To kick off Pride Month I’ve crafted a list of my favorite LGBTQ+ characters on television. This list is in no particular order and the characters included are all very special to me. LGBTQ+ representation in the media is so important especially if it’s done right.
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Arizona Robbins- Grey’s Anatomy
I wish I knew about Arizona when I was first figuring out my sexuality. If I could pick any person in the world to be I would pick Arizona Robbins. Arizona, played by Jessica Capshaw, is a lesbian- a very proud one. She’s bright, happy, kind, fun and she knows exactly who she is. She’s the first lesbian character I’ve ever watched, and I was instantly captivated by her.
Leslie Shay- Chicago Fire
I started Chicago Fire last week. I was minding my own business when I heard, “ Are you gay Peter Mills? Because I am.” Two seconds later I fell in love. Not to be dramatic or anything. Leslie Shay very quickly became my new character obsession, and I want to scream from the rooftops and pronounce my love for her in front of the entire universe. Again, not to be dramatic or anything. Sometimes I gravitate towards lesbian characters because I feel like I have to, but when it came to Shay I knew I genuinely enjoyed her character. Also, she was never very good at sussing out other queer women and because of this I think we would be best friends. Rest In Peace Leslie Shay.
Amelia Shepherd- Grey’s Anatomy
Amelia Shepherd is one of my all time favorite characters. I could write thousands of essays on her significance and how much she means to me but then I’d just seem crazy. Amelia Shepherd has always been gay let’s get that straight right now. Just because she’s just now in a queer relationship doesn’t mean she “all of a sudden turned gay.” Her storyline with Kai Bartley was my (and many others’) favorite storyline of Season 18. Above everything, Amelia exploring her sexuality has seemingly given her a new kind of happiness, and her saying she “feels seen” by Kai and through their relationship is the main reason her name is on this list. There’s nothing better than a character- especially an LGBTQ+ character- finding true happiness within themselves
Charlie Spring- Heartstopper
Charlie Spring is the definition of a comfort character. If you’ve watched Hearstopper and don’t like Charlie we can never be friends. Again, to watch a gay character be themselves and know exactly who they are is so heartwarming. Him falling for straight guys is some of the most accurate representation I’ve seen- we’re practically the same person. Charlie Spring fills up every inch of my heart and I could go on forever and ever about him.
Carina Deluca- Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19
She’s Italian and she likes women? Sign me up. Just Like Charlie Spring (and everyone else on this list) Deluca is the definition of a comfort character. She’s currently married to Maya Bishop on Station 19 and they’re the only wlw couple on the show. Together Maya and Carina have brought several different queer storylines to the screen, expanding their audience and trying to bring more representation to the screen. Before marrying Maya, Carina dated around and she was even in a relationship with Arizona Robbins for a brief time.
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There’s so many LGBTQ+ characters I love and I would be writing forever if I tried to include them all. These five are some of my most favorite characters I’ve ever watched. LGBTQ+ representation goes beyond just pleasing the community. Representation is immensely important and helps so many queer people discover things about themselves. Finding characters I can identify with and relate to has played such a huge role in helping me become more comfortable with my sexuality, and I’m so grateful to the actors, actresses, shows, and networks who aren’t afraid to showcase these characters.
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