When LGBTQ community gathering spaces were largely put on hold by the pandemic, those once-in-person safe havens became our streaming platforms and tech devices at home. Hyper-specific pop subcultures have emerged—I’m looking at you, queer readers of “Friends”—and the reputation of streamers’ philosophies and commitment to LGBTQ content has been widely discussed online. (Shout out to Showtime: The premium cable network continues to serve lesbians everywhere.)
Even as the world has reopened, in Hollywood, it seems queer storytelling and community are more energized than ever. Nowhere is it more neatly displayed than on the “LGBTQ” deals carousels found on entertainment platforms. Netflix, a heavyweight in any streaming conversation (regardless of its rocky 2022), has played a significant role in greenlighting major projects that include queers in television and film.
Not only has the platform championed many shows that were queer in the premise — see “Grace and Frankie” or “Sex Education” — but it’s also featured more LGBTQ storylines in mainstream hits, like “Stranger Things,” as their seasons have continued. As for movies, Netflix has released rom-com gems, like “The Half of It,” and more serious dramas, like “The Boys in the Band.”
However, Netflix has also been criticized for its perceived lack of commitment to supporting queer series long-term. There was the ridiculous ‘Sense8’ debacle, during which Netflix canceled a beloved queer sci-fi series from The Wachowski during the current month of Pride in 2017. Fast forward five years and Ted Sarandos is staking the entire reputation of the service on a Dave Chapelle special.
We’ve put together a list that includes Netflix original series and movies, as well as movies that the streamer is hosting for the moment. There’s a range of popular titles here – really just the tip of the iceberg – and lesser-known finds, which can be overwhelming to navigate Netflix’s mysterious algorithm. Here are 44 of the best LGBTQ movies and TV shows on Netflix available in June 2023. (Yes, just in time for Pride.)
With editorial contributions from Samantha Bergeson, David Ehrlich, Kate Erbland, Proma Khosla, Ryan Lattanzio and Christian Zilko.
(Editor’s note: This list was originally published in April 2022 and has been updated several times since.)
