While Pride celebrations are coming to an end, the LGBTQ+ community, its joy, and stories are still living on; off the streets, and on our screens. From previous hit series like “Noah’s Arc” to new innovations like “Euphoria” and Netflix’s “First Kill,” LGBTQ+ stories are taking center stage and providing a reflection of queer stories in media. In this vein, here are 10 LGBTQ+ shows and films you should watch long after Pride month is over.
Noah’s Arc
An oldie but a goodie, “Noah’s Arc” starts our list. The 2005 drama series follows young gay screenwriter Noah as he navigates his career and love with closeted lover Wade, along with his eclectic group of gay best friends. From Chance, an educated and sometimes snobbish economics professor dealing with marital problems; and Alex, an outspoken HIV counselor with a man everyone wants to steal; to the shop owner and “free-spirited” Ricky, who just can’t seem to stick with one man. “Noah’s Arc” serves as the perfect Saturday night comfort show.
All seasons of “Noah’s Arc” are available to stream on LogoTV.
Paris is Burning
Following suit with being old but never forgotten, the classic documentary “Paris is Burning” shows what it was like to be a part of the underground New York ballroom scene of the 1980s. With everything from the origins of terms like “shade” and “reading” and the dance culture of the scene, to the powerful elements of chosen family involved in the houses, “Paris is Burning” is the perfect way to learn about the history of Ballroom while also understanding the social stigmas surrounding queer identities during the 80s.
The full “Paris is Burning” documentary is available to stream on HBO Max.
The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson
If you love learning about trans history, then you’ll love “The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson.” To know history is one thing, but to see it is another. “The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson” reexamines the death of transgender icon and stonewall activist Marsha P. Johnson, bringing her story to life in film.
With beautifully done images and a nostalgic feeling, the film truly transports you to the past and embeds you not only into Johnson’s grittily beautiful life, but also the speculations around her death.
“The Life of Marsha P. Johnson” is available to stream on Netflix.
Saturday Church
Jumping out of the films of the past and into a more recent storytelling, “Saturday Church” is one of the few musical movies you’ll want to watch over and over again. This fictional story of a young queer teen, Ulysses, dealing with newfound challenges and queerphobia at home, and finding solace and community at a local center, is sure to bring a smile to any viewer’s face. With famous faces like Indya Moore of “Pose” and Golden Globe winner and pop singer Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, “Saturday Church” combines the perfect elements of queer storytelling and music to create a unique coming of age story.
“Saturday Church” is available to stream for free on Peacock.
Queer Eye
This classic makeover show turned queer is an all-time favorite. With 5 wizzes of all things fashion and self-confidence, Karamo, Jonathan, Antoni, Tan, and Bobby travel around the nation helping folks from all walks of life with personal style and self-love. While along the road and on the journey, the queer glam squad shares stories of identity and life, offering not only a transformation on the outside but a renewed sense of self on the inside. With six seasons, “Queer Eye” serves as the perfect binge show.
All six seasons of “Queer Eye” is available to stream on Netflix.
First Kill
Vampires and hunters already feels queer enough, but why not add in queer characters to make it that much gayer? Netflix’s newest fantasy teen drama series “First Kill” tells the twisting and turning romance of a legacy vampire Juliette, who falls in love with Calliope, a vampire hunter. In true Juliet and Juliet fashion, the show takes audiences on the journey of not only their love but the magic therein, as they navigate family expectations and the mystical world around them.
The first season of “First Kill” is available to stream on Netflix.
Euphoria
Coming away from fantasy and hopping into the already captivating world of high school and teenagedom, “Euphoria” tackles the complicated story of high school with a series of queer and complicated characters. From main character Rue, who faces depression-induced drug addiction after the loss of her father, to Jules, her loving and free-spirited girlfriend coming into her own identity as a trans woman, and a host of friends, each with their own problems and quirks. “Euphoria” offers great visuals with a captivating multi-layered story.
“Euphoria” is available to stream on HBO Max.
La Veneno
The Spanish TV series “La Veneno” retells the story of transgender superstar and entertainer Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez. Working from her childhood – facing transphobia and queerphobia – to her adulthood of finding stardom in her vivacious and outspoken personality, “La Veneno” provides a window into the life of this very real icon and other trans stories like Valeria Vegas, who came into being with the help of the legacies before her.
“La Veneno” is available to stream on HBO Max.
Love, Victor
Looking for the perfect queer love story to watch? Check out “Love, Victor!” Based on the gushy romantic coming of age movie “Love, Simon,” “Love, Victor” follows the similar story of Hispanic teen Victor attending a new school, exploring his budding sexuality amidst a shifting home landscape. “Love, Victor” shows the classically queer story of coming into one’s identity, dealing with queerphobia, and overcoming the classic problem of finding oneself.
“Love, Victor” is available to stream on Hulu.
Sort Of
Showcasing what it’s like to be queer and exist at other intersections of cultural identities, “Sort Of” follows the story of gender-fluid Sabi Mehboob as they navigate a crazy life with an even crazier family. Navigating their life as a queer bartender with aspiring dreams born into a loving yet slightly dysfunctional Pakistani family, while being a part-time nanny can be a lot, but Sabi pulls through it all. Tune into this amazing series that shows what it means to follow one’s own voice with a loving community by your side.
“Sort Of” is available to stream on HBO Max.