Coming-of-age films can remind us of the best and the worst of times about growing up and getting older. Sometimes, things work out great, and other times, life has other plans.
Here’s a list of 15 coming-of-age movies that feature gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or otherwise queer protagonists who are still in their teens and just trying to figure it all out.
15. The Way He Looks
Two boys discover their sexuality in this incredibly sweet coming-of-age tale from Brazil Leonardo is a blind teenager who is craving his independence. His life is turned upside down when Gabriel enters his life. At first, Leo's best friend Giovana is interested in pursuing a romance with Gabriel, but instead, the two boys slowly become closer unexpected romance blossoms between them.
14. Three Months (2022)
Paramount+
Caleb, played by Australian pop star Troye Sivan, is a South Florida teen who likes the simple things: His weed, his camera, and his grandma. The night before his high school graduation, however, he discovers he’s been exposed to HIV. He spends the following summer finding love in unexpected places as he waits for his results.
13. Cruel Intentions (1999)
Sony
My, my, Cruel Intentions is one saucy coming-of-age film. This movie, which features an iconic lesbian kiss between Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair, was sexy, diabolical, and downright delicious fun. The film is also based on a French epistolary novel called Les Liaison dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, originally published in four volumes in 1782, in which two “amoral lovers-turned-rivals who amuse themselves by ruining others and who ultimately destroy each other.”
12. Crush (2022)
Hulu
High school crushes are hard, and when aspiring artist Paige joins her high school track team to impress her crush, she gets more than she bargained for when the coach assigns her a partner, A.J., and she finds out what true love feels like. This Hulu original examines the difference between love and a little crush from a high schooler’s perspective with witty and snappy dialogue.
11. My First Summer
Noise & Light
After her mother’s death, 16-year-old Claudia isolates herself and hides away on a remote property. Grace, a local teen, appears in her garden, and the two find a much needed love and support in each other. Hailed as an “outstanding debut” from writer/director Katie Found, the romance between Claudia and Grace is sensitive, sweet, and uplifting all at the same time.
10. Booksmart (2019)
In this raunchy comedy, Amy and Molly hope to make up for their time spent focused on school with one wild night of partying before graduation. Unlike many of the other movies on this list, Booksmart treats Amy's sexuality as matter-of-fact as she spends the film pursuing a girl she has a crush on. Filled to the brim with zany characters and delivering one quotable line after another, it's one of the most distinct high school comedies to be released in the 2010s. The friendship between the two leads is at the heart of the movie though, and their chemistry is what makes this a modern teen classic.
9. My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Gus Van Sant's cult classic is widely regarded as a landmark in queer cinema of the late twentieth century. The film features electric performances from River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, as it follows Mike and Scott as they embark on a search for Mike's mother, learning about one another along the way. It's a touching and at times brutally honest tale of transitioning from one phase of life to another and it doesn't pull any of its narrative punches. Though its Shakesphere-inspired story is relatively tame by today's standards, its subject matter and style were innovative at the time and opened the door for several later films on this list.
8. Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Hilary Swank won an Oscar for her portrayal of real-life transgender man Brandon Teena in this retelling of the final months of his life. When he befriends Lana, the two fall in love despite the extreme bigotry surrounding them. Notably, it was one of the first films with a transgender protagonist to reach a mainstream audience and find box office success. It succeeds by portraying Brandon not as a token trans character, but as a fleshed-out one with his own wants, needs, and characteristics. It's a rough film, and some elements of it may not have aged very well, but that doesn't erase its place in LGBTQ+ film history.
7. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
Clocking in at three hours, Blue Is the Warmest Color is certainly a slow burn, but one that cares about and revels in its central characters. The movie centers on the young love between the young Adele and the artistic blue-haired Emma. Director Abdellatif Kechiche places the audience right in the center of the whirlwind romance with stunning visuals to highlight the emotional depths the film dives into. It manages to be a gorgeously sincere look at two young girls in love while never feeling overly sentimental. The fervency between the two leads is palpable as the radiant performances and superb cinematography work together to craft an utterly unique vision.
6. Mysterious Skin (2004)
Mysterious Skin tells the parallel story of UFO enthusiast Brian and teenage gay call boy Neil who share a painful event from the past. The two deal with their trauma in vastly different ways as Brian attempts to find the truth in alien abduction theories and Neil tries to find fulfillment in New York. Although it's a particularly harrowing film, it treats its themes and content with the greatest care, crafting a beautiful and ultimately uplifting story. Featuring a marvelous early career performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it's a hidden gem that's hard to watch but truly thought-provoking.
