveable characters and great character development, including the iconic Titus Adromedon, Kimmy’s gay roommate.

A must watch if you like overly dramatic Beyonce music video covers, plus the theme music for the show will be stuck in your head all day. Kimmy Schmidt is available to watch on Netflix.

Dead End: Paranormal Park

The animated series, which comes out on the 16th of June is based on the comedy graphic novel, Deadendia, and follows the adventures of Barney, a trans teen voiced by trans actor Zach Barack. Barney, along with Norma, and Pugsley the magical demon-possessed talking pug must balance their summer jobs at the local theme park haunted house while battling the totally real supernatural forces that dwell within it.

The show’s creator hopes that the show will be “a beacon to young queer people that there are many people out here who have their back”.

If you like animated cartoon series, talking pugs, some sarcastic demons, and queer representation, this is the show for you! Dead End Paranormal Park will be available to watch on Netflix from the 16th of June.

First Kill

A forbidden romance between a vampire and a slayer? My early 2000’s heart is singing.

One of Netflix’s most recent releases First Kill focuses on teens Juliette and Calliope, one a vampire, one a slayer, and both are ready to make their first kill. Need I say more? An absolute must watch, and a definite upgrade from Twilight or The Vampire Diaries. First Kill is available to watch on Netflix.

Handsome Devil

This film is literally Heartstopper in a different font.

Two guys? Check.

One shy boy and one star rugby player? Check.

If you loved Heartstopper you’ll be sure to love this film as well! It is 10/10 for wholesome vibes, but portrays gay relationships in a different way than you might be used to seeing, another one you should add to the watchlist! First Kill is available to watch on Netflix.

The Tab’s Pride reporting series is putting a focus on highlighting LGBTQ+ issues and celebrating queer voices across UK campuses.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story you can contact Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ helpline, on 0300 330 0630 or visit their website. You can also find help through The Mix

If you’ve got a story you’d like to tell us – whether it’s an incident of homophobia on campus, an experience you’d like to share, or anything you think we should hear, get in touch in confidence by emailing [email protected]

Read more from The Tab’s Pride series:

• These reactions to Rebel Wilson coming out prove why we still need Pride

• Take our homophobia on campus survey and help us expose the problem at unis

• Lesbian fashion going mainstream makes me feel more confident in my sexuality