The Best Queer Movies & TV to Stream for Pride Season

It's Pride season, and there's no better way to chill (literally from the summer heat and outdoor Pride events) than to catch up on the best and brightest shows that tell the stories of our lives.

In recent years, Hollywood has kicked up their representation efforts, and I'm happy to report an eclectic mix of recent LGBTQ+ themed movies and TV shows featuring out and proud lead characters. And what's better is that many of the actors who play these LGBTQ+ characters are, in fact, out queer actors. Cheers to progress and positioning these queer stories in the limelight. Grab your pals and popcorn – you're in for a summer treat!

"Heartstopper"

The summer treats begin with "Heartstopper," perhaps the most wholesome series about young queer love. Charlie (Joe Locke), an out gay teen at an all-boys grammar school, is hopelessly anxious and angsty – not unlike most teens of the day. That is, until one serendipitous moment finds him sitting next to the cutest soft-hearted rugby player, Nick (Kit Connor). The boys strike up a friendship, and when Charlie realizes he may be developing feelings for Nick, he's certain there is no way he could possibly return the feelings. In a twist of fate, Nick falls hopelessly for Charlie, spurring a relationship that is at once hopeful, spirited, and grounded in its authenticity. Super gay bonus: Jonathan Bailey ("Bridgerton," "Fellow Travelers") is joining Season 3, coming out in October!

"Fellow Travelers"

Based on the book of the same name by Thomas Mallon, "Fellow Travelers" follows a queer love story through several decades as the two men face the political and cultural climates around gay rights in America. Beginning in the 1950s, Hawk (Matt Bomer) is a closeted married man working in D.C. politics during the reign of McCarthyism and the "Lavender Scare" war on "subversives and sexual deviants." He meets Tim (Jonathan Bailey), a young, ambitious, and faithful political operative who can't resist his feelings for the brutish and handsome Hawk. A torrid romance begins, hurtling the men through some of the darkest times in 20th century American history as they come face to face with their own notions of queer identity in private and public arenas. The emotional gut punch at the end of this limited series on Showtime reminds us what previous generations fought (and died) for so that we can proudly share our love with the world.

"Red, White & Royal Blue"

In what is perhaps the "swooniest" rom-com of the past few years, "Red, White & Royal Blue," based on Casey McQuiston's beloved book, sets a showdown for the son of the American president and his feud with Britain's prince. But an unexpected New Year's Eve kiss changes everything – the two embark on a clandestine relationship that will test their allegiance to the countries they call home. When news of their torrid love affair leaks, Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez), who works in American politics, works to control the damage to his mother's presidential campaign for re-election, while Henry, steeped in the traditions of royal bloodlines, appeals to the authority of the crown. The irresistible chemistry sizzles on screen, a testament to the actors' ability to tell our romantic stories in moving and authentic ways. Special gay bonus: The filmmakers recently announced a sequel is in the works!

"We're Here"

Take a break from all that gooey romance with "We're Here," a Max docuseries (now in its fourth season) about drag queens' mission to spread love around the country. Follow a trio of queens – whom you will recognize from "RuPaul's Drag Race" – as they travel to towns and cities with less progressive values and lift up their "drag daughters" who are just starting out. The queens host one night of drag, a show that celebrates these burgeoning queers and gives them a platform to find their voice, be themselves, and shine on stage. In an increasingly complicated world that pulls us in many different directions, the show challenges us to always go in the direction of love.

"Hacks"

"Hacks," streaming on Max, is the hilarious mash-up of two comedians and the fallout of their waring personalities. Deborah (Jean Smart), a washed up Vegas stand-up, can't seem to get a gig; meanwhile, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a comedy writer who was just canceled for an irreverent tweet, can't catch a break. When the two cross paths to jolt their careers back to life, an explosive tension drives them to an irresistible conclusion: They're meant to be together. The series follows the women's contentious relationship as Ava, a bisexual woman juggling girlfriends and agents in Los Angeles, desperately attempts to get Deborah's failing career (and life) in Las Vegas back on track. Can these career hacks make it work? Find out in this Emmy award-winning gem, now in its third season.

"Challengers"

"Challengers" takes us deep into the world of competitive tennis, a cutthroat sport where sexual tensions run hotter than the pavement the athletes play on. Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach, is desperate to revive her husband Art's (Mike Faist) fledgling champion record. Art's redemption comes when he faces off with Patrick (Josh O'Connor), his former best friend and Tashi's ex-boyfriend. Past and present tensions collide as the trio stop at nothing for the win in this erotically-charged dramatic thriller from queer filmmaker Luca Gaudagnino ("Call Me By Your Name").

"I Kissed a Boy"

A light and playful reality series from BBC, "I Kissed a Boy" brings ten handsome guys together for a shot at love in Europe. The twist? The men are initially paired up and must start with a kiss to see if sparks fly. But some serious side-eye and drama might get in the way of these boys looking for love. The BBC series returns for its second season with host Dannii Minogue for more summer trysts, turns, and tricks. Who will find love and who will be sent packing in this delicious reality series?

"Baby Reindeer"

If you haven't heard the buzz around Netflix's "Baby Reindeer," run, don't walk to your remote and binge this riveting piece of pulp fiction drama. Donny is a seemingly normal guy slinging drinks at a neighborhood pub in Britain when Martha walks in, a cheery Scot with her heart set on Donny. What begins as an everyday bar chat devolves into stalking, obsession, and both their lives irrevocably changed. Donny does what he can to dismiss Martha, but her persistent advances and his murky past make it increasingly difficult for him to end the stalking tirade.

To distract himself, Donny meets and falls for a transgender woman while his attempts at a stand-up comedy career take him down a dark path. The story flips on its head halfway through and takes Donny in a wholly unexpected direction that may offer him a shot at inner peace and, ultimately, redemption. This limited series, based on the real-life experiences of writer and creator Richard Gadd, is a must-watch, an honest and unflinching look at the human condition in us all.

"Bottoms"

Here's a queer comedy with equal parts humor and heart – and lots of cute lesbians! "Bottoms" tells the story of PJ and Josie, best gay friends in high school, who, like their "American Pie" counterparts before them, just want to get laid. After ascending the high school social hierarchy, the best pals concoct a scheme to lose their virginities to the hottest cheerleaders in the school. The plan? A self-defense club (not unlike a female fight club) for the girls at their school. Of course, the plan goes up in smoke and the gal pals discover the true meaning of friendship – and a whole lot of laughs – in the process.

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