5. God's Own Country (2017)
This British indie flew under the radar when it premiered in 2017, which is a shame since it's one of the year's best films. It tells the story of Johnny, a depressed alcoholic farmhand who begins to rethink his life when he meets and begins to fall for Jorge. A poignant romance wrapped up in a gritty setting, this juxtaposition sets the stage for the raw passion of the leads' relationship as it develops over the course of the film. Despite the muddy backdrop, it's ultimately a story of learning how to love oneself, as well as another, and the beauty, is hidden underneath the muck.
4. Pariah (2011)
A deeply personal film, Pariah is writer/director Dee Rees's semi-autobiographical story of self-discovery. Alike is a young poet who has recently come to terms with her attraction to women and her preference to present herself androgynously. While she has supportive friends, her parents struggle with her changing identity. It presents familiar themes in a fresh way as Alike juggles her true self with her relationship with her family. That said, every character is written and played with a degree of empathy, never outright villainizing her parents for their views and helping us to understand how difficult Alike's struggle is. Equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, Pariah manages to tap into the most human elements of coming out.
3. Love, Simon (2018)
When Love, Simon debuted in 2018, it was the first film from a major Hollywood studio to focus on gay teen romance and it made quite a splash. Simon is a secretly gay high school student who finds solace in a pen pal named Blue. The two come out to each other and Simon begins to have feelings for him even though he has no idea who he's talking to. It manages to tap into the anxieties of coming out with more than enough charm, humor, and sincerity to go around. Just as groundbreaking as it is heartwarming, Love, Simon is one of the most important LGBTQ+ movies of the 2010s.
2. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Based on André Aciman's novel by the same name, Call Me by Your Name follows seventeen-year-old Elio over a single summer in Italy. He falls for the artistic grad student Oliver and the two begin to bond and eventually have a passionate summer fling. Despite telling an admittedly simple story, the emotions are raw and true and Timothée Chalamet's phenomenal performance is a masterpiece unto itself. Director Luca Guadagnino captures the frenzied intimacy of first love with gusto with every shot more evocative than the last. The movie lives and breathes as it follows Elio on his journey and it will stay with you long after your first viewing.
1. Moonlight (2016)
As the first Best Picture winner to feature LGBTQ+ themes, Barry Jenkins' dazzling portrait of a young man growing up black and gay was the only choice for our top spot. It depicts the life of Chiron as he comes to terms with who he is in three parts as a youth, as a teen, and as an adult. Loaded with themes of race, sexuality, and identity, Moonlight reaches a depth that many films attempt but few are able to achieve. With a compelling hero and a singularly brilliant vision, it is a movie that transcends the life it portrays and is surely one we will be talking about for a long time to come.
lev radi/Shutterstock; Fred Duval/Shutterstock; KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images
It's always a good time to take a moment to shout out celebrity moms who've supported their LGBT kids through the years! Many of these moms have taken their position in the public eye to set amazing examples of love, support, and respect, and we hope their messages have been heard loud and clear by anyone looking for a role model. From Cher to Sally Field to Sade, there are a ton of amazing mothers out there who are supporting their queer kids, even in the face of public backlash.
So, let's take a look at all of the fantastic celeb moms out there who love their kids no matter what!
Tori Spelling and step-son Jack McDermott
Michael Bezjian/WireImage for Silver Spoon
Beverley Hills 90210 star Tori Spelling first met Jack McDermott when he was only seven years old, and she had started dating his dad Dean McDermott. The two had a rocky relationship, but when he came out of the closet a decade later, they became close. “And, then he came out. I was so proud of his confidence. He was who he was and he was proud of it. And, then we bonded again. We found each other on a new level with a whole new respect for each other,” Spelling wrote on Instagram, according to People.
Cher and son Chaz Bono
Chaz Bono has been very open about his transition to the media since the late 2000s, and Cher has made her feelings throughout the process public as well. Though she originally struggled with Chaz's identity, she's now a very supportive ally and loving parent. As she explained to Britain's Sunday Times, "For the people who don’t understand it I try to help them understand, by saying, you know, ‘I just love being a woman so much, but if I woke up tomorrow and I was a man I couldn’t function. And that’s the only way to describe it to someone who doesn’t understand."
We hope her words continue to reach a wide range of folks who need to hear this!
Sally Field and son Sam Greisman
Longtime ally and supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, Sally Field wrote a lengthy essay describing her son's experience coming into his own as a gay man, and how important being a part of that experience was to her.
"One of the great privileges of my life to have been allowed to be a part of Sam's journey," she wrote in the 2014 essay against "License to Discriminate" bills. Her words are beyond touching and she continues to be an amazing ally today!
