Best LGBT+ films and TV series available on Netflix
Rebecca Newman
Since February is Herts&Essex Pride month, it’s only fair to talk about my favourite LGBT+ films and TV shows! These films and TV shows either focus on LGBT+ issues or have strong characters who are LGBT+. The movies and series shown are in no particular order. Happy watching!
- Cable Girls (15)
This drama is set in 1920s Spain and tells the stories of four women who work at as operators at a telephone company. One of these protagonists, Carlota, is a queer woman who is involved in polyamorous relationship while also campaigning for women’s rights. She is one of my favourite characters in this thrilling historical drama, on account of her strong personality and her determination to be independent despite the treatment of women at the time. - Drag Race (TEEN)
This series features drag queens in a competition where they showcase their talent to try to take the crown and the title of America’s next drag superstar. This is both a fun and entertaining show while also taking moments to reflect on serious issues that LGBT+ people face. There are also several trans women who get the chance to talk about both their struggles in the entertainment business and in their personal lives. - Call the Midwife (12)
While you may not automatically associate LGBT issues with this classic British series, the fourth season introduces the character of Patsy, who works as a midwife while trying to keep her romantic relationship with fellow nurse Delia a secret. They are both strong characters who are determined to stay together despite the harsh treatment of LGBT+ people in the mid-20th century. - The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15)
This film tells the story of three drag queens who travel across Australia by bus to get to their show, with many detours along the way. This film is not only a great comedy, but also discusses the hardships that both gay and trans people face. This film has a very positive message to all LGBT+ people and it celebrates individuality and uniqueness. It won the
Academy Award for Best Costume Design and an AACTA Award for Best Production Design. - I am Divine (15)
The only documentary on this list, I am Divine tells the story of the famous gay drag queen Divine and his rise to stardom. It not only discusses LGBT+ topics but it also promotes body positivity. This is a fascinating documentary, even if you have never heard of Divine before you should certainly watch it as it is still fascinating and entertaining. - The Danish Girl (15)
This 2015 drama based on the 2000 book of the same name stars Eddie Redmayne as Lili, who was one of the first known cases of gender reassignment. The struggles of being a trans woman who discovers her true identity is powerfully portrayed in this inspirational movie. This film won multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the Costume Designers Guild Award for Best Costume Design in a Period Film and the Screen Actors Guild for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. - Jessica Jones (15)
This TV series from Marvel portrays several strong female characters including Jessica Jones, a super powered investigator who fights the sinister Kilgrave. However, the character who we will focus on as a strong LGBT+ woman is Jeri Hogarth. She is not necessarily a likeable character, yet she is arguably one of the more interesting members of the cast due to her fierce, strong, and powerful personality. Her character develops as the episodes go on and we begin to empathise more with her character.