The Best LGBTQ Shows on Netflix Right Now (June 2023)

From tears to laughter, this rainbow of shows has it all

LGBTQ shows on the Netflix streaming service have increased significantly in recent years, with many new series featuring strong gay, bi, lesbian, and trans main characters viewers can relate to and learn from. Best of all, these Netflix series cover a range of genres, finally delivering more representation to romance, drama, comedy, mystery, and sci-fi fans.

Here are some of the best lesbian, trans, bi, and gay shows on Netflix worth adding to your list.

01
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The Ultimatum: Queer Love (2023) — Love 'Em or Leave 'Em?

Contestants kiss in The Ultimatum: Queer Love
Netflix.

IMDb rating: 5.5/10

Genre: Reality TV

Starring: JoAnna Garcia Swisher

Created By: Chris Coelen

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

In this spin-off of the hit reality series The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, five LGBT couples come to a crossroads. One partner wants marriage, but the other is unsure, so it's time to put their relationships to the test.

It's hard to imagine a show like this existing 10 years ago. Since same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade, it feels long overdue.

02
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Grand Army (2020): A Sincere Portrait of Gen Zers

Maliq Johnson and Jaden Jordan in 'Grand Army.'

 Netflix

IDMb rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Drama

Starring: Odessa A’zion, Odley Jean, Amir Bageria 

Created By: Katie Cappiello

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

Grand Army is a teen drama that focuses on the lives of five high school students as they struggle with issues of sex, race, politics, and more. These problems are discussed by a talented cast of young actors, including Amir Bageria, who plays Sid, a Harvard-bound swimmer and the son of Indian immigrants struggling with his sexuality. While the show might be a little too gritty for some viewers, it's often sincere in portraying Gen Z life.

03
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Halston (2021): A Gorgeous Look at '70s Fashion

Ewan McGregor, David Pittu, and Krysta Rodriguez in 'Halston'

Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Biography, Drama

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Dayan, David Pittu

Created By: Daniel Minahan

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

This limited series dives into the life and career of American fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick. Known as just "Halston," he rose to international fame in the 1970s thanks to his minimalist designs. One of his most iconic creations is the pillbox hat Jacqueline Kennedy wore to her husband's presidential inauguration in 1961. Fashion fans will enjoy this peek into the '70s and '80s fashion industry. In contrast, everyone else will enjoy the gorgeous visuals and fun performances from Ewan McGregor and Krysta Rodriguez, who play Halston and actress Liza Minelli.

04
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My Unorthodox Life (2021): A Reality Series With a Unique Perspective

The cast of My Unorthodox Life

Netflix

IMDb rating: 5.4/10

Genre: Reality-TV

Starring: Julia Haart, Batsheva Haart, David Green

Created By: Julia Haart

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

Julia Haart is the CEO of Elite World Group, representing talent across the entertainment, fashion, and culture industries. She's also a former Orthodox Jew. This new reality TV series follows her and her family as they navigate work, dating, and more.

05
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AJ and the Queen (2020): Cutest Cross-Generation Gender Bending Comedy

RuPaul and Izzy G. in AJ and the Queen
Netflix.

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Starring: RuPaul, Izzy G., Michael-Leon Wooley

Created By: Michael Patrick King, RuPaul

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 2

Ruby Red (RuPaul) is ready to retire from drag performances, but after getting swindled out of her life savings, she has no choice but to go back on the road. Tagging along with her is AJ (Izzy G.), a streetwise kid with nowhere to else go.

AJ and the Queen is a heartwarming comedy that's appropriate for adults and older teens. Look out for cameos by contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race.

06
of 20

Feel Good (2020): A Relatable Show About Love and Addiction

Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie, and Simon-Anthony Rhoden in 'Feel Good.'

Objective Fiction

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Lisa Kudrow, Mae Martin, Charlotte Ritchie

Created By: Mae Martin and Joe Hampson

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

Feel Good is a charming if sometimes uncomfortable, British comedy/drama about a comedian and recovering addict named Mae (Mae Martin) and her relationship with a repressed woman named George (Charlotte Ritchie). Mae struggles with sobriety, while George struggles with coming out to her friends and family. Critics call the show "authentic," "bingeable," and "relatable."