Sade and son Izaak Theo Adu
David Livingston/WireImage/Getty; Emma McIntyre/Getty
Nigerian-British singer Sade’s son Izaak Theo Adu has publicly thanked his mom for her support after he came out as transgender in 2016 and had gender-confirmation surgery in 2019. Now, Sade is set to release her first new song since 2018in honor of her son and has dedicated the album to transgender awareness. The new album Transa, comes out on November 22 and will feature trans and nonbinary artists like Sam Smith, Hunter Schafer, and Clairo, The Advocate reports.
Jamie Lee Curtis and daughter Ruby Guest
Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has always been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+, and that didn’t change when her child Ruby came out as trans. Curtis and her husband, Christopher Guest, have both been supportive of Ruby since her transition. In fact, Curtis dedicated the Best Supporting Actress Oscar she won for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once to Ruby.
“There is no debate to argue here,” she said on the Today show after she snagged her Oscar, GLAAD reported. “Trans people have been here forever and aren’t going anywhere. There is no ideology here. It’s simple. Trans rights are human rights. Anything stating the contrary is wrong.”
Gabrielle Union and stepdaughter Zaya
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Actress Gabrielle Union’s stepdaughter Zaya came out publicly as transgender back in 2012, and she has been a fierce supporter ever since. When Zaya came out to her parents, Union felt unprepared, so she contacted people on social media to learn more. ”We want to make sure [our kids] feel strong and supported and free to be exactly who they are,” she told People.
Cynthia Nixon and son Samuel Joseph Mozes
a Katz/Shutterstock
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon, who is queer herself and married to a woman, has always been a supportive mom to her son, and that didn’t change when he came out as trans while he was attending the University of Chicago. Back in2018, Nixon took to Instagram to post a message congratulating her son on graduation from college and to celebrate the 14th annual Trans Day of Action.
“I’m so proud of my son Samuel Joseph Mozes (called Seph) who graduated college this month,” she captioned the post. “I salute him and everyone else marking today’s #TransDayOfAction.”
She has also been outspoken in her criticism of J.K Rowling’s anti-trans bigotry and called out then-Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo for not doing more to protect the trans community from discrimination, The Advocate reported.
Busy Philipps and child Birdie
KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images
Girls5eva actress Busy Philipps has been incredibly supportive of her oldest child, Birdie, as she explores gender and sexuality. Birdie came out as gay in 2021 when she was 12 and publicly announced that she would be using they/them pronouns, but then in 2023, Birdie switched to using she/her. Through it all, Philipps has been in her corner. According to PageSix, in 2021, she even stood up for gender-affirming healthcare be saying that “what’s so incredible about what gender-affirming care can be. That you allow kids to figure out who they are.”
Marcia Gay Harden and kids Hudson, Eulala, and Julitta
Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Actress Marcia Gay Hardin became an LGBTQ+ activist because of three kids. Eulala is nonbinary, Hudson is gay, and his twin, Julitta, is fluid. In fact, in 2023, she participated in the Drag isn’t Dangerous telethon, where she expressed how much her kids have taught her about gender.“I was already learning a lot about the gay community, but at the time, we spoke more about gay community rather than queer community,” Harden said, according to The Advocate. “And I think now the kids talk a lot about the queer community, and it’s much more expansive. It’s much more gender nonconforming. It’s much more embracing, actually. … I’m learning on a daily basis about that from all of the kids.”
Cynthia Bailey and daughter Noelle Robinson
Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Images
Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey's daughter, Noelle Robinson, came out as sexually fluid on a 2019 episode of the reality TV show. Bailey was taken by surprise when Noelle made her sexuality public but has been incredibly supportive ever since. "Of all the things that I've shown on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, that probably was one of my proudest moments because I knew that if it took what it took for my child to come out and talk about being gay openly, I can't imagine all the other kids out there that felt afraid to talk to their parents about it," Bailey said on an Instagram Live panel, People reported.
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino took to Instagram on October 22 to announce that her son Miles had come out trans. Miles, who was 14 at the time, had been transitioning in private but finally felt comfortable with his mom sharing the information. Bellino posted a long, heartfelt message about how happy her son has been since transitioning. “I cannot imagine the strength and courage it took for my baby to do this, but I’m extremely proud of him and I want everyone to understand that love doesn’t change in these situations. It’s unconditional love,” she wrote. "Miles came out as a transgender boy to me over 16 months ago. He hid it from everyone else for a while, but eventually he got to where we are right now. TO HIS FREEDOM! My son has now flourished!!”
Heather Dubrow and daughters Max and Kat and son Ace
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Heather Dubrow is the ultimate supportive mom. She has been there for her daughters Max and Kate, who came out as bisexual and as a lesbian, respectively. Then, in March 2023, she announced on Instagram that her youngest son, Ace, is transgender. "We've got four kids, they are different genders, different sexualities, and all at interesting places in their lives, figuring out who they are and where they belong as humans," Dubrow told People.
