Streaming services have transformed the way we consume entertainment. They have brought the world of movies and TV shows into our fingertips. With the growth of streaming services, there has been a major expansion of queer content. The LGBTQ+ community is being represented more in the mainstream media, and streaming services are playing a crucial role in this revolution.
It can be overwhelming to determine which streaming service is the best when it comes to queer content. In this article, we will look at some of the best streaming services available for LGBTQ+ content.
1. Netflix
Netflix is the most popular streaming service, and it has a lot of queer content. The platform offers a wide range of original content that covers several LGBTQ+ topics. Some of the top shows on Netflix that focus on queer content include Sex Education, Queer Eye, Orange is the New Black, and more. Their original movie The Half of It, which features an LGBTQ+ lead in a coming-of-age story, was also a huge success.
One of the great things about Netflix is that it offers a lot of international content from different countries that are not easily available. Drag Race Thailand, for instance, is available on Netflix, and it offers a unique perspective on queer culture in Thailand.
2. Hulu
Hulu is another streaming service worth considering for queer content. The platform has a lot of original content and a vast library of TV shows and movies in general. The Handmaid’s Tale and The L-Word: Generation Q are popular shows on Hulu that focus on queer themes.
One of the things that make Hulu stand out is its partnership with Showtime, which has allowed it to add popular shows like Queer as Folk, The L-Word, and more.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has also made significant strides in providing content that is inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. The platform has several Amazon Originals that represent the queer community. These include Transparent, which follows a family whose patriarch comes out as transgender, and the British series, Catastrophe, which includes a gay couple as main characters.
One of the unique features of Amazon Prime Video is its ability to rent or buy individual movies or TV shows. This means that if there is something on the service that is not available on any other streaming platform, you can still watch it by renting or purchasing.
4. HBO Max
HBO Max is the newest streaming service on this list. It has a rapidly growing library of TV shows and movies, including queer content such as We’re Here, Legendary, and the film, Love, Simon.
HBO has had a long history of producing and distributing queer content, and this continues on HBO Max. The platform has partnerships with other networks to provide the best content, including Showtime, which gives access to acclaimed shows like The L-Word and Queer as Folk.
FAQs
Q: Are there any free streaming services available with LGBTQ+ content?
A: There are some free streaming services that offer queer content. These include Pluto TV, which has a channel dedicated to LGTBQ+ content, and Tubi, which has a sizable LGBTQ+ library.
Q: What non-English language shows and movies are available on streaming platforms?
A: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer a significant amount of non-English language queer content. These include Dark Desire (Mexico), Elite (Spain), Special (Canada), and more.
Q: Why is representation in media important for the LGBTQ+ community?
A: The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media is vital as it helps to humanize the community and break down stereotypes. It also provides positive role models for queer people and helps to create a sense of belonging.
Q: How do I find Queer content on these streaming platforms?
A: Most of these streaming platforms have dedicated sections for LGBTQ+ content, making it easier to find. Alternatively, you can use the search function and type in terms like “Gay,” “Lesbian,” “Transgender,” or “Queer” to browse content that features these themes.
Conclusion
Streaming services have been game-changers in the entertainment industry by providing access to a vast library of content. They have also allowed for more diversity and inclusion in the representation of different communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. By subscribing to any of the streaming platforms mentioned in this article, you can enjoy some of the best queer content available.