07
of 20

Queer Eye (2018): The Emmy-Winning Reality Show Reboot

Karamo Brown, Ryan Dyer, Antoni Porowski, and Bobby Berk in 'Queer Eye' (2018)

Netflix

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Reality-TV

Starring: Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France

Created By: David Collins

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 7

The original Queer Eye went off the air about a decade ago, but Netflix has rebooted the reality-TV series. An all-new Fab Five travel the U.S. giving makeovers and general life advice to others. They often visit people with differing viewpoints, adding a layer of social commentary to the amazing style transformations. Now in its fifth season, it won a 2021 Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program.

08
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Grace and Frankie (2015): Best Depiction of an Older Gay Couple

Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen in 'Grace and Frankie'

Netflix

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sam Waterston, Martin Sheen

Created By: Marta Kauffman, Howard J. Morris

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 7

Grace and Frankie is a show about two women in their 70s who move in together when their husbands reveal they're gay and in a 20-year relationship. Sure, that premise sounds like a pure sitcom cliché. But there is much to like in this Netflix comedy, and one is the portrayal of Sol (Sam Waterston) and Robert's (Martin Sheen) relationship.

The idea that Sol and Robert want to live openly gay and get married is very relatable, but their happiness comes at their wives' expense, and the show's first season doesn't shy from that. Waterston and Sheen are iconic actors, and they make their characters' relationships–with themselves and their ex-wives–believable and complex.

09
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Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022)—Dark Comedy for LGBT Kids and Adults

The cast of Dead End: Paranormal Park

Netflix

IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure

Starring: Zach Barack, Kody Kavitha, Alex Brightman

Created By: Hamish Steele

Rating: TV-Y7

Seasons: 1

Teens Barney (Zach Barack) and Norma (Kody Kavitha) are eager to get summer jobs at a local theme park's haunted house. However, they start questioning their decision after learning that it's full of witches and demons.

The first kids' show to feature a transgender main character, Dead End: Paranormal Park, is inspired by the graphic novel series DeadEndia by Hamish Steele, who also writes the show.

10
of 20

First Kill (2022): A Blood Soaked Soap Opera With a Twist

The cast of First Kill on Netflix

Netflix

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Starring: Sarah Catherine Hook, Imani Lewis, Elizabeth Mitchell

Created By: V.E. Schwab

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

The world used to be simple. There were vampires and vampire hunters, and the two were immortal enemies. However, the script gets flipped when teen vampire Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook) falls for vampire huntress Calliope (Imani Lewis).

Fans of the gothic romance genre will surely sink their teeth into this exclusive series. Unfortunately, Netflix has announced that First Kill isn't returning for a second season, so savor every episode.

11
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Smiley (2022): Cutest Spanish Rom-Com

The cast of Smiley (2022)

Netflix

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Miki Esparbé, Carlos Cuevas, Brian McGovern

Created By: Guillem Clua

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

Leaving desperate voicemails for your ex is embarrassing enough, but it's even worse when you accidentally call the wrong person. Fortunately for Alex (Carlos Cuevas), his message is received by Bruno (Miki Esparbé), who is happy to meet up and hear him out.

Inspired by a Spanish play, Smiley is available to watch in English and Spanish.

12
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Heartstopper (2022): Most Adorably British High School Love Story

Joe Locke and Kit Connor in Heartstoppers

Netflix

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney

Created By: Alice Oseman

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 1

Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) run in different circles, so to fix that, Charlie joins the school's football team to get closer to his crush. Does Nick feel the same way about him, and will he admit it to the world?

Although not particularly original, Heartstopper is adorable, and it's a great example of a young adult LGBT love story done right.

13
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The Most Beautiful Flower (2022): Best Transgender Teen Role Model

Esmeralda Soto in The Most Beautiful Flower

Netflix

IMDb rating: 5.6/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Esmeralda Soto, Tyler Shamy, Ishbel Bautista

Created By: Fernanda Eguiarte, Michelle Rodríguez

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 1

Mich (Esmeralda Soto) certainly doesn't lack confidence. As the first day of high school begins, she vows to let her classmates, boyfriends, and family know how fabulous she is.

The Most Beautiful Flower is loosely based on the childhood of show creator Michelle Rodriguez. It is available in English and Spanish and has one of the best representations of a transgender teen on TV today.

