LGBTQIAPN+: 9 movies and series with gay characters

We cannot fail to mention the stories of passionate gay characters who must face violence and societal pressure to ensure their authenticity and freedom, not only to love but also to live! May you enjoy every second of these remarkable works, because sensitivity will definitely not be lacking!

The Way He Looks

Leonardo, a blind teenager, feels very different from his classmates. He believes he is a burden because of his condition, has few friends, and struggles with many insecurities, mostly due to a lack of parental support that makes him feel incapable. However, everything changes when a new student transfers to his school. Now, Leonardo must confront his overprotective mother while dealing with the possibility of falling for his new friend, alongside the difficulty of believing that the feeling could be mutual.

As an inclusive story, we see a romance gently unfold and a bond of trust build up, featuring the most touching bicycle ride you will ever see!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Charlie needs to cope with the suicide of his best friend while navigating his freshman year of high school. His social life is very limited due to his shy and atypical personality, which many find difficult to understand. Everything changes when he meets the school misfits, a group of closely knit and lively friends who love music, theater, and moments that make them feel alive to the fullest. Charlie becomes close to Sam and Patrick, and together they turn school days into a journey packed with intense emotions.

Patrick, who always appears confident, cheerful, and carefree, also hides his own pain. His love for another guy is his biggest vulnerability, as his partner is a football player who struggles deeply with coming out. We see the harsh reality of an unfortunate couple in a suffocating relationship, but it reveals just how resilient Patrick can be.

Call Me by Your Name

While enjoying his summer vacation, Elio learns that his father will host a foreign student for a while. During their time together, Elio and Oliver begin to connect and have fun. Both start to develop a mutual interest but hesitate to make the first move. However, the short time they have left gives them the courage to try. This becomes one of the most exciting vacations of their lives, defined by a brief romance and beautiful cinematography of the Italian countryside. This beautiful film offers a profound message at the end if you allow yourself to watch it.

Moonlight

Moonlight follows three phases in the difficult life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. In his childhood, he copes with bullying and his mother's addiction, finding refuge and guidance in Juan. During his teenage years, he must come to terms with his feelings and his sexuality. As an adult, Chiron adopts a physical armor and prefers to isolate himself, turning his hardened masculinity into a shield to protect himself from the world. The film is a sensitive portrait of identity, affection, and the deep scars we carry through life.

Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain follows the story of Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who meet in 1963 while working together on an isolated mountain. What begins as a working partnership gradually turns into a deep affection, allowing the viewer to watch this love blossom. Over two decades, they meet during secret fishing trips, trying to keep their feelings alive while balancing their lives with traditional marriages that no longer fulfill them.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The city of New York relies on the most proactive detectives in the world when it comes to avoiding work. In the 99th precinct, Jake and his team solve crimes in the most chaotic and unprofessional way possible, and yet they still get results! It is impossible not to laugh with them, as everyone there has their own personality, backstory, and a unique way of being a great or terrible police officer. Captain Holt, who is completely methodical and systematic, must find ways to lead this dysfunctional team while facing prejudice from his superiors for being a gay commander. Holt fought hard to reach the top and now uses his position to combat the homophobia present in the police system.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The film about the acclaimed band Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, tells the story of the origin and rise of Freddie Mercury and his bandmates toward success, highlighting their massive concerts over the years. The production condenses the group's trajectory by focusing on the lead singer who, despite his great love for Mary, needs to accept his feelings and embrace his identity as a gay man. The movie captures the difficulties of being understood at that time and how Freddie had to pursue his own happiness during a period when prejudice was brutal, even confronting the stigmas of his own father.

Love, Simon

Love, Simon is a heartwarming romantic comedy about Simon, a 17 year old teenager who leads an ordinary life but hides that he is gay, which causes him many insecurities. In an unexpected turn of events, he begins exchanging anonymous emails with another boy from school who is going through the same situation, and the two end up falling in love online. What seems like a dream ends up triggering major twists. Always maintaining a light and charismatic tone, the work is full of cute moments that address acceptance and the importance of listening to our emotions before making big decisions.

Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue is a romantic comedy that shows how, by a twist of fate, the son of the US President and a British prince initiate a highly public rivalry. To contain the diplomatic fallout, they are forced to fake a friendly relationship which, curiously, gains increasing doses of truth. Without realizing it, a genuine feeling grows with every visit, starting the major challenge of balancing a high profile political life with the desire to be together.

It is always wonderful to discover new stories of resilience with such meaningful characters! What did you think of our list featuring the best gay romances? Each of them has its own story and a unique way of navigating the paths of the heart.

If you have more suggestions, leave them in the comments! We definitely cannot stop sharing these fantastic works.