24 LGBT TV And Movie Characters Who Changed The Game Entirely

May God bless me with Elektra's confidence one day. Amen.

I'm sure we can all agree that over the past decade, LGBT representation in film and TV has improved drastically.

Netflix

We now have queer characters we can look up to onscreen — characters who are positive role models, who are written and cast in more authentic ways, and who speak to the issues that real queer people face every day! Here are 24 of those characters who I think changed the game:

BBC / FX

🚨 Be warned: Some of these items contain spoilers! 🚨  

1. Damian from Mean Girls.

Paramount Pictures

Best quote: “She doesn't even go here!”

Don't get me wrong, I love "Get in loser, we're going shopping," but we need to give Damian his flowers too, because from beginning to end, I found myself laughing at just how brilliant he was. Like that time a shoe got thrown at him when he performed Christina Aguilera's song "Beautiful" for the winter talent show. Did he stop? No. He carried on and threw it right back! Damian was a symbol of how "glass closet" teens could still be proud of themselves and manage to shine.

Paramount Pictures

2. Blanca Evangelista from Pose.

BBC / FX

Best quote: “Don't you dare treat me as delicate.”

We've all come across people who pretend to be something they're not, but Blanca has shown that owning your power and being a positive person can lead you to be happy. Blanca thrived in the ballroom scene, and even at home when she had motherly duties. Even when the odds were against her, it didn't stop Blanca from dreaming big for herself and her children. She's a true queen and one of the best role models from Pose, so I'm gonna need everyone at the front and back to celebrate her, okay???

BBC / FX

3. Justin Suarez from Ugly Betty.

ABC

Best quote: "Someone told me that when the time is right, you'll just know."

Justin's storyline in the early 2000s was trailblazing for queer young teens and for those who came from ethnic backgrounds. He was a lovable character who embraced fashion and musicals and wasn't afraid to stand out from the rest. 

He did have to overcome obstacles along the way, but Justin was always unapologetically himself, and he showed us why that was is important. Also, nothing made me happier than seeing the actor himself (Mark Indelicato) recently speak about being proud of the role he played in many people's lives!

ABC

4. Sophia Burset from Orange Is the New Black.

Netflix

Best quote: "Human beings can't live like this."

There's an array of LGBT characters on this show that I could've picked from, but I think the one that stood out to most of us was Sophia. She was sassy and driven, but she was also incredibly strong. Sophia's story brought to light the anti-trans bias one can face in a women's prison, and the issues that still need to be tackled. Having a trans actor play this part was even more important, and I'm 100% here for Laverne Cox's performance!

Netflix

5. Kurt Hummel from Glee.

Fox

Best quote: "Every moment of your life is an opportunity for fashion."

Kurt was the show's first openly gay character, who, may I add, kicked the hell out of that ball while performing Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" dance. Like, come on, who could forget such an impactful moment? 

As viewers, we witnessed Kurt become the target of bullying numerous times, but it was that moment when he finally stood up for himself that made me feel like a proud mum. You could tell that he had straight up had enough! His character brought reassurance to closeted teens who were scared of their own identity, and the writers of Glee made sure to always remind us that we should never overlook the challenges that come with being gay in school.

Fox

6. Santana Lopez from Glee.

Fox

Best quote: “I have to just be me.”

Santana was a Glee fan favourite who captured the hearts of so many people, especially queer women. She also elevated the representation of Latin American women on TV. At one point, most Latina TV characters were either cleaning ladies or feisty background parts. Santana, however, had not only the clapbacks but also the excellent comedic timing, emotional depth, AND that singing voice!

Nevertheless, she didn't have an easy ride on the show. After being outed by Finn, Santana had to break the news of her sexuality to her abuela, which did not go well. This particular scene is well known for its incredible relevance and sublimity, and has had a lasting impact on Glee fans and LGBT folk alike.

Fox

7. Anissa Pierce from Black Lightning.

The CW

Best quote: "Pain doesn't make you weak. It makes you strong. And loss, loss makes you appreciate."

If you didn't know about Anissa Pierce until now, you can thank me later because she's the first Black lesbian superhero to grace our TV screens! Also known as "Thunder", she is a fantastic representation of not just a queer woman but a young Black woman who is a proud activist and fights against police brutality.

Anissa is also not afraid to use her superhuman abilities once in a while, so I wouldn't get on her bad side, if I were you. She does Black girls justice and is the epitome of Black girl magic, which we really need to see more of on TV.