Barbra Streisand and son Jason Gould
Barbra and her son Jason, who is gay, are so close they even recorded a duet together in 2014! For some ultra Mother's Day charm, check out this video where she describes her first duet with her baby boy, how she descovered his singing talent, and how adorable/mega-talented they are when they sing "How Deep Is the Ocean" together.
Marie Osmond and daughter Jessica Blosil
Mary Osmond is a practicing Mormon, and her religious beliefs do not get in the way of being a very supportive mom to her openly gay daughter Jessica. "I think that my daughter deserves everything that she desires in life," she stated in an interview with Diane Sawyer, according to Huffington Post, "She’s a good girl. She’s a wonderful child. I don’t think God made one color flower. I think He made many.”
Beautifully said, Marie!
Anne Rice and son Christopher Rice
You know Anne Rice as the wildly successful author of Interview With a Vampire, but she's also the proud mom of gay son Christopher, who's also an author! Anne is a fierce supporter of the LGBT community, whose post against hate speech after Ellen Page came out picked up lots of Facebook traction. "I have banned many from the page today," the post declares, "I will no longer tolerate hate speech in the guise of Christian belief with the usual irresponsible pick and choose bible quotes and talk of "sin" and hellfire." Damn right!
Gloria Vanderbilt and son Anderson Cooper
Fun fact! Anderson Cooper is indeed fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt's son, and they get along as famously as they both are!
Cybill Shepherd and daughters Clementine Ford and Ariel Oppehnheim
Cybill Shepherd hit the queer kid jackpot with daughters Clementine and Ariel, who identify as bisexual and lesbian respectively. The two ladies presented their mom with the "2010 Golden Gate Award" at the GLAAD Media Awards, showing that love and acceptance is quite literally celebrated in the family!
Ally Sheedy and Rebecca Lansbury
As the daughter of a lesbian mother and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ homeless youth, Ally was immediately respectful of her genderqueer daughter Rebecca's identity. "It's difficult for me to understand a family member judging or not loving or accepting another family member because they are gay,"Ally said in an interview with the Windy City Times, "It's like when a member of the family marries someone who is of another race or religion. It's just not an issue for me."
Annette Bening and son Stephen Ira Beatty
Annette Bening and Warren Beatty's son Stephen is a gay trans writer, poet, and activist who's has also posted in-depth about his experience and identity on YouTube (you can check out one of his videos here). Though his celebrity parents aren't very vocal about his transition, he insists that they "are doing great" in a tweet from 2015.
Alice Walker and daughter Rebecca Walker
The Color Purple author and feminist Alice Walker (who is queer) and her bisexual daughter Rebecca certainly have a complicated relationship, but at least this lengthy and very personal essay Rebecca once wrote about their turbulent (to say the least) experience as mother and daughter ends in the hope that they are one day able to reconcile. We hope they can too!
Kim Basinger and daughter Ireland Baldwin
Ireland Baldwin, daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, also doesn't identify her sexuality specifically, but was recently in a relationship with musician ROES (formerly Angel Haze; the two have since split). Her parents certainly seem to embrace her identity, and she's been one to celebrate her Oscar award-winning mom's success on Instagram. Nothing like some public family love!
Trish Cyrus and her daughter Miley
Miley Cyrus, who identifies as pansexual, and her mom Tish are very close buddies. Miley's also even posted a pic on Instagram celebrating her "hot" and "selfless" mom, because any day can be Mother's Day!
Vanna White and son Nikko Santo Pietro
Wheel of Fortune host and icon, Vanna White's son made headlines when he started dating a Hare Krishna monk in 2013. The wheel of life's fortune gave Vanna a queer son, and if this picture is any indicator, she's doing just fine with that news!
Belinda Carlisle and son James Duke Mason
Musician and The Gogos' lead singer Belinda Carlise has long been supportive of her son, gay writer and activist James Duke Mason. The two even did a PFLAG dialogue together where they shared personal stories about James' coming out and Belinda's reaction, and it's full of precious moments. We're so thrilled to see so many families supporting their LGBT kids, and we hope to see many more in the future!
Want to see your own high school experience reflected?
MGM; STX Entertainment; Vertical Entertainment; Prime Video
High School is such an intense time — especially for queer kids. You learn so much about who you are and experience so many firsts. Some kids spend that time in the closet, while a lucky few are free to be out and proud. But no matter what it's a time of growth and first experiences. Whether that's first love, profound or even toxic friendships, heartbreaks, or simply discovering who it is you're meant to me.So, it's also incredibly powerful and affirming to see these life experiences — and aspirational experiences — reflected on the big screen.
