Media can be a Queer Thing: Our Recommendation for Your Next Watch!

Disclaimer- The following piece is based on a mix of opinions and facts derived from various sources. We do not intend to offend the sentiments of any individual or community. 

Growing up as a non-cishet individual has no shortage of challenges. There are challenges to be faced at every step of the way. It only further breaks your heart when you find that there is barely any character that you resonate with in your favourite shows. And even worse is when queer characters are put into the series for mere token gestures. 

We are queer and we do not want to see characters from our community being pushed to the margins or being ridiculed. We want them to take the centre stage and see the world from their perspective. We want to witness their side of the story. We too have the right to watch people from our community play the protagonist in a well-crafted fictional setup. And if you resonate with this, this article is for you.

Here is our list of recommendations for your next binge watch, whether you're queer or not!

Heartstopper

Image credits: Netflix

This one has to be at the top for its representation of the myriads of queer people. Homosexuals, transsexuals, and people still grappling with their own identities- this show has a lot of conversation sparkers. Navigating the ups and downs of high school life, a bunch of students also find themselves discovering the complexities of their genders and sexualities. Sensitive topics such as queerphobia, bullying and suicide are also tackled in a thoughtful way. Find Heartstopper on Netflix.

Schitt's Creek

Image credits: Netflix

Looking for a fun, drama show? We got you. Dan Levy's character David is nothing short of a pansexual icon in the show. And his various romantic endeavours, until the point where he meets the one for him, are nothing less than entertainment at its finest. Even as the storyline revolves around the four member family, there are plenty of lovey-dovey moments featuring our favourite queer character. But the wine metaphor (high five if you know the reference) is definitely our Roman Empire. This one can also be found on Netflix!

The Haunting of Bly Manor

Image credits: Netflix

How often do you find a queer love story amidst a horror show? Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor is here to offer a brand new perspective on a lesbian romance. We don't want to spoil the show for you but trust us, there is a good mix of terrifying jump scares and tear-inducing romantic sequences. The show is quite literally the whole package. 

Our Flag Means Death

Image credits: The Wellesley News

The lead pair in this dark comedy is a gay pirate couple. Need we say more to get you interested in giving it a shot? Two male pirate captains get involved in an unexpected love affair, while being surrounded by charming crew members who add their own touch of insanity to this laughter-evoking series. The show is streaming on JioCinema in India. 

Fellow Strangers

Image credits: Prime Video

Do not be surprised that one of Jonathan Bailey's shows has made this list. Skippy and Hawk's emotional tale of hiding their truth, battling emotions, shifting perceptions and terrible tragedies is sure to strike a cord with anyone who is a sucker for melodramatic romances (guilty!). Set against a historical backdrop, the show is a beautiful exploration of the convoluted existence of queer people in a time that was marked by political turmoil and growing intolerance for anything "unnatural". 

(Sidenote: Sources have confirmed that Bailey is all set to feature in season 3 of Heartstopper and we could not be more excited!)

Made in Heaven 

Image credits: Koimoi

It gives me so much pleasure to include an Indian title in this listicle. The show is already known for boldly tackling the drawbacks of our society, but it has also done landmark stuff in bringing queer representation to Indian fiction shows. Be it Trinetra's unique transgender character or the celebration of same-sex unions in a country that is yet to legalise them, the show has gone above and beyond to make space for people of the queer community in its script. The show can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

The Married Woman

Image credits: Scroll.in

Another wonderful Indian production in this space is Alt Balaji's The Married Woman. The series is an adaptation of the novel 'A Married Woman' by Manju Kapur. Bound by the chains of a repressive household, a married woman discovers her changing identity through the eyes of a pansexual artist. In this complicated tale of two women, love finds a way to bloom in an unconventional way. 

Growing up, we had a hard time finding shows that we could truly relate to. And although we are still far from realising the true standards of representations that should ideally be present in mainstream media, it is safe to say that we have made a good start. So what are you waiting for? Watch one of our recommended series and let us know what you think of it!

By- Stuti Garg & Nishita Sinha