The CW

8. Titus Andromedon from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Netflix

Best quote: "Black, gay, and old? Oh, I'm not even gonna know which box to check on the hate crime form."

If you didn't think Titus was the main event of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, then we must've been watching two different shows because he was giving us the main character energy we all needed. Titus is the true definition of someone who gives zero fucks and marches to the beat of his own drum — how can you not love him?!

Back in the day, gay people were frequently used for laughs, but who's laughing now? Titus! His character was allowed to flourish in an authentic way, and his comedy felt very personal to both the character and the actor. He's generated thousands of memes and captured viewers' hearts. His parody of Beyoncé's "Lemonade" was worthy of an Emmy in and of itself, okay?!

Netflix

9. Eric Effiong from Sex Education.

Netflix

Best quote: "This is me."

Eric has given us many laughs, but there were moments in the show that snapped me back to reality, and gave us all an idea of what it's like for gay men today — for instance, when he endured that brutal gay attack on his birthday, and later when he struggled with his identity.

It was painful to watch Eric go through these things, but it gave us a real insight into how these traumatic events affect a person, instead of them just happening for dramatic effect. You gotta appreciate this series for showing us a fleshed-out character that we can love and learn from at the same time!

Netflix

10. Ritchie Tozer from It's a Sin.

Channel 4

Best quote: "I wanna be anyone. I wanna be Hamlet, I wanna be Romeo. But if I said I’m gay, I’d be just the clown."

You can't watch this series without bawling your eyes out, trust me! It was so beautifully presented, and it taught viewers a lot about the AIDS epidemic in the UK at the same time. There were so many stories to follow throughout the series, but the one that stood out to me the most was Ritchie's. 

At least in his London circle of friends, Ritchie was an unapologetic queer man with big dreams, but sadly, he would never get to make them a reality. This became the normality for gay men in the '80s and '90s, many of whom died from AIDS-related illnesses at a young age. Ritchie's character and his journey are an emblem for these people, who died in the thousands just a few decades ago.

Channel 4

11. Elektra Abundance-Wintour from Pose.

FX

Best quote: “You are not on my level!”

When I first heard Elektra say, "I look too good to not be seen," I knew she would be one of my favourite characters on Pose. She exuded confidence, her outfits and makeup were always on point, and that walk was ~everything~! Often, LGBT characters are portrayed as damaged or cloaked in shame, but Elektra knew exactly who she was, and wasn't afraid to shut down anyone who told her otherwise. When she read that lady in the restaurant? Too iconic to forget.

FX

12. Kwame from I May Destroy You.

BBC One

Best quote: "We're all somewhere on a line. Sexuality's a spectrum. We're all on the spectrum."

I can't stress how important Kwame's sexual assault storyline was for so many people. I'm glad that they showcased how difficult and traumatic it is for victims to report cases like this, and for Kwame, he proved why. The authorities didn't treat or approach his case with care because he was a queer Black man.

It demonstrated why it's so difficult for gay men to actually vocalise and share what they've been through, and why not following the right procedures could leave victims in an even worse situation.

❤️GIFT OF LOVE ❤️🏳️‍🌈 @gift_bee

The treatment Kwame received on this episode of #IMayDestroyYou when he reported a rape by a man he met on Grindr was heartbreaking...💔💔💔

11:46 AM - 13 Jul 2020

@gift_bee

13. Yorkie and Kelly from Black Mirror.

Channel 4/Netflix

Best quote: "Face it, if they WERE staring, it's because I. Am. Bodacious!'

What do they say? Opposites attract? Yorkie was the introverted type who would rather stay out of the mix; on the other hand, Kelly gave me an "I'm here for a good time, not a long time" vibe. I mean, literally — she stated numerous times that she was only in San Junipero to have "fun" and not to catch feelings.

Despite their differences, this pair came together and found the happiness they'd both been longing for. Their queer experience isn't focused on tragedy like most. The fact that Black Mirror gave Yorkie and Kelly a "happily ever after" ending opened up the floor for other queer characters to receive the same treatment.

Channel 4/Netflix

14. Rue Bennett from Euphoria.

HBO

Best quote: "Every time I feel good, I think it’ll last forever, but it doesn’t."

Unlike most of the other characters I've listed, Rue has never been open about her sexuality per se and has not received a "big coming-out story". Her personality and sexuality are explored at a very slow pace, and the show makes sure to depict that there's nothing wrong with being sexually open, adventurous, and fluid. Euphoria opens the doors for people to fall in love without a label being slapped on them.

HBO

15. Emily Fields from Pretty Little Liars.

Freeform

Best quote: "I loved her as more than a friend."