Whether you’re trying to make it through high school, or you just want to reflect on the time of your life (you wouldn’t return to if someone paid you) these 20 movies about being an LGBTQ+ teenager are must-see.
Crush
Hulu
This sweet high school rom-com features actors Rowan Blanchard and Auli'i Cravalho who are star-crossed lovers who find a surprising romance when they have to work together as partners on their track team. It may be your standard rivals-to-lovers rom-com scenario but the sapphic twist plus their on-screen chemistry makes it's a charming delight.
While we'd all love to look back at our high school years and think we behaved well, oftentimes we, well, weren't. Do Revenge —which is inspired by other beloved, classic teen movies like Mean Girls and Heathers — sees queen-bee Drea Torres (Camila Mendes) teaming up with outcast, lesbian Eleanor Levetan (Maya Hawke) to "do revenge" against classmates who wronged them. This film is not only a cathartic story of anti-heroes it offers a unique twist on the trope of the "predatory lesbian." It's clever and just a little mean in the best way.
Alex Truelove has it all figured out. He's got a great school life and girlfriend and is looking forward to his future. Then everything gets complicated and messy when Elliot enters his life. A charming gay kid Elliot awakens something in Alex that forces him to confront his own identity. Many a queer kid can relate to that first queer awakening moment when you just know. This take on that tale is sweet, hilarious, and moving.
This satirical cult classic follows Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne), a high school cheerleader who is sent to a residential conversion camp to cure her lesbianism. At the camp, Megan falls in love with Graham (Clea Duvall) and embraces her sexual orientation. There's a reason that 25 years later this movie remains a lesbian favorite. The chemistry between Duvall and Lyonne is palpable, and its message of queer joy and embracing yourself fully hits just as hard today.
Plus, the supporting cast includes forever fan faves including Melanie Lynskey, and RuPaul as the “ex-gay” Mike. The amazing soundtrack, camp set design, and awesome performances make this a must-see high school comedy.
Obviously the original is a classic and queer inclusive, but the 2024 musical update is gay, gay, gay thanks to Auli'i Cravalho's out and proud take on Janis, Jaquel Spivey's scene stealing performance as Damaian and queen of the Sapphic's Reneé Rapp's turn as Regina George. Gays embraced the original, but this musical remake embraced us back!
In this 2013 comedy, three high school cliques led by Fawcett (PLL’s Sasha Pieterse), Caprice (Xosha Roquemore), and ‘Shley (Andrea Bowen) are at war. When Tanner (Michael J. Willett) is outed, he finds himself cast as a potential Gay Best Friend to the clique queens, who force Tanner to choose between popularity or true friends. Natasha Lyonne appears in a supporting role as a teacher, Ms. Hoegel.
Talk about wish fulfillment in the movie! What queer kid in small-town America wouldn't want Broadway stars to descend on their hometown and turn it into a musical in support of their gay love? But seriously, this one from producer and director Ryan Murphy is so cute and features an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Ariana DeBose, and Tracy Ullman.
The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love
Fine Line Features
Before starring in The L Word as Tina Kennard, Laurel Holloman played 17-year-old Randy in this 1995 romantic drama. Randy is mocked by other students for her tomboyish appearance, works at a gas station, and lives with her lesbian aunt Rebecca and her girlfriend. Evie (Nicole Ari Parker) stops by in a Range Rover to get her tires serviced, and Randy recognizes her from school and talks to her. Evie lives with her cultured well-off mother, but despite their different circumstances, they fall in love. This movie was not only groundbreaking at the time, but still remains one of the sweetest sapphic love stories set to celluloid.
Oof prom date drama, am I right? Jess and Hannah promised each other that they would have the PERFECT prom and everything was on track until the day before the big night they both get dumped. They have 24 hours to get their dream formal back on track. This funny and charming film is the answer to the '90s high school comedies once soley the domain of straight teens.
Where to watch: Hulu
Anything's Possible
Prime Video
Based on a true story, this unbelievably sweet film stars trans actress Eva Reign as a trans high schooler named Kelsa experiencing her first love story with cutie classmate Khal. This film marked Billy Porter's directorial debut and is an exercise in pure trans joy. While it may not be your cookie-cutter rom-com with the standard ending, it's poignant, hopeful, and honest in a way few films of this genre are. It's a genuine delight.
After all who amongst us hasn't tried starting an underground fight club to try and get laid by the cheerleaders? But in all seriousness, this film stands out not only for its excellent casting of Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebri in its lead roles (also lest we forget Nicholas Galitzine as a total himbo jock), but it lets them be bad, horny, and lovable all at the same time.
