Society has come a long way in terms of acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community while still having room for growth. A big reason is due to brave individuals who pushed for representation in film, TV, and music. Simply put, representation matters. When society understands we are all people doing the best we can, minds can be opened.
The 10 films, shows, and musicians on this list celebrate groundbreaking moments in LGBTQIA+ history. They represent acceptance and love. It’s not always easy being the first, but someone’s gotta do it.
'Will & Grace'
Hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace first premiered on September 21, 1998. It follows the friendship of gay lawyer Will, played by Eric McCormack, and his best friend Grace, played by Debra Messing, as they navigate life in New York City. This show was the first primetime comedy to feature gay characters in leading roles. It won 16 Emmys and even came back in 2017 for a reboot.
'Ellen'
In April 1997 Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She didn't stop there. Her character Ellen Morgan then came out on the sitcom Ellen in "The Puppy Episode." Oprah even helped again and played Ellen's therapist. This was one of the first times a main character came out as gay on television series.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Joss Whedon's hit teen drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer showed young people fighting against the forces of darkness to make the world a better and more just place. One of the Scooby Gang, Willow, played by Alyson Hannigan, fell in love with her friend Tara, played by Amber Benson, in college. Their relationship was handled beautifully on the series.
'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'
Before there was Bobby, Tan, Antoni, Jonathan, Karamo, and now Jeremiah, there was another Fab Five. Queer Eye For The Straight Guy premiered on Bravo in July 2003. The first version of the series featured a different straight male every episode who desperately needed a makeover. These series brought together heterosexual men and the queer community in a beautiful way. In season three, the show's name shortened to Queer Eye to be more inclusive of those who could receive the group's help.
'The L Word'
The L Word was created by Ilene Chaiken, Michele Abbott, and Kathy Greenberg and aired on Showtime from 2004 to 2009. It told the story of a group of lesbian and bisexual friends in West Hollywood. It was groundbreaking because it was the first television drama to center around mainly lesbian lead characters.
'Brokeback Mountain'
Ang Lee's 2005 film Brokeback Mountain was based on a short story by Annie Proulx. Critics credit this film with being instrumental in advancing queer movies into the mainstream popular culture. It tells the story of cowboys Ennis Del Mar, played by the late Heath Ledger, and Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who fall in love but keep it a secret from the world.
Frank Ocean
In July 2012, singer Frank Ocean came out. He took to Tumblr to reveal his first love was a man. They met when Frank was 19 and spent a summer together. Frank confessed his love but the other party wasn't ready to come out. Even though it wasn't a big romance, Frank was thankful for the experience.
"Grateful that even though it wasn't what I hoped for and even though it was never enough, it was," he wrote. "Some things never are. And we were. I won't forget you. I won't forget the summer. I'll remember who I was when I met you. I'll remember who you were and how we've both changed and stayed the same."
He shared his story so others wouldn't have to feel alone or shame for loving who they loved.
Adam Lambert
In May 2012, singer Adam Lambert's sophomore album Trespassing shot to the top of the charts. This was the first time an openly gay singer achieved this on the Billboard charts in America. He helped pave the way for those to come, including Hayley Kiyoko.
'Moonlight'
In 2017, Barry Jenkins' film Moonlight took home the best picture award at the Oscars, even though LaLa Land was incorrectly announced first. This was the first LGBTQIA+ film to win the big prize at the Academy Awards. The film also took home awards for best supporting actor and best adapted screenplay.
'Love, Simon'
In 2018 the film Love, Simon hit theaters. The plot centers around a closeted gay teen Simon Spier who is trying to navigate being blackmailed into coming out and a secret online crush. This was the first teen film with a gay lead in mainstream theaters.
