TV has come a long way in terms of LGBTQ+ representation, especially in the past ten years. From groundbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies, we’ve seen a diverse range of queer couples on the small screen that have made us laugh, cry, and swoon. Here are some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ TV couples of the past decade that have taught us about love, acceptance, and pride.
– Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson (Glee): The musical show Glee was one of the first to feature a prominent gay couple in its ensemble cast. Kurt and Blaine met at a rival glee club and soon fell in love, overcoming various obstacles such as bullying, cheating, and distance. Their romance was sweet, passionate, and inspiring, and they eventually got married in a double wedding with another fan-favorite couple, Brittany and Santana.
– Anissa Pierce and Grace Choi (Black Lightning): Anissa and Grace are a rare example of a lesbian couple that is just there; no coming out, no personal struggle. Anissa is a superhero who goes by the name Thunder, and Grace is a shapeshifter who works at a bookstore. They have a strong bond that survives secrets, lies, and danger, and they support each other’s heroic endeavors.
– Ray Holt and Kevin Cozner (Brooklyn Nine-Nine): Captain Ray Holt is a proud gay Black man, and his partner Kevin is his professor husband. They are both brilliant, sophisticated, and cultured, but they also have a playful side that shows their love for each other. They have been together for decades, and they have faced discrimination and homophobia with dignity and courage. They are also very supportive of their colleagues at the 99th precinct, especially Jake Peralta, who considers them as his role models.
– Elena Alvarez and Syd (One Day at a Time): Elena is a Cuban-American teenager who comes out as a lesbian to her family in the first season of the rebooted sitcom One Day at a Time. She meets Syd, a non-binary person who shares her interests in social justice and nerd culture. They start dating and become each other’s “syd-nificant others”. They are adorable, awkward, and respectful of each other’s boundaries and identities.
– David Rose and Patrick Brewer (Schitt’s Creek): David is a pansexual former socialite who moves to a small town with his family after losing their fortune. Patrick is a local businessman who helps David open his own boutique. They start off as friends and business partners, but soon develop romantic feelings for each other. Their relationship is full of humor, tenderness, and growth, culminating in a beautiful wedding that made history as the first same-sex wedding on Canadian TV.
These are just some of the many LGBTQ+ TV couples that have graced our screens in the past decade. They have shown us different facets of queer love and life, and have enriched our TV viewing experience. We hope to see more of them in the future, as well as new couples that will continue to break barriers and celebrate diversity.