This 2014 drama tells the story of Randy Rousseau, a gay teen in a small Baptist town. His younger sister has been missing for years, and his family feels like it’s unraveling. Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington star as Randy’s parents. This film stands out from the pack for bringing how complicated it can be to be queer in a religious setting. Sadly plenty of queer teens can relate all too well to Randy's struggles.
Where to watch: Not currently available
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Summit Enertainment
This 2014 coming-of-age drama based on the Stephen Chbosky novel of the same name follows Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is struggling with depression and uneasy about starting high school. Two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson), and her gay stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller) take him under their wing. This film really highlights the power of finding a chosen family, and that you're never too young to find your tribe.
This 2011 drama written and directed by Dee Rees follows 17-year-old Alike (Adepero Oduye) who slowly comes to terms with her identity as a butch lesbian and eventually comes out to her unaccepting parents. If you've ever felt like an outsider in your community or your family it's impossible not to connect to Alike's journey to empowerment.
This 2014 Brazilian romantic drama follows Leonardo, a blind high school student who struggles with independence and falls in love with a new student named Gabriel. This movie serves as a much-needed, and sadly rare, exploration of queerness and disability.
This comedy-drama based on the Brent Hartinger novel of the same name follows 16-year-old Russell (Cameron Deane Stewart), who is going on dates with girls while having a secret relationship with football quarterback Kevin, and will do anything to keep his secret from his teammates. He falls in with other LGBTQ+ students who form a secret support group that they call the Geography Club.
This 2006 comedy is set in 1980s Europe at an international high school and follows gay student Chance Marquis who is bullied for his sexual orientation. When he discovers self-expression through drag, he realizes the only way he’ll ever fit in is by standing out. Drag artists frequently share stories of how drag saved their lives, so it's importatnt to see that story represented in film.
This 1998 high school dramedy is set in Sandusky, Ohio in 1984. Eric is an Eurythmics-obsessed teenager who is coming to terms with his sexual orientation, and dreams of moving to New York after graduation. While thankfully stories of queer joy are becoming more common, when this film was released that was not necessarily the case. So it was a breath of fresh air to see a gay coming-of-age tale that leans into the joy — and awkwardness — of becoming the queer person you were meant to be.
The 2018 film (based off of Becky Albertalli's young adult novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) follows the story of typical, suburban high school senior Simon Spier as he tries to navigate life after being blackmailed and threatened with outing by one of his classmates while also trying to figure out the identity of his anonymous, romantic, online pen pal named Blue.
Although there are serious themes and instances of casual homophobia throughout the movie, like most teen rom-coms, the ending is really sweet and gives the audience a feeling of hope for the titular character and his life as a newly-out, gay man.
Olivia Wilde's 2019 feature directorial debut, Booksmart is a hilarious coming-of-age film that stars IRL queer actress/Lady Bird star Beanie Feldstein and Unbelievable's Kaitlyn Dever as smart-as-hell high school seniors Molly and Amy as they try to live it up on their last night as high schoolers. One of the storylines in the film centers around Amy (Dever), an out lesbian, trying to muster up the courage to tell her crush she likes her. Genuinely funny and heartfelt Booksmart is arguably one of the best films about friendship and queerness, ever.
A British film based on a play of the same name follows a teen who realizes he’s gay after he falls for a male classmate. The two boys discover each other and their sexualities to a soundtrack of Cass Elliot and The Mamas and the Papas. This marked another one of the early, and still rare examples of queer stories with an optimistic and joyful approach.
'Danger Force' isn't the only children's series with representation for LGBTQ+ couples!
Cartoon Network, Disney+, Netflix
Representation is becoming more and more commonplace (finally!), and queer couples are getting more normalized across television networks. Here are 20 shows that feature some of our fave LGBTQ+ couples ever to hit the small screen!
Ada Twist, Scientist, Sensei Dave and Jiu Jitsu Joe
Netflix
In Netflix's Ada Twist, Scientist, the eleventh episode of season 4 follows the marriage of Sensei Dave (George Takei) and Jiu Jitsu Joe (Guillermo Diaz). The couple is perhaps a little more romantic than the bulk of other same-sex couples in kids shows, but they are just too cute to pass up on.
The Owl House, Amity & Luz
The latest Disney Channel original animated series officially confirmed the queerness of its lead character (a history-making first for the network!) when it was revealed that Amity (Mae Whitman) has a crush on Luz (Sarah-Nicole Robles), and although the show only hinted at a possible relationship between the two, that didn't stop the show's many stans from immediately loving and shipping the two together!
Amazon's 2020 reboot of the beloved Clifford the Big Red Dog introduced the recurring lesbian moms of Samantha, credited only as "Dr. Mulberry" and "Ms. Mulberry" in season one. Of course, this sent conservative pundits into a hissy fit, but can any of us say we're surprised?
