It’s Pride Month and the pantheon of Queer deities have delivered. Remember when we were left absolutely shocked and devastated at the news of Sense8’s cancellation? Thanks to the social media outrage, fans of the show got to eat their hearts out during the smashing two-hour-long finale this month. And that’s not all – the just-released TV drama Pose has already begun garnering appreciation with its portrayal of ball culture in the world of 1987.
So, just in case you were tearing your hair apart about what to watch on Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu et al, here are 5 shows that will take you into the heart of the LGBTQIA universe. So, put on your best face and read on:
Pose
Starring a largely transgender cast and with more than half the cast and crew identifying themselves as LGBTQ, the Ryan Murphy television show Pose takes you into New York’s ballroom scene in the year 1987. MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Evan Peters and Billy Porter put up a fantastic performance which is replete with glamour, style, vogue-ing while also speaking about the issues the trans community faces within the umbrella of the LGBTQ community and about AIDS and its effect on the queer world. Currently, for Indian viewers, Pose is available on Hotstar. “The new FX original series Pose is as “for us, by us” as it gets for trans women of colour navigating today’s climate of visibility and awareness,” writes Raquel Willis for them and we couldn’t agree more.
Sense8
“I’m not just a me but I’m also a we” – so goes one of the most memorable quotes from Sense8, a show which taught us the power of empathy, shone light on the trials and victories of the LGBTQIA community and despite it’s short run, showed the world that while our cultures and traditions may be different, we all belong to one single race – humankind. Have you ever come across a TV show you never knew you needed and now, can’t get out of your head? That’s Sense8 for you and while we are sad to see it end, the lessons it taught will live on in its fans. The show is available on Netflix for Indian viewers.
Eastsiders
How often do you see characters from the gay community portrayed realistically in a relationship without their queerness being the ultimate symbol/sign/feature of the plot? Eastsiders effectively does that. The gay characters in the show navigate life just like the straight people do and the character development is something to truly appreciate. We also have the remarkable Willam Belli playing Douglas aka Gomorrah Ray, an aspiring drag queen. Eastsiders is available on Netflix for Indian viewers.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
“Pinot Noir! Caviar!” Titus Andromedon played by Tituss Burgess is clearly one of the most memorable characters in this hilarious show. Iconic, fearless and unabashedly himself, Titus teaches us to be ourselves no matter what. The show is available on Netflix for Indian viewers.
Orange is the new black
Any article on shows with LGBTQ representation would be incomplete without a mention of OITNB. Representation matters, they say, and seeing icons like Laverne Cox, Lea Delaria and Ruby Rose on-screen help viewers feel like they are seen, heard and loved. The show is available on Netflix for Indian viewers.
