Although Hollywood still has a very long way to go before there is full and accurate representation of people in the LGBT community, there are shows and films out there that seek to break the pattern of mainstream exclusion and tell the stories that don’t get told. These are the In A Heartbeat's, the Queer As Folk's of the world, showing the slice-of-life depictions that showcase different struggles and triumphs that are interwoven into queer culture. And even more narratives are being created thanks to the next generation of creators and artists!
Content in this particular sector still remains "indie" in the eyes of the industry, but they are working miracles to help to normalize the complexities of LGBT life and spotlight non-traditional storytelling!
1. EastSiders (Season 3)
Reaching notoriety across multiple platforms (including Netflix prominence and Emmy nominations) Kit Williamson and John Halbach’s EastSiders is a cult classic and something likened to a new age Queer As Folk. The dark comedy examines infidelity and fluid relationships, following the millennial couple Cal and Thom. The forthcoming third installment of the series takes the central characters on a road trip of self discovery across the US.
"Season two of EastSiders left Cal and Thom determined to make things work, despite some confusing developments in their newly monogomish relationship," says Williamson. "I wanted to write a story about a gay couple that didn't conform to the stereotypes we're used to seeing—both the positive and negative."
This show is excellently executed with revelations peppered throughout its storytelling, making for a great binge watch.
2. Carol Support Group
Addiction. Lesbian Romance. Fur coats? These are the foundations of the satirical short Carol Support Group, based on 2015 film with Cate Blanchett. The film inspired a vast cult like admiration, paving the way for this particular story to be born. Director Allison Tate describes the film as "mutiny in a support group of people addicted to the film Carol." Tate, who herself is a "Carol-holic," set out to depict the earnest fandom surrounding the Blanchett film, and tell the story of what happens when LGBT-themed movies become part of mainstream culture. In short, we all lose our minds with excitement and pride for representation.
"Carol Support Group is as much a love letter to fans as it is to the film. Making my film taught me to be proud of my passion and share it with the world. Like Carol, I won’t live against my grain and I hope to inspire others to share their love with the world."
3. Unicornland
"It's about a woman who dates couples to learn to love again after her divorce," says creator Lucy Gillespie in an interview with Self-Care With Writers. Unicornland is a vastly entertaining series promoting sex positivity found in the fluidity of hookup culture. The collection of polyamory-themed stories that change the trajectory of each episode are all based on real events in Gillespie's former marriage and experiences compiled from close friends. Gillespie uses these devices to help the lead character Annie re-discover love in her hilarious and poignant re-invention.
4. Twenty
Our lives are a messy collection of events while growing up, as we aim to find purpose and establish our futures. Tackling this ambitious whirlwind, Lily Richard’s Twenty lampoons the complexities of interpersonal relationships and lesbian life in your twenties. With its dry humor and heart, this millennial coming of age story is brutally honest and relatable, which seems to have been the goal for the creative team.
"My goal for Twenty is to open a doorway for comedies that are relatable to everyone while highlighting the experience of LGBT women in today's world."
While there is emphasis on romantic relationships, it is truly set on the inclusion of our friend apparatus and how getting through your early twenties isn't an easy ride without that support system.
