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From cult classics to award-winning dramas, queer characters have been quietly - and sometimes boldly - shaping pop culture for decades. Whether it's through groundbreaking representation, joyful rebellion, or simply existing in a world that once tried to erase them, these characters and stories have helped generations of LGBTQ+ people feel seen, celebrated and empowered.
1. Rocky Horror Picture Show (Watch on Disney+)
This movie made history when it was released in 1975 and has since become a cult classic. This satirical musical is a celebration of unabashed queerness that is still loved generations later.
Being released after the Stonewall riots and after the ‘Hays Code’ was lifted the movie was monumental to the queer community who finally felt seen.
2. But I’m a Cheerleader (Watch on Amazon Prime)
Released in 1999 many believe it was ahead of its time. The romantic comedy follows Megan Bloomfield, a cheerleader whose parents decide to send her to conversion therapy even though she doesn’t think she’s a lesbian.
This movie is widely regarded as a lesbian classic. For a lot of people, it was their first time seeing a lesbian character on screen. It engaged with real life issues LGBTQ+ teenagers face like family rejection and religious persecution in a funny and romantic way.
3. Will & Grace (Watch on Apple TV)
The show follows the two best friends Will, a Gay lawyer and Grace, his best friend. It was one of the very first shows to depict a gay man who got the chance to live a full life without pretence instead of being tragically killed off as was the norm.
When the show premiered in 1998 it was ground breaking in its depictions of different types of gay men. While the show has more recently garnered criticism it is important to note how it paved the way for other queer media.
4. Moonlight (Watch on Amazon Prime)
The film delicately chronicles the coming-of-age of Chiron, a young Black man grappling with his identity and sexuality.
Barry Jenkins' Moonlight made history as the first LGBTQ+ film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Moonlight emphasizes the intersection of race and sexuality while offering a tender and necessary depiction of Black queerness that is still novel in most media depictions of queer characters.
5. Heartstopper (Watch on Netflix)
Heartstopper, based on Alice Oseman's graphic novel series, is a heart warming portrayal of young queer love and identity. The series follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson as they navigate friendship, self-discovery, and romantic feelings.
Heartstopper stands out for its tender and authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ youth, offering a refreshing and hopeful perspective that doesn’t fall into common LGBT+ tropes.
These iconic roles and scenes are more than entertainment—they shape public perceptions, offer comfort and visibility to LGBTQ+ audiences, and challenge harmful stereotypes. As we celebrate Exeter Pride, it is crucial to honour the stories that have paved the way for future generations and to continue advocating for authentic, diverse representation in media.