5 queer love stories to watch this Valentineâs Day
In an era of TV/film that seemingly despises romance, it’s even harder to find queer-centric love depicted on screen. But with Valentine’s Day around the corner, Reckon has the real lovers covered. Whether you like binging a romantic series or drama filled with the discovery of queer love, there’s something for you to swoon over.
Here are some of the best LGBTQ+ on-screen media depicting a wide range of queer love.
Love, Victor
For those looking for a humorous and drama-filled teen-angsty queer romance, Love, Victor is perfect. In the spin-off of the hit movie Love, Simon follows Victor Salazar, a new student at Creekwood High School, who adjusts to a new city while on a journey of self-discovery, juggling home life and struggling with his sexual orientation. When it all becomes too much to navigate, he reaches out to former Creekwood resident gay student Simon from Love, Simon for help. With Simon’s notable coming out story at Creekwood years before, Victor uses Simon’s guidance while figuring out his journey. This one is a fun three-season binge that is worth grabbing your favorite treat and indulging in the quirky romance and self-discovery.
Where to Watch: Hulu | Disney+
First Kill
Lovers of sapphic romance and fantasy, First Kill is the show for you. In First Kill, teenage vampire Juliette must make her first kill so she can take her place among her powerful vampire family; she sets her sights on the new girl in town, Calliope. But to Juliette’s surprise, Calliope is a vampire hunter from a family of celebrated slayers. Both find that the other won’t be easy to kill and, unfortunately, too easy to fall for. Sadly, the Netflix adaptation only got one season before being canceled. Still, it’s a fun watch and a refreshing spin on sapphic representation on screen. After you watch, check out the short story of the same name it’s based on in the anthology Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Moonlight
Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning film, Moonlight, resonated with many Black queer folks because of its accurate depiction of Black queer longing. The film follows a young Black man who wrestles with his identity and sexuality while managing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood. While we surely need more modern stories for Black queer sexuality and love that go beyond narratives of DL, or down-low, men or repressed queerness, Moonlight is a staple in the queer romance canon—a true discovery of one’s sexuality and how they interact in the relationships in their life.
Where to Watch: Max
Bottoms
The film Bottoms, with its highly queer title, follows lesbian best friends at the bottom of their high school’s social hierarchy starting a fight club to seem cool and get girls to like them. It’s a cult classic-style teen movie and a hilarious, gritty, authentic portrayal of sapphic angst. The cast features Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, and Marshawn Lynch, who have great comedic timing while keeping the film’s humanity and heart present. Bottoms is a perfect pick for those who love crass humor mixed with cheesy romance tropes with a twist.
Where to Watch: MGM+
Anything’s Possible
Anything’s Possible is a delightful modern Gen Z coming-of-age story that follows Kelsa, a confident teenage trans girl who navigates senior year. When her classmate Khal begins crushing on her, he asks her out despite the high school drama he knows could ensue. What occurs is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness and pain of young love. This selection is perfect for lovers who are looking for the pureness of first loves and a depiction of girlhood that many trans folks have been denied.
Where to Watch: Prime Video