It’s official – the final season of Orange is the New Black is now streaming on Netflix! We honestly can’t believe this groundbreaking show is coming to an end, but rather than mourn our loss, let’s celebrate – perhaps with a binge-watching party? – the seven seasons of groundbreaking queer stories, queer love, and queer friendships the show offered us from Day 1.
Speaking of queer, Season 7 of OITNB isn’t the only TV show that has brought us incredible LGBTQ+ stories and characters this summer of #20BiTeen. Continue scrolling to see the other TV programs – as well as movies and music – you shouldn’t miss before school is back in session. As our favorite theme song says, “you’ve got time!”
TV
Good Trouble (FreeForm)
Callie and Mariana’s adult adventures continue in this steamy spin-off of the hit series The Fosters. Season 2 kicked off on June 18 and should run through August 6. Don’t miss the It Gets Better video with some of our favorite queer cast members!
Pose (FX)
Stakes are high as competing houses come head-to-head once again on the ballroom floor in Season 2 of this groundbreaking show, which premiered on June 11 and will run until August 20. Amen to trans representation!
Queer Eye (Netflix)
What miracles will Jonathan, Karamo, Tan, Antoni, and Bobby (but mostly Bobby) work next? Find out in the new season of Queer Eye now available to stream on Netflix. And don’t forget the tissues!
She-Ra (Netflix)
The Princesses of Power are back and stronger than ever in this downright amazing animated reboot of the beloved 80s cartoon. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now, with Season 3 coming on August 2. In the meantime, check out our It Gets Better video with the “She-Ra” showrunner Noelle Stevenson.
Stranger Things (Netflix)
While things have always been a little strange in Hawkins, Indiana, they’re about to get a lot more queer in Season 3, which premiered on July 4 and is available to stream now. You’re welcome!
Film
Booksmart (Annapurna Pictures)
Hands down the must-see film of the summer. Booksmart is one of the freshest and funniest coming-of-age movies of the decade. You won’t want to miss these girls’ last wild night of high school!
The Lion King (Disney)
While not explicitly queer – and now missing what many believed was once a femme-fabulous villain – the new The Lion King does feature out actor Billy Eichner as the voice of Timon. We ship him and Pumbaa!
Rocketman (Paramount)
Who can resist a bio pic, let alone one about one of the most iconic queer performers of all time?! Taron Egerton is simply amazing as Elton John.
Music
Hayley Kiyoko – I Wish
Getting an ex back with witchcraft isn’t so easy, but falling in love with Hayley Kiyoko – aka Lesbian Jesus – sure is. You won’t want to miss her new single that dropped July 11. And did you know she made an It Gets Better video?!
Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road
As the LA TImes recently put it – ‘Old Town Road’ is a record-breaking, gay-pride-celebrating, America-unifying pop-culture miracle. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Todrick Hall – Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels
Can’t get enough of Todrick Hall? Well don’t you worry. Haus Party, Pt. 1, which was released on May 23, is just the first in a planned triology of Haus Party EPs to be released in 2019. Trust us, you’ll be obsessing over his newest singles. And while you’re at it, learn more about Todrick’s recent documentary at itgetsbetter.org/behindthecurtain.
For more great LGBTQ+ stories, check out itgetsbetter.org/stories.