LGBTQ+ Disabled People in Film and TV🌈📺️

Mary_Scope

Mainstream media has definitely made progress in LGBTQ+ representation over the last decade or so. We've seen characters come out, fall in love and lead entire storylines and have full arcs.

Similarly, disabled characters have slowly begun to appear more regularly on our screens but they are still massively underrepresented compared to how many disabled people there are!

But when you look for characters who are both LGBTQ+ and disabled, they’re often missing altogether!

For disabled LGBTQ+ people, seeing someone like you on screen can be amazing especially if you don’t have that representation in real life. I remember watching Glee when I was around 12 years old and it was the first time I had actually seen same sex couples as well as a disabled character who navigated relationships as well as daily life. This was huge to me as I hadn't ever seen this sort of representation in real life before!

And representation is so important because it reduces stigma, helps others understand different experiences, builds confidence and sense of belonging as well as making it easier to have discussions about certain topics.

Some examples of media in recent years featuring both LGBTQ+ disabled characters over the past couple has been L Word Generation Q, Sex Education and Special but as you can see the list is short so we definitely have a way to go!

Do you have any favourite TV shows or films that feature LGBTQ+ and/or disabled characters? Or do you have any any recommendations of films or TV featuring stories that made you feel seen or understood?

Albus_Scope

One of my favorite films is Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It's a rock opera all about a drag queen (with a disability at that!) touring with a band. There's a lot more to it than that and it gets a bit emotional, but it's a great watch.

egister

For me as a viewer, it is important how skillful the acting is. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those discussed in this thread are very mediocre actors.

☹️

Ironside1990

Has anyone here seen It's A Sin? I thought it was a great series, albeit hard to watch.

Mary_Scope

Ah yes i thought the same @Ironside59, some moments were very emotional but a fantastic series😄