Alex Strangelove is a teen comedy-drama about Alex, a high school senior confused about his sexual identity as he finds himself falling for a boy while trying to live a “normal” relationship with his girlfriend.
A tender coming-of-age film, Half Of It is about a shy straight student Ellie Chu, who agrees to write love letters on behalf of a sweet but inarticulate jock. She later realises she has feelings for the same girl. The film delicately unpacks queerness, race, and loneliness in a small town in America.
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is a romantic drama about Manu, a bodybuilder, who falls for Maanvi, a Zumba instructor. Their story takes a turn when Maanvi reveals she is a trans woman. This leads to Manu confronting his biases. The film is a sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences and the journey towards acceptance.
Black Doves is a slick spy thriller with a twist. The story is about Keira Knightley's Helen, a conflicted double agent, and her enigmatic confidante Sam, played by Ben Whishaw. Sam is queer and complex in ways that are rarely touched upon in genre fiction.
Netflix India's Class, an adaptation of the Spanish series Elite. It introduces viewers to the poignant relationship between Dhruv and Faruq. Their unusual love story is set against a backdrop of societal expectations as well as personal dilemmas, which present a heartfelt exploration of queer love in contemporary India.
The British coming-of-age series, Sex Education, explores the intricacies of teenage life, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ narratives. Its characters of Eric Effiong, a gay Black teen, and Adam Groff, his closeted love interest, make their way through the challenges of acceptance, love, and self-discovery.
Although primarily a young adult romance, Mismatched subtly presents the story of a couple of LGBTQ+ narratives through characters Namrata, Celina and Rith. On the path of self-acceptance, all three of them faced some challenges in coming out, adding a layer of depth to the series.
Based on Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novels, Heartstopper takes viewers through the blossoming friendship and eventual romance between sweet-natured Charlie and rugby-loving Nick. Their relationship uncovers with an earnestness and innocence.
The Royals, set in contemporary India, is a coming-of-age modern-day rom-com revolving around a financially struggling royal family. The series presents a compelling lesbian storyline between characters Jinnie and Nikki as they explore their relationship amidst the challenges of tradition and modernity.
Dabba Cartel is a gripping thriller where the character of Shahida (Anjali Anand) starts a romantic relationship with a female police officer named Preeti (Sai Tamhankar). Their bond develops amidst crime and societal expectations of the 1960s in Mumbai. The story emphasises on the resilience of love in challenging circumstances.
The Emmy-winning Canadian sitcom, Schitt’s Creek, challenged the traditional queer narratives with David and Patrick’s romance - a love story free of trauma and full of tenderness. The best part about this is that their relationship is treated with the same charm and care as any heterosexual pairing.
Ajeeb Daastaans is an anthology film about four unique stories. One of the segments focuses on the developing relationship between Priya and Bharti. Their bond blooms against societal prejudices and personal struggles. The story offers a nuanced portrayal of same-sex love, highlighting the complexities and beauty of queer relationships.
The Fab Five— Karamo, Tan, Jonathan, Antoni, and Bobby —bring heart, humor, and healing in every makeover on Queer Eye as they make each episode an emotional journey of self-love and acceptance. What sets this show apart is its empathy, be it a closeted father in rural America or a trans woman stepping into her truth, each story is a reminder that what matters is being just seen.
Heartbreak High is reboot of the iconic Australian teen drama, which features a diverse ensemble cast, including Quinni, a queer and autistic teen, and Sasha, her no-nonsense girlfriend. The relationship between the two teens is refreshing with its realism, capturing the messiness and joy of young love.
Badhaai Do is the story of Shardul, a gay police officer, and Suman, a lesbian physical education teacher. They get into a lavender marriage to appease societal pressures. As the two navigate their individual relationships and familial expectations, the film brings to light the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative environments.
ADVERTISEMENT