CoComelon Lane
Netflix
Another Netflix show that ruffled some conservative feathers was CoComelon Lane, the spinoff of CoComelon, which featured two gay dads singing to their gay son about being whoever he wants and not worrying what everyone else says.
Chip and Potato, Roy and Ray Razzle
Netflix
Netflix’s Chip and Potato brought along zebra couple Roy and Ray Razzle in the second season, when the couple moves in with their twin babies, Ron and Ruby. They join the cast of Chip, an adorable pug learning about life alongside her friend Potato, a mouse who secretly lives in her pocket and serves confidence boosts.
The Bravest Knight, Sir Cedric and Prince Andrew
Hulu
Hulu’s The Bravest Knight, based on a book by Daniel Errico, who also serves as a producer on the show, chronicles the life of Sir Cedirc, a pumpkin farmer turned knight, and his husband, Prince Andrew. Cedric shares their life story to their adopted daughter, Nia, and this heartwarming show is pivotal in a time when diversity is met with such divisiveness.
Modern Family, Cam and Mitchell
ABC/Hulu
Although Modern Family comes with a TV-14 rating, this sitcom has done wonders for representation with gay couple Cam and Mitchell, who were among the first gay main characters on a network sitcom. They represent a more, well, modern depiction of life, and some of their storylines are the best the series has to offer.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Bow's Dads
During the second season of Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, it was revealed that Bow, one of Adora's best friends, has two dads! We already knew She-Ra was queer AF, but seeing two loving, openly gay parents on a popular animated show made our hearts swell!
Cartoon Network's groundbreaking title Steven Universe made history with Ruby and Sapphire, the lesbian couple that brought about the first same-sex proposal and same-sex wedding on a mainstream children's show.
Clarence, Jeff's Moms
Cartoon Network has tons and tons of queer rep, and their show Clarence (from the same creators of Adventure Time) is no exception! The show's titular character Clarence has a best friend named Jeff who has two moms! And Jeff's mom are often incorporated into many of the friends' adventures!
Gravity Falls, Sheriff Blubs & Deputy Durland
Disney Channel's hilarious Gravity Falls confirmed back in 2016 that two of its funniest characters, Sheriff Blubs and Deputy Durland, were a couple. During the finale episode, the two said they were "mad with power...and love!" and hearts everywhere burst with joy!
The Loud House, Clyde's Dads Harold and Howard McBride
Back in 2016, Nickelodeon's The Loud House introduced viewers to interracial, same-sex couple Harold and Howard McBride to their character lineup, making them the first same-sex couple in the network's history.
While it was literally only revealed during the last minute of the last episode, Avatar: The Last Airbender sequel series The Legend of Korra broke ground by featuring a queer main character, Korra, and her rival turned friend turned love interest Asami.
Good Luck Charlie, Taylor's Moms Susan & Cheryl
The Disney Channel show caused quite a wave in 2014 when they featured lesbian moms Susan & Cheryl in their penultimate episode!
DuckTales, Violet's Dads
In an April 2020 episode of Disney XD's DuckTales reboot, it's revealed that a character named Violet has two adorable dads! When we meet them for the first time, they're both wearing shirts that read, "I'm With Dad" with arrows pointing at each other.
The episode, "Say My Name," is a little complicated (it involves a jailbreak and a mistaken identity for a villain named The Toddler), but essentially, a team of kid superheroes-in-training help reunite a lost child named Ellis who just so happens to have two dads!
"As a gay man who grew up with no visible role models of gay relationships in my community or entertainment content, I am grateful that this representation is happening on Nickelodeon, moved by the difference that it is surely making in the minds and hearts of children, and grateful to have been a part of this slow but important change," Dickie told PRIDE. "Thank you for caring and for making a socially conscious choice, Nick."
High school can be tough, especially when you're closeted, but these seven things can make getting through it a little easier.
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I went to high school in a conservative suburb in Ohio. Coming out never really seemed like an option, even when it felt like everyone knew anyway. I knew my parents and closest friends wouldn’t care, but many of my classmates and several teachers made their negative feelings about LGBTQ+ people clear, and it was more practical for me to ride out four years in the closet than to deal with bigotry from people who didn’t even matter to me.
There are a lot of reasons to stay in the closet in high school. It doesn’t mean you’re not brave. You have no obligation to fight on behalf of all LGBTQ+ people when you’re in a vulnerable position. If you want to come out, come out. If you don’t, don’t. It’s a decision we all should be able to make in our own time.
In the meantime, while you’re trying to get through high school, here are seven ways to make surviving in the closet a little easier!