Emily was a character that you could resonate with right from the beginning because she was so multifaceted and likeable. However, it was her coming-out story, her dating life, and her sexuality that became the most realistic and empowering thing about her for young teenage girls.

Being from an ethnic background that was quite strict and conservative, Emily had to deal with a lot of familial pressure, and her story showcased why coming out can be that much harder for certain folks. Shay Mitchell has spoken about the character, saying that she didn't think twice about playing a lesbian character and that she always felt Emily was "normal".

Freeform

16. Oliver Hampton from How to Get Away With Murder.

ABC

Best quote: "I wasn't alone, I had Connor."

I never expected Oliver to be a standout on this show, as he was mainly on hand for all the coding and hacking scenes, and that was it. However, after his relationship with Connor developed, I couldn't help but adore them both. 

One of the most shocking moments in the series was when we found out that Oliver was HIV positive. I'll never forget when he opened up to his mum about his status; her reply was nothing but love: ''I'm here for you until the day I die.'' We don't always see positive portrayals of HIV on our screens, so seeing Oliver live his life happily and receive that kind of support was momentous! 

ABC

17. Chiron from Moonlight.

A24

Best quote: "I'm me."

What makes this movie so special is how it addresses many of the barriers and stigmas that come with same-sex attraction. The movie challenges our beliefs and shows us how a person's surroundings can play a huge part in their individual identity. For instance, you can tell just how much Chiron suppresses his feelings through his body language.

We see personal and societal pressures take a toll on him in three different stages of his life, and the delivery is next level. To see Chiron finally accept who he is at the end was everything I'd hoped for throughout the movie!

A24

18. Ma Rainey from Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Netflix

Best quote: "They don't care nothin' about me, all they want is my voice. Well, I done learned that. And they gonna treat me the way I wanna be treated, no matter how much it hurt them."

How unstoppable is Viola Davis? We never really see a strong, queer Black woman on our screens who commands a room the way Ma Rainey does in this movie, and that's pretty incredible, since she had to navigate everyday racism and sexism during the 1920s!

Even so, the "mother of the blues" proudly celebrated her lesbianism and openly dated women, which she showcased in her anthem "Prove It on Me". Unfortunately, I felt like we only got to see a pinch of Ma Rainey's queerness, and there's so much more that could've been explored...so a documentary, maybe?

Netflix

19. Pray Tell from Pose.

FX

Best quote:  “A house is much more than a home. It's family. And every family needs a mother who is affirming, caring, loyal, and inspiring.”

Pray Tell was the light I never knew I needed, and until the end, his light shone bright. His story got the ugliest cries out of me, for sure, especially at the end of Pose, when he sadly passed away due to AIDS.

We've seen fierce Black men onscreen before, but rarely do these characters have the depth and sincerity of Pray Tell. It was his magnetic personality that made you want to come back for more, but he also had wisdom and experience enough to snap you back to reality and let you know what is really important.

FX

20. Annalise Keating from How to Get Away With Murder.

Mitch Haaseth / ABC

Best quote: "I am who I am. If you don't like it, I don't care."

The iconic scene in which Annalise takes off her makeup is the definition of a strong Black woman being allowed to express her vulnerability on TV. More to the point, throughout the show, her sexuality isn't a driving force in what she does, and it's never labelled or explained to the audience. She simply likes what she likes, whether it be a man or a woman, and it isn't an issue. It was nice to see a queer character who didn't need a big "wow" moment to be seen or heard.

ABC

21. Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

20th Century Fox

Best quote: "I'm just a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania."

Frank-N-Furter embodied extravagance and taught us to embrace our authentic selves right from the very beginning. It was not only his raunchy outfits and performances that had us stopped in our tracks; it was the way he carried himself and sang with such confidence and conviction that made us feel like we could do it too!

20th Century Fox

22. Tara Maclay and Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The WB / UPN

Best quote: "I am, you know...yours."

It was the "New Moon Rising" episode where we finally got to see Willow admit her feelings for Tara, which was ~groundbreaking~ for the time. I literally remember them being a couple, and honestly, it feels like one of the earliest representations of queerness on a mainstream show that wasn't a punchline or something purposely dark or shocking.

Despite this, the show didn't actually seek to make that statement. Indeed, writers weren't focused on the gender of the characters, but instead on how they connected as people. It was the love between them that was more meaningful than anything else, as explained in the reunion clip below.

The WB/UPN

Which queer characters have spoken to you over the years? Let us know in the comments!