While most of television might have been slow to diversify and become an inclusive space for characters of all sexualities, teen television shows seemed to adapt rather quickly. Though not perfect, there definitely seems to be more LGBTQ characters exploring their sexualities and entering relationships on TV shows geared toward teen and young adult audiences than anywhere else.
This is essential not only for an industry that needs to become more inclusive but also for the millions of teens and young adults who are watching these shows and seeing themselves on screen for the first time. While it's important to remember that no representation is going to be perfect, the more opportunities LGBTQ characters get on major shows, the better the chance of representing the teen LGBTQ community in an all-encompassing way.
10 Good Trouble (Hulu)
A spin-off of the popular Freeform series The Fosters, Good Trouble centers on sisters Callie and Mariana who move to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. It's there that they move into a communal living building and befriend their new roommates.
While the series focuses mainly on Callie and Mariana, the other Coitere residents do get their chance to shine like Alice Kawn, the manager of the complex. Alice is an aspiring comic who is also a lesbian who isn't always lucky in love. Through the show, Alice comes to terms with her sexuality, comes out to her immigrant parents, and even begins to find romance.
9 High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+)
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is, of course, a spin-off of the widely successful DCOM High School Musical. Set in East High, the series follows the East High drama department as they put on various theater productions under the guidance of their eccentric drama teacher Miss Jenn.
Like most teen shows, HSMTMTS is full of adorable couples, but one of the cutest has to be Seb and Carlos. While these two start out as just friends in season one, it's clear that there are serious feelings involved. With a little help from Carlos, Seb comes to terms with his sexuality and the two embark on an epic high school romance full of support and love.
8 I Am Not Okay With This (Netflix)
Unfortunately part of Netflix's historic "canceled after one season" club, I Am Not Okay With This is a unique teen series that deserves to be celebrated. Based on a graphic novel, the series follows Sydney Novak as she struggles with her newfound superhero while also navigating her sexuality.
Like many teenagers, Sydney isn't sure what her sexuality is and this struggle becomes a major complication during the season. Eventually, Sydney comes to terms with the fact that she is attracted to girls, especially her best friend Dina.
7 Julie And The Phantoms (Netflix)
Currently racking up several Daytime Emmy Nominations including Best Young Adult Series, Julie and the Phantoms has cultivated a cult following since premiering in 2020. The series centers on Julie Molina, a young artist who has given up on music until she accidentally summons the ghostly spirits of a teenage rock band who passed away twenty years ago.
One of those ghostly spirits happens to be Alex, the band's drummer, who also happens to be gay. While Alex had a hard time being gay when he was alive in 1995, he quickly hits it off with Willie, another ghostly spirit. Willie helps Alex adjust to his new life while also giving him hope that love is out there for him.
6 Love, Victor (Hulu)
Set in the same universe as Love, Simon and the young adult book series, Love, Victor centers on Victor Salazar, a teenager who moves to Creekwood High and is determined to finally figure out his sexuality.
When it comes to LGBTQ representation, Love, Victor does a lot of things right, including shedding a light on the harsh reality that not every LGBTQ person is showered with love after coming out. Thankfully, Victor doesn't let his family's hesitations get him too down, and he instead focuses his energy on his newfound freedom and relationship.
5 One Day At A Time (Netflix)
A reboot of the popular 1970s sitcom of the same name, this iteration of One Day at a Time follows a tight-knit Cuban-American family who are all just trying to find their place in the world.
As the eldest daughter of the Alvarez family, Elena knows how to speak her mind even when telling the truth is scary. Elena comes out to her family as a lesbian in the first season in what is an important coming-out story. By the end of the season, Elena is dating Syd, her non-binary partner.
4 Sex Education (Netflix)
Sex Education is definitely geared towards older teenagers, as it is a bit more explicit in content. The series follows Otis, a high school student who decides to start an underground sex education course at his school. Otis feels qualified to lead this course because his mother is a sex therapist.
With a show called Sex Education, there is definitely no shortage of relationships, including same-sex relationships like the one Eric finds himself in. Though Eric's relationship with Adam starts off extremely poorly, the two eventually admit their feelings for each other at the end of the first season.
3 The Babysitters Club (Netflix)
Inspired by the insanely successful book series of the same name, The Babysitters Club has seen several adaptations but the most recent occurred in 2020 on Netflix. The series managed to be brought into a new decade by including LGBTQ representation.
In fact, The Babysitters Club is one of the first shows to feature a transgender child character/actor. Bailey quickly bonds with Mary Anne during her babysitting session. Before long, Mary Anne becomes a fierce advocate for Bailey.
2 The Bold Type (Freeform)
Recently ending after four seasons, The Bold Type is arguably one of Freeform's best drama series. Set at the fictional Scarlett Magazine offices, the series follows three best friends as they navigate careers, love, and their friendship in their twenties.
One of those best friends is Kat Edison, Scarlett's social media manager, a fierce activist, and a young woman who is struggling with her sexuality. Through Kat's experiences, the show manages to shed a light on bisexuality and the biphobia that occurs both from straight communities as well as the LGBTQ community.
1 Trinkets (Netflix)
Based on the young adult novel of the same name, Trinkets follows a group of three teenage girls who forge a friendship after meeting in a Shoplifters Annonymous support group.
At the forefront of this group is Elodie Daivs, a grieving girl who has moved across the country to live with her father after her mother's passing. Over the show's two seasons, Elodie pursues a romantic relationship with a rising star who is older than her and later a friend she meets at the Shoplifters Annonymous group.
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