Representation Matters, Folx. LGBTQIA+ people have always existed. We’ve always been here, making history and shaping the world into a more inclusive place. But you wouldn’t know it from the way we’ve been portrayed on-screen. In the past few decades, we’ve definitely seen change happening in television. LGBTQIA+ characters are not only included in mainstream television, they’re even (sometimes) played by actual queer people! Incredible! Cheekiness aside, the influx of queer characters on-screen is a wonderful thing worth celebrating and acknowledging. Here are 10 of our favorite LGBTQIA+ television characters that impacted pop culture, and beware of spoilers for the following shows—Ellen, Will & Grace, Sense8, Grey’s Anatomy, Spartacus, Orange is the New Black, The Wire, Wynonna Earp, and Schitt’s Creek.

1. Ellen Morgan (Ellen DeGeneres) - Ellen (1994-1998, ABC)

Ellen's coming out as gay in the 1997 episode "The Puppy Episode" was a watershed moment for LGBTQIA+ representation on television, bringing the conversation about sexuality into mainstream media. It was not only an important moment in pop culture, but also in US history, as Ellen became one of the first tv series in the US with a main character to come out as gay.

2. Will Truman (Eric McCormack) & Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) - Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-202, NBC)

As the leads of the groundbreaking sitcom Will & Grace, Will and Jack offered different perspectives on gay life and contributed to the normalization of LGBTQIA+ characters on TV. Despite criticism of the show’s engagement with stereotypes, Will & Grace is one of the most successful television shows with gay principal characters

3. Lito Rodriguez (Miguel Ángel Silvestre) - Sense8 (2015-2018, Netflix)

Lito, a gay Mexican actor struggling with his identity, gave voice to the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the entertainment industry, and depicted the importance of finding a supportive community. His public coming-out (no spoilers, but it’s fabulous) was powerful and poignant, and frankly, we still haven’t recovered.

4. Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) - Grey’s Anatomy (2005-, ABC)

Where many TV shows struggle to represent bisexual characters in empowering ways, Callie Torres has significant romantic relationships with both men and women throughout the series, and her relationship with Dr. Arizona Robbins became a central storyline throughout the series. As one of the longest-running bisexual characters on television, Callie's journey through love and self-discovery resonated with many viewers and helped to increase bisexual visibility on screen. 

5. Agron (Dan Feuerriegel) & Nasir (Pana Hema Taylor) - Spartacus (2010-2013, Starz)

The love story between Agron and Nasir in the historical drama, Spartacus, portrayed a powerful and passionate same-sex relationship, showcasing the depth and strength of LGBTQIA+ love that is seldom handled thoughtfully in television. They are among the first openly gay couples in a historical drama television series, demonstrating that love and relationships transcend time and societal constraints

6. Sophia Burset (Laverne Cox) - Orange is the New Black (2013-2019, Netflix)

Transgender actress Laverne Cox broke barriers with her role as Sophia, a transgender inmate serving time for committing credit card fraud. Her role as Sophia marked the first time a transgender person of color had a leading role in a mainstream television series. This groundbreaking representation has been influential in increasing visibility and awareness of transgender issues and has opened doors for more diverse and inclusive storytelling on television.

7. Omar Little (Michael K. Williams) - The Wire (2002-2008, HBO)

Omar Little defied stereotypes and provided a complex portrayal of an LGBTQIA+ character rarely seen on television. His openly gay identity—unique for a character in a crime drama series—is treated matter-of-factly and is just one aspect of his complex personality. Omar Little's character is widely regarded as groundbreaking, both for his moral complexity and for the portrayal of a gay character in a hypermasculine, crime-driven world. 

8. Stella Carlin (Ruby Rose) - Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019, Netflix) (You didn’t think we were done with OITNB, did you? We will NEVER be done)

Ruby Rose's portrayal of Stella Carlin, a charismatic and androgynous character, sparked conversations about gender fluidity and further expanded LGBTQIA+ representation on screen. Although her role in OITNB is relatively brief, her character is memorable for her charismatic presence and unique appearance. Ruby Rose's portrayal of Stella helped to increase visibility for gender-nonconforming individuals and contributed to the show's overall commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling.

9. Waverly Earp (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) & Sheriff Nicole Haught (Katherine Barrell) - Wynonna Earp (2016-2021, SyFy)

Waverly and Nicole's relationship, affectionately referred to as "WayHaught" by fans, is a central aspect of the series. Their love story begins in the first season and develops throughout the show. They face numerous challenges and obstacles, both supernatural and personal, but their love and commitment to each other remain strong. The relationship between Waverly Earp and Nicole Haught is notable for its positive and authentic portrayal of a same-sex couple on a genre television series.

10. David Rose (Dan Levy) & Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid) - Schitt's Creek (2015-2020, CBC)

The heartwarming love story between David and Patrick in the hit comedy Schitt's Creek offered a refreshing portrayal of a pansexual character, and emphasized the importance of accepting and celebrating love in all its forms. Over the course of the series, David and Patrick develop a deep and loving relationship. Their romance begins as a friendship and blossoms into a committed partnership. They face various challenges together, including dealing with their families, navigating their business, and overcoming personal insecurities. The show portrays their relationship with warmth, humor, and authenticity. The series portrays their love story with the same care and attention given to any other romantic storyline, avoiding common stereotypes and clichés often associated with LGBTQIA+ relationships on screen.

The Revolution Will Be Televised

There you have it, ten of our favorite LGBTQIA+ television characters. These LGBTQIA+ characters have made a lasting impact on the landscape of television and film, helping to pave the way for future representation and inspiring countless viewers along the way. Who did we miss on our list? How many of these shows are you about to binge? Let us know on Instagram! Q