Gay/bisexual actors in old tv shows
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Unlikely friendships build across very literal intergenerational divides and romantic tension simmers, particularly between a lesbian parole officer stuck at a moral crossroads and a queer Muslim IT nerd already certain of the proper path forward.
The First Lady (1930s – 1940s)
Stream on PBS
This series was a bit of a bomb but it had its moments — including a full and generous portrait of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson) and two-decade-long lover and confidant, Lorena “Hick” Hickok (Liby Rabe).
Bomb Girls (1940s)
Stream on Prime Video or Tubi
Set in a munitions factory in World War II Canada and centered on a group of women who work together there, Bomb Girls is devoted to a moment of radical and sudden independence for women — with husbands away at war, women entered the workforce, fostered relationships with each other and were actually allowed to wear pants.
Her lover Patti, a caterer, appeared occasionally.
He Shoots He Scores (hockey drama) CBC 1986-1989?
Looking for top-notch LGBTQ+ representation on your favorite streaming service? Law (lawyer drama) NBC 1986-1994
- Cara Jean `C.J.' Lamb 1990-1992 (Amanda Donohoe)
- Mark Gilliam 1986?-?
When it comes to the best gay Netflix shows, the platform has delivered an array of series that celebrate diverse stories with depth and authenticity. One of his first stops on this seemingly doomed journey is the brothel of the city’s most powerful madam, Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng), based on a very real person.
Sexual orientation "toned down," and practically undetectable, for television.
Don't Wait Up (sitcom) BBC 1983-1990
- Jeremy (Joe Dunlop)
- Martin (Timothy Carlton)
But it’s also smarter than a lot of similar shows that posture intelligence. Russell was a painter. Season Two went beyond with a romance between lead characters — full of lessons about power, violence, solidarity and struggle, I would opt out of Season Three, personally, but it’s up to you!
Gentleman Jack (1830s)
Stream on HBO Max
Anne Lister is a remarkable historical figure, enduring for her complete dedication to chronicling all of her lesbian emotional exploits in her well-preserved diaries.
In later seasons, Toy becomes romantically involved with Nellie Davenport, a wealthy widow with a Sonoma vineyard that offers asylum to Chinese migrants including sex workers.
Cable Girls / Las Chicas De Cable (1920s – 1930s)
Stream on Netflix
Netflix’s first big non-U.S.
Longtime straight gay favorite Julianne Moore and new straight gay favorite Nicholas Galitzine are both so fun to watch and the whole thing is a scrumptious dessert with just enough bite.
Our Flag Means Death (1710s)
Set amid the Golden Age of Piracy, Our Flag Means Death is a comedic series following the misadventures of “Gentleman Pirate” Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and his dysfunctional crew as they aim to prove themselves, eventually crossing paths with and falling for infamous pirate captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi).
Eddie was an informer working for Belker, and snitched on his own lover.
The Tracey Ullman Show (sketch comedy) FOX 1987-1990
- David (Dan Castellenata)
- William (Sam McMurray)
Warrior (1870s)
Stream on Netflix
Set turning the Tong Wars, this series focuses on martial arts prodigy Ah Sahm, who leaves China for San Francisco in search of his sister, only to end up sold to a powerful Chinatown tong.
After Barry left to join the merchant marine, Colin met Guido, who eventually moved in with him. There was another plotline of a doctor forming a close friendship with an athelete, who later comes out to the doctor and tells him that he loves him.
Roseanne (sitcom) ABC 1988-1997
- Leon Carp 1990-1997 (Martin Mull)
- Jerry Gimble/Steven 1991-1992 (Michael Des Barres)
- Nancy Bartlett 1992-1997 (Sandra Bernhardt)
- Marla 1992-1993 (Morgan Fairchild)
- Scott 1995-1997 (Fred Willard)
- Bev Harris 1989-1997 (Estelle Parsons)
- Joyce `the velvet voice' Levine 1997 (Ruta Lee) lounge singer
Your favorites could help guide others to discover their next binge-worthy series.
While it’s certainly interesting to argue that LGBTQ+ people generally, and trans people specifically, are a relatively new development in human history, in fact all of us have been thriving under pressure for all of human history — and there’s so much incredible television out there to remind us of who we are and where we come from.
Widely considered one of the best queer TV shows of all time, Our Flag Means Death inspired a passionate queer fanbase and was especially beloved by the community for the character Jim Jimenez, played by non-binary queer actor Vico Ortiz. (Produced simultaneously in French as Lance et Compte for Quebec, France and Switzerland.)
Doctor, Doctor (medical sitcom) CBS 1989-1991
- Richard `Dick' Stratford (Tony Carreiro)
- Hugh Persons (Brian George)
- Tom Snyder 1988 (Mark McManus) hockey coach
Knight, and Debra Winger.
Daisy Jones & The Six (1970s)
Stream on Prime Video
Adapted from a best-selling novel of the same name, Daisy Jones is clearly a fictionalized take on the real-life drama of legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. Following the titular band from their 1970s rise in the LA music scene to their eventual split at the height of their success, the adaptation adds a Black queer storyline that wasn’t present in the book.
Here’s how to immerse yourself in the past to remind yourself that even when people hated us more than they do now, we lived.
Mary & George(1610s)
Stream on Starz
While other period pieces modernize with pop music and other anachronisms — to various success — this seemingly modest series about George and May Villiers instead leans into timeless faithfuls: sex and violence.
Dresses up as a male, etc.... Prisoner Bonnie was a gay English hooker.
Hooperman (police sitcom/drama) ABC 1987-1989
- Rick Silardi (Joseph Gian) police officer
- Rudy 1988-1989 (Rod Gist)