Here is our list of the very best queer sci-fi ever
While it’s great to see an increase in LGBTQ+ characters, it’s a shame that a large portion are in arthouse dramas about being gay, or are the token character just to say the film was representing gay people. It’s hard for people to argue that there’s no representation, because there is, but it’s not positive if it’s just about being gay, or it’s a small character with only a few seconds of screen time (looking at you Disney)
But just as often as filmmakers have been stuck in a rut doing the bare minimum for representation, others have gone above and beyond and made films that have LGBTQ+ characters that are also kick-ass heroes, lawyers, teachers, detectives, and others. It’s still an LGBTQ+ story where the person does deal with LGBTQ+ issues, but that’s not what the main purpose is.
The best is when it still tells a great genre story while also being great representation. So, for our dear sci-fi nerds, we’re starting with you. Here’s the best queer sci-fi for your viewing pleasure, both in TV and film form.
Cloud Atlas
This film is forever polarizing for covering six different time periods in one film. With a runtime of nearly 3 hours, it’s understanding this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But featuring several gay couples and androgynous characters at points, it’s something special.
Sense8
Of course Cloud Atlas wasn’t the last of the Wachowski Sisters we’d be seeing on this list. One of the driving forces in sci-fi, the directing duo has brought representation to a new level with Netflix’s Sense8. We see you senates, you know we do. If you haven’t become a senate yet, watch the show and finale film even if there’s nothing else coming. You won’t regret it.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Yes, this is sci-fi, and yes, it counts. We’re not explaining ourselves. You know why this is here.
Orphan Black
Besides the fact that Felix Dawson is the best gay best friend in all of TV, Cosima and Delphine is the relationship we continue to root for no matter how much of a bad idea it is. Even if it’s a little awkward considering there’s twelve other women that look like Cosima.
V for Vendetta
You may forget that a large part of V’s motivation is his time spent in a concentration camp with homosexuals among other misfits in British society. Especially after seeing the mistreatment by them, he wants to fight for a world where people can be themselves without the government interfering. So it may not be gay, but isn’t gay rights just as important?
Legion
Aubrey Plaza as a lesbian while playing a character that was originally written as a man? Not to mention it’s one of the most bonkers things on television in the past few years? This is the show for us, and you.
The 100
Like we’d make this list without mentioning Clarke and Lexa. Lexa still deserves better to this day though.
Black Mirror “San Junipero”
While Black Mirror has dived into LGBTQ+ themes, this was the quintessential episode that no one could shut up about. Telling a beautiful love story in this virtual reality dream world, we wish we could get a full series about Yorkie and Kelly’s love story.