14
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The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022): An Epic Witch Hunt

The cast of The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself

Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Jay Lycurgo, Nadia Parkes, Paul Ready

Created By: Joe Barton

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

The literal son of a witch, Nathan Byrne (Jay Lycurgo), is caught in the crossfire between the Blood Witches and the Fairborn Witches. To survive, he must master his powers and team up with others like himself.

Based on the British novel Half Bad, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself forefronts LGBT characters and relationships. The show has only one season, so you can easily binge the entire series on a weekend.

15
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The Andy Warhol Diaries (2022): Trippiest Modern Art Documentary

The Andy Warhol Diaries on Netflix

Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Documentary

Starring: Bill Irwin, Jeffrey Deitch, Jessica Beck

Created By: Ryan Murphy

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 1

In this docuseries, Andy Warhol (Bill Irwin) shares the story of his life and career. Whether you're a fan of his work or going in blind, The Andy Warhol Diaries is an audiovisual trip of epic proportions.

Based on Warhol's real-life diaries, this series is a loving tribute to the enigmatic artist. It paints an intentionally incomplete picture of a man whose legacy still resonates.

16
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Gameboys: Level Up Edition (2021)—Finding Love During a Pandemic Isn't Easy

Kokoy De Santos and Elijah Canlas in 'Gameboys: Level Up Edition'

TheIdeaFirst Company

IDMb rating: 8.7/10

Genre: Romance

Starring: Kokoy De Santos, Elijah Canlas

Created By: Jun Lana

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 1

Based on a popular Filipino web series, Gameboys is about two teens, Cairo and Gavreel, who engage in an online romance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cairo is a video game live streamer who loses to an admirer, Gavreel. When Cairo suggests a rematch, Gavreel asks for a date. While Cairo is hesitant, the two form a bond. Teen relationships are tough but even tougher online and during a global crisis. Whether or not the teens can make it work provides most of the drama in the series' first season.

17
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She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018): One of the Most Inclusive Animated Shows Around

Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power cartoon.

Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Animated, Action, Fantasy

Starring: Aimee Carrero, Marcus Scribner, Karen Fukuhara

Created By: Noelle Stevenson

Rating: TV-Y7

Seasons: 5

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a reboot of the classic 1980s cartoon She-Ra: Princess of Power, a spin-off of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is also one of the most inclusive animated series in recent memory. It follows Princess Adora and her royal friends as they join a rebellion against the evil, world-conquering Horde. The main antagonist is Catra, Adora's frequent frenemy and, later, romantic interest. Their relationship over the show's five seasons is the series' emotional core. The solid storytelling and flashy visuals are also a treat.

18
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Young Royals (2021): A Swedish Teen Drama With Good Queer Representation

Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg in 'Young Royals'

Netflix

IDMb rating: 8.7/10

Genre: Drama

Starring: Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Frida Argento

Created By: Lisa Ambjörn, Lars Beckung, Camilla Holter

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

This Swedish import tells the story of the fictional Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), the troubled heir to the throne, forced to attend an elite boarding school filled with other wealthy teens. While there, he closely connects with a fellow student named Simon (Omar Rudberg). The series showcases many of the troubles teens face today, all while offering thoughtful queer representation and a theme of discovering your own identity that many can relate to.

19
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The House of Flowers (2018): For Fans of Telenovelas

Cecilia Suárez, Aislinn Derbez, and Dario Yazbek Bernal in 'The House of Flowers'

Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Cecilia Suárez, Claudette Maillé, Dario Yazbek Bernal

Created By: Manolo Caro

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 3

The House of Flowers is a dark comedy about a Mexican family, the de la Moras, who own a prestigious flower shop and a cabaret. When the family patriarch's mistress airs all their dirty laundry before committing suicide, he's imprisoned while the rest of the de la Moras struggle to restore their reputations and finances. The show has several LGBTQ characters and plotlines that deal with homophobia and transphobia, and it's been praised for its dark humor and addictive soapy format.

20
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Special (2019): An Honest Portrayal of Being Both Gay and Disabled

Augustus Prew and Ryan O'Connell in 'Special.'

 Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Ryan O'Connell, Jessica Hecht, Punam Patel

Created By: Ryan O'Connell

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 2

Based on Ryan O'Connell's memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, Special is about a gay man named Ryan with cerebral palsy. Like the book, the show is honest, funny, and self-aware. O'Connell stars as himself in the Netflix series, for which he also serves as executive producer and writer, and it's getting a second season shortly.

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