Find your tribe
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There are other people out there who identify the way you do, and there’s a lot you can learn from them. There’s also a lot you can do to support each other, and sometimes that’s more than enough. High school is hard to navigate as it is, and it can be difficult to remember that everyone is going through something. Bullies bully because they’re hurting, and homophobes exist because they’re often hiding aspects of themselves that they’re too afraid to show. Find the people who love and support you, no matter what, and stick with them.
Do something you enjoy
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Are you an artsy/creative type working on a book/TV show/musical/instrument etc? Or maybe a science fan looking for the next big cure? Even though we’re so much younger than we even realize in high school, it’s still the perfect time to dream big and give yourself some ambition. If you’re struggling, this can be especially useful, as it always gives you something to continue working for. Find something that brings you joy and let that passion guide you.
If you have access to a therapist, get one
Not everyone will have access to a therapist in high school, but if there’s any way to see one, do it. Health insurance and parents who are anti-therapy can be prohibitive, so you may have to research LGBTQ mental health resources on your own. You don’t have to feel overwhelmingly depressed or anxious to benefit from a weekly conversation with a mental health professional. You don’t have to tell your parents you’re LGBTQ either. You might ask them to let you see a therapist to help you with time management before you go to college. Or to help with anxiety about social situations so you can be more outgoing at school. Or to help you cope with the loss of a pet or a family member. Don’t feel guilty about using the line you think will work.
The great thing about having a therapist when you’re in the closet is a little thing called HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which guarantees you confidentiality as long as your therapist isn’t concerned that you have a plan to harm yourself or others. That means you can talk to your therapist about your gender or sexual orientation without worrying that they’ll tell your parents.
Connect to other LGBTQ+ teens online
Social networking sites and blogs can be a great place to find other LGBTQ+ teens who are going through the same thing you are. You can remain more anonymous by using a separate email account and a different username. Use internet safety common sense—don’t meet up with people alone or who can’t provide some proof of who they are, don’t give out your address or the name of your school, and cut off anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or who demands something you’ve already said no to. Monitored sites like TrevorSpace are a safer option.
Avoid students who say negative things about LGBTQ+ people
While laughing at gay jokes might be one way to throw people off the trail, it definitely won’t do anything for your mental health. Surround yourself with friends who have positive or neutral views toward LGBTQ+ people, and avoid students who make derogatory comments. You don’t have to come out to your friends in high school, but just knowing that they would accept you if you did can impact the way you feel about yourself.
Take in as much LGBTQ+ media as you can
Sometimes you have very limited or controlled access to media, and going out to buy a book with LGBTQ+ characters or watching LGBTQ+ TV shows or movies just isn’t an option. But whenever possible—whether it’s reading articles online, hiding out in a corner of the library with a queer book, or downloading a movie or TV show where you can see someone like you represented—try to take in media that present LGBTQ+ people in a positive way. Remind yourself that there is a world outside your hometown and high school. There’s a world outside your parents’ house. And it’s not a perfect world, but it is full of LGBTQ+ people who are living their lives in just about every imaginable way.
Plan for the future
While the thought behind It Gets Better is nice, I always felt in high school (when it felt like nothing would ever get better) that it was a little condescending. Now I realize that when it does get better, it’s because we’re making it better. We’re choosing to go to colleges that support LGBTQ+ students, and when we get there we’re fighting for even more inclusion. When we can, we’re choosing to work for places where our sexual orientation or gender is a non-issue. We’re choosing to move to cities that have better LGBTQ+ policies and thriving communities. When older LGBTQ+ people say, "It gets better," they’re not saying everything will fall into place the second you move out of whatever podunk town you’re from. They’re saying that you’ll have more choices. That’s the part that gets better.
And yes, some people will always have more choices than other people. It gets better a lot faster if you have the money to go to college, or to move, or to turn down a job you’re not passionate about. It gets better faster if you have certain privileges. But while you’re still in high school, while you’re still in the closet, use that time to plan. Figure out what your challenges are going to be. Set small goals, and build up to goals that seemed impossible. Don’t spend all your time listening to Bright Eyes—or whatever all the sad kids are listening to these days—and crying in your room (like I did). Instead, figure out the life you want to have, figure out a few realistic backup plans that may not be quite as exciting but that you could live with, and then take the steps you need to take to ensure you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
It doesn’t get better all at once. Sometimes it gets better, and then it gets worse, and then it’s sort of okay and you’re kind of hanging on, and then it’s better again. But, the more you go through, the better you’ll get at dealing with the times when it gets worse. So, go ahead and be hopeful. Plan for the future you want. It might not happen exactly the way you want it to, but it sure as hell is going to be better than high school.
