LGBTQ+ History on the Screen: Impactful Queer Moments and Figures in Movies and TV

LGBTQ+ people have long fought to be seen authentically in the media. And while it took decades for media creators to include overt lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities in their stories, these communities have long rallied around entertainment and characters that reflect and support their experiences and histories. Below you'll find movies and TV shows that highlight important moments and people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Choose from documentaries about the struggle for equal rights and acceptance, thoughtful biopics about prominent celebrities and activists, shows that made history themselves by including meaningful representation, and more. When you're done, check out our lists featuring LGBTQ+ youth in books and movies and TV.

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Ridley Jones Poster Image
TV

Ridley Jones

age 3+

Museum comes alive to teach preschoolers life lessons.

Network: Netflix (2021)
Andi Mack Poster Image
TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

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

Network: Disney Channel (2017)
Equal Poster Image
TV

Equal

age 12+

Extraordinary docuseries has period language and smoking.

Network: Max (2020)
Pride Poster Image
TV

Pride

age 11+

Worthy docuseries traces 6 decades of LGBTQ+ struggle.

Network: FX (2021)
Bohemian Rhapsody Poster Image
MOVIE

Bohemian Rhapsody

age 13+

Exuberant music, electric performance in routine biopic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster Image
TV

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

Network: FX (1997)
The Case Against 8 Poster Image
MOVIE

The Case Against 8

age 13+

Compelling documentary on legal fight for same-sex marriage.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Diana: The Musical Poster Image
MOVIE

Diana: The Musical

age 13+

Musical tells familiar story; language, sexual innuendo.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Ellen Poster Image
TV

Ellen

age 13+

Ramble along with this still-funny sitcom.

Network: Oxygen (1994)
The Imitation Game Poster Image
MOVIE

The Imitation Game

age 13+

Strong performances buoy teen-friendly historical drama.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
The Lavender Scare Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lavender Scare

age 13+

Powerful docu about LGBTQ persecution by U.S. government.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2019)
My Name Is Pauli Murray Poster Image
MOVIE

My Name Is Pauli Murray

age 13+

Informative docu on little-known activist promotes courage.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
To Be Takei Poster Image
MOVIE

To Be Takei

age 13+

In upbeat docu, equality for all is the final frontier.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Ahead of the Curve movie poster: Person with short hair, tank top, sunglasses
MOVIE

Ahead of the Curve

age 14+

Docu about groundbreaking magazine for lesbians; language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Degrassi Poster Image
TV

Degrassi

age 14+

Superb, socially conscious drama deals with tough issues.

Network: TeenNick (2001)
Glee Poster Image
TV

Glee

age 14+

Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

Network: Fox (2009)
The Out List Poster Image
TV

The Out List

age 14+

Poignant LGBTQ docu highlights respect, acceptance.

Network: HBO (2013)
Philadelphia Poster Image
MOVIE

Philadelphia

age 14+

Moving, Oscared '90s drama fostered AIDS empathy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Queer Eye TV show poster: The Fab Five
TV

Queer Eye

age 11+

Fun makeover reboot talks acceptance, is more inclusive.

Network: Netflix (2018)
Stonewall Outloud Poster Image
MOVIE

Stonewall Outloud

age 14+

Highly original, affecting docu about iconic LGBTQ uprising.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)