Memorable LGBTQAI+ Characters that Changed the Game

In this post, we celebrate the richness and depth brought by LGBTQAI+ characters in television and movies. Their stories inspire empathy, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for greater representation and understanding in our communities. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQAI+ characters and their impactful journeys.

Alex and Henry (Red, White & Royal Blue, 2023, Amazon Prime)

Alex Claremont-Diaz is the first son of President of the United States of America. Prince Henry is an English prince with a throne waiting for him. At the beginning they are enemies and in a constant struggle for popularity. But all it takes is a royal wedding, a large destroyed cake and a diplomatic incident to forge an agreement of fake friendship. Yet, between one lie and another, something real arises between the two and it is not a simple friendship. 

The easy-going Alex hides in his soul the fear of never being accepted by the rest of the world for being half Mexican, a fear that is accentuated when he realizes that he is bisexual and very, very in love with the handsome prince. 

Henry has always known he was gay but his rigid family made him believe that “dirty laundry” should not be washed to the world outside. His detachment is only a facade that he has built around his heart so as not to give in to the temptation of being what he is. He does it so as not to fall into a thousand pieces in the face of a world that may not be ready for a prince like him, who would be seen as "different".  

Alex and Henry navigate the pressures of their respective families and public positions while trying to cultivate their love. It is thanks to the intensity of what they experience in being with each other that they grow and evolve. 

Cal Bowman (Sex Education, 2019-2023, Netflix)

Cal Bowman is first introduced as a recurring character in Season 3 of the Netflix show, Sex Education and they are shown to be a talented artist but closed, mysterious and uncomfortable with themselves and the people around them. They are often targeted by the school’s principal, who publicly shames them for their opposition to her Draconian guidelines and their way of dressing. 

Eventually, they form a close partnership with Jackson and Vivienne and help overthrow the school’s strict regime, in the process developing romantic feelings for Jackson. Cal is vocal about being non-binary, speaking up about their preferred pronouns and is upset when they realize Jackson sees them as a ‘girl’, prompting them to break-up with him. Season 4 portrays Cal’s struggle with taking testosterone and the changes it causes to their body, later leading to them hooking up with Aisha, whom she meets in Art Class. Cal also struggles with self-acceptance and ends up pushing their well-meaning & understanding mother away. The finale leads to an emotional bonding moment between them. 

Cal is one of the stand-out queer characters on this show known for its diverse characters across the LGBTQAI+ community.

Kanchan Adhia (Majaa Maa, 2022, Amazon Prime)

The no-filter Kanchan lives with her heart on her sleeve. She is fierce and protective of the people she loves, and she has loved Pallavi her whole life. Kanchan's life had stopped at the railway station Pallavi promised to meet her, even after being married to Moolchand and Pallavi being married to another man. When she is diagnosed with cancer, she makes one last ditch attempt at persuading Pallavi to run away with her, and is turned down, given Pallavi's responsibilities as a wife and mother. 

However, life and love give them one last chance to dance together, a gesture accepted by their family members, as Maja Maa ends on a beautiful and promising high note.

Kinn-Porsche (KinnPorsche: The Series, 2022, One 31)

Porsche, a college student who works in a pub part-time, witnesses Kinn, a young Mafia Master being chased. He is initially reluctant to get involved, but Kinn's promise to pay him drives Porshe, a one-time national martial arts champion, into the close combat, where he finally rescues the Young Mafia Master. Impressed, Kinn proposes another deal -  Porsche would be his personal bodyguard and in return, Kinn would pay off his debt.

Porsche accepts, though he fears that his younger brother's involvement in this cut-throat world of danger and cruelty.  The closer he gets to Kinn, the more hesitation he feels in his heart. Over the next few months, he improves his fighting skills and learns about the dark underworld he now belongs to. And begins to fall in love with his charismatic boss.

Porshe's feelings start strengthening when Kinn does what he had never done before - crossing the line with a bodyguard. Caring for him, feeling for him. Sharing a kiss with him.

Even if Kinn is openly gay, the road ahead isn't a bed of roses for the two. Porsche comes to know that his parents' death was somehow connected to Kinn's family but his love for Kinn wins at the end and they fight together, for each other and against the world.

Lake Meriwether (Love Victor, 2020-2022, Hulu)

Lake initially has a crush on Andrew, and later falls for Felix. Lucy is introduced as Andrew's girlfriend in Season 2. Lucy comforts Lake about her breakup with Felix, saying she sees her with someone different, hinting at her own feelings. The two almost kiss, but Lake avoids it and leaves. 

