Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Movies and TV Shows About LGBTQ+ Youth

Puberty, hormones and emotions, new schools, evolving friendships: Growing up is hard for everyone, but it can be especially hard for queer kids and teens whose understanding of their gender and romantic identities is evolving. One great way to support young people through these transformative years? Share media with them that reflects their own triumphs, struggles, and lived experiences. The movies and TV shows on this list feature prominent, affirming stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth coming of age and navigating life. Before you go, check out our other suggestions for books featuring LGBTQ+ youth, or movies and TV shows that explore intersectionality and queer identities.

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The Owl House TV Poster Image
TV

The Owl House

age 8+

Engaging, quirky fantasy series has diversity, LGBTQ+ leads.

Network: Disney Channel (2020)
Andi Mack Poster Image
TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

Network: Disney Channel (2017)
Better Nate Than Ever Movie Poster
MOVIE

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

Book-based tween musical celebrates differences, diversity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Dead End: Paranormal Park poster
TV

Dead End: Paranormal Park

age 10+

Fun, spooky series features LGBTQ+ and racial diversity.

Network: Netflix (2022)
First Day Poster Image
TV

First Day

age 11+

Lovely, warm series about trans girl has some bullying.

Network: Hulu (2020)
Butterfly Poster Image
TV

Butterfly

age 13+

Powerful and complex drama dives into gender identity.

Network: Hulu (2019)
I Am Jazz Poster Image
TV

I Am Jazz

age 11+

Transgender teen's reality show is positive, poignant.

Network: TLC (2015)
Love, Victor Poster Image
TV

Love, Victor

age 11+

Earnest LGBTQ+ spin-off series is endearing and lovely.

Network: Hulu (2020)
One Day at a Time Poster Image
TV

One Day at a Time

age 11+

Worthy update of classic sitcom has heart.

Network: Netflix (2017)
The Most Dangerous Year Poster Image
MOVIE

The Most Dangerous Year

age 12+

Affecting documentary speaks up for trans kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
L'immensità movie poster: Luana Giuliani sits on steps, eating an ice cream, beside Penelope Cruz
MOVIE

L'immensità

age 12+

Italian drama has language, sexual threat, domestic abuse.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Movie Poster: The characters stand back to back in front of a field of stars
MOVIE

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

age 13+

Touching 1980s-set coming-of-age drama; language, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Degrassi: Next Class Poster Image
TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Network: Netflix (2016)
Heartstopper-tv-poster
TV

Heartstopper

age 13+

Sweet, lovable LGBTQ+ romance has teen-friendly content.

Network: Netflix (2022)
I Saw the TV Glow Movie Poster: In a dark room, a figure with his back to viewers watches a TV screen filled with pink static
MOVIE

I Saw the TV Glow

age 13+

Haunting experimental horror explores queer identity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Freak Show Poster Image
MOVIE

Freak Show

age 13+

Witty empowerment story deals with teen homophobia.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
The Half of It Poster Image
MOVIE

The Half of It

age 13+

Touching, smart teen story deals with sexuality; drinking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Little Girl Poster Image
MOVIE

Little Girl

age 13+

Insightful docu supports grade-schooler's gender identity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Love, Simon Poster Image
MOVIE

Love, Simon

age 13+

Affecting, lovable romcom about gay teen has a little edge.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
The Prom Poster Image
MOVIE

The Prom

age 13+

Star-studded, slightly edgy musical is all about acceptance.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)