It wasn’t a long time ago that seeing a person on screen come out as LGBTQ+ or be introduced as openly gay in any manner seemed strange. Luckily, when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters inclusive television, we now have more options than ever before. Certainly, this does not mean that diversity concerns on television are no longer an issue.
We’re slowly emerging from a phase in modern media in which every LGBTQ+ character seemed to have been marked by some type of trauma or catastrophe. However, we’re well on our way to achieving maximal representation of all underrepresented communities in television and film. As a result, here’s a list of all the adorable LGBTQ+ characters who broke new territory on television and touched the hearts of viewers worldwide:
1. Poussey Washington from Orange Is The New Black
Poussey Washington made her initial appearance on Orange Is The New Black in season one and instantly became a crowd favorite. Her laidback demeanor and connection with Taystee Jefferson further added to her allure and magnetism. Poussey battles with depression and addiction while detained because Taystee does not return her sexual desire. However, it isn’t long until she and another convict, Soso, begin dating, just before Poussey’s terrible demise. Poussey’s narrative is one of the harshest of all the inmates on the show. She has stated in numerous interviews that it was not always easy for her to feel confident being herself, which is something that many people of the LGBTQ+ community can empathize with.
2. Rosa Diaz from Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Rosa is a tough, serious, and clever detective who is a major character in the hilarious cop comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Fans were excited for Rosa to come out to her family members and friends when the actress happened to come out as bisexual. In Season 5, Rosa finally told everybody, and the viewers were delighted. Rosa’s representation is excellent because her bisexuality isn’t a significant story arc in the program, but rather a facet of her personality. It’s also noteworthy that her character came out as bisexual instead of having a fluctuating and frequently overt nature, as most bisexual depiction does. And there is nothing incorrect with all of that, but it’s refreshing to see something different.
3. Rue Bennet from Euphoria
Euphoria, perhaps one of the most popular TV programs today, is full of appealing characters. The show’s youngsters are flawed in ways that go beyond the normal shortcomings that all teenagers have. Rue Bennett, the series’ central protagonist played by Zendaya, is more than just a hook for attracting viewers to the show. She is a shining example of honesty and true self-awareness. She is an abuser and a member of the LGBT+ community. When she initially faces the audience, she makes it apparent that she has no plan of remaining clean. Rue has a strong desire to change but is unable to do so, which is something that many people can relate to.
4. Oberyn Martel from Game of Thrones
From one of the most iconic TV series ever made ‘Game of Thrones‘, Oberyn Martell is perhaps one of the most divisive LGBTQ+ characters on this list. In GOT, there was a dearth of varied representation, with the majority of the main characters being white and straight. However, Oberyn was a refreshing and intriguing figure with an open and fluid sexuality. Oberyn, unlike many others on this list, does not battle with his sexual identity or status, but rather embraces it wholeheartedly. Monogamy and heterosexuality are believed to be silly and boring concepts by him and his spouse Ellaria Sand. Also, Oberyn Martell’s sexuality isn’t fully explored in the books, therefore this portrayal of him is unique to the show.
5. Quiet Ann from Claws
The TV show Claws has brought us a great narrative of girl friendship with a hilarious backdrop of absolutely bizarre plots in its fourth season. Quiet Ann (Judy Reyes) represents the group’s lesbian friend, but don’t be fooled by her name. Quiet Ann has one of the strongest storylines in the series, including a romance with detective-turned-FBI-agent Arlene Branch. This connection is continuously hampered by Quiet Ann’s illicit activities. Claws also boasts one of the best coming-out scenes on television. It is ideal for any queer person who has ever argued that having fewer LGBTQ characters in a big group of heterosexuals is absurd.