Lake soon admits her feelings, and the two girls start dating. Lake, who has always been criticized by her mother finds support and love in her new girlfriend who helps her with her body image issues. When she comes out to her mom who supports her and ask if she is bisexual, Lake answers that she isn't sure.

Lucy plans to move to Portland, and Lake suggests they could move into the condo after she graduates and they kiss.

Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine Nine, 2013-2021, Netflix) 

Rosa is intimidating, smart, secretive, sharp-tongued, and difficult to read.

After getting caught by Boyle while she was talking to her girlfriend, Rosa comes out to her colleagues at the 99th precinct as bisexual.

She has known her reality since the seventh grade when she was attracted to Zack Morris and Lisa Turtle.

She comes out to her parents who take some time to accept her, but her friends at the precinct make this journey easier for her. 

Even after coming out as bisexual, she is still secretive about her love life, though her colleagues do know about some of her partners like Jocelyn, Alicia, Pimento, Tom, and Marcus.

Sathar (Paava Kadhaigal, 2020, Netflix)

Sathar, the protagonist in Thangam (Precious), the first of the stories in the Tamil anthology Paava Kadhaigal (Sinful stories), is a trans woman living on the fringes of society, ridiculed by the villagers and considered an embarrassment by her own family. She is secretly in love with her best friend, Saravanan, the only person who stands up for her, and is crushed when she finds out he’s in love with her sister. Setting her heartbreak aside, Sathar helps them elope against the wishes of their families. Her own family shuts the door on her and she’s left to the mercy of the heartless villagers, who take it upon themselves to ‘punish’ her.

Sathar is a richly and beautifully etched character that makes a deep impact in this barely 30 minute film, her smile overshadowing her hurt, her spirit shining bright over the disdain that comes her way, her hope never diminishing despite the bleakness that surrounds her, head held high, never once faltering from owning her truth. Thangam is a word she uses to teasingly address Saravanan, cherishing the lipstick he gifts her till her last breath, but it’s clear the appellation belongs to Sathar in this story.

Sherlock (Sherlock, 2010-2017, BBC)

Sherlock Holmes is a great detective with remarkable intellect and an aloof demeanour. Despite calling himself "a high-functioning sociopath”, he displays occasional instances of caring and empathy. He embodies an aromantic ace whose primary focus remains unravelling mysteries rather than engaging in romantic or sexual pursuits.

His lack of romantic entanglements is so conspicuous, that his arch nemesis, Jim Moriarty, nicknamed him as 'The Virgin'. While others speculate about his relationship with Dr John Watson, Sherlock maintains a platonic stance, unaffected by any jealousy or possessiveness. His interactions with Molly Hooper, who harbours a crush on him, often elicit his irritation and rude remarks showcasing his disinterest in romantic advances.

Sherlock's encounter with Irene Adler, an intelligent adversary, offers a glimpse into his complex psyche. Though not driven by physical attraction, Sherlock finds himself drawn into Irene's intellectual prowess and her ability to outwit him. Their relationship is characterized by mutual admiration and attempts to outwit each other which transcends into something romantic, culminating in Sherlock's daring rescue when Irene's life is in peril at the hands of terrorists.

His character serves as a compelling portrayal of an aro-ace individual, who shows how an aromantic person may fall in love or how an ace may get attracted; while remaining devoid of romantic or sexual interests in general. In a world dominated by societal expectations of love and romance, Sherlock finds fulfilment in the pursuit of his next detective adventure.

In the books, Sherlock refers to himself as “not the marrying kind” and never expresses any romantic interest in anyone. 

Zakia Asalache (Sense 8, 2015 –2018, Netflix)

Zakia Asalache is introduced as a journalist skeptical of Capheus and his popularity but soon warms up to his innocence and courage. Zakia was born in Nairobi and moved to London to continue her studies. In London, she explored her sexuality, falling in and out of love with a woman. She returned to Kenya to help her birth-nation.

When Capheus decides to ask her out, her colleagues discourage him by telling him about her past relationships with women. However, Zakia makes it clear to Capheus (and the audience) that she falls in love with the person rather than their genitalia, after which, Capheus and Zakia share a kiss and enter into a relationship.

There are so many such eye-opening, amazing stories made even more amazing thanks to these nuanced and layered characters whose journeys encompass not just coming to terms and living with their identities or orientations but also discovering their place within the world and their struggle to keep it. 

Have you watched a movie, a TV show or read a book with an LGBTQAI+ character that moved you deeply or made you root for them till you were screaming yourself hoarse? Someone that shook you out of your complacency and made you question your deep-seated beliefs? 

Do tell us about them and share your recommendations on this thread.