LGBTQIA+ media recs

SEX POSITIVITY ENDEAVOURS TO OPEN CONVERSATIONS AROUND SEX, INTIMACY, AND SEXUALITY IN A WAY THAT IS CONSTRUCTIVE AND HEALTHY. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BENEFIT EVERYONE BUT ESPECIALLY THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. MEDIA PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN REPRESENTATION, BRINGING IDEAS INTO THE SOCIAL PSYCHE, AND STARTING CONVERSATIONS.

L - Blue is the Warmest Colour’ (2013)

A movie following a lesbian couple that flew under the radar. Sex positivity doesn’t necessarily mean sex on the page or screen, but healthy depictions of sex which isn’t fetishized is honestly a breath of fresh air.

G - 'Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman

Follow a comic of two boys who fall in love and together handle topics of coming out, bullying, and mental health. Sex positivity isn’t just sex, intimacy in platonic and romantic forms are important to understand and learn to help us feel connected.

B - Brooklyn 99

Rosa Diaz’s bisexuality has been a great example of characterisation that is honest and refreshing. Media representation is important for seeing ourselves in everyday situations.

T - Boy Meets Girl

A trans romcom??? I had to dig for this gem which speaks to itself about the need for more representation. While stories of transition are incredibly important, showing everyday life is vital too. An allrounder for bringing up topics of sex positivity, Sex Education is a Netflix TV show that follows teenagers struggling through high school and the various types of sexuality and intimacy that is a great, and comical way, to bring up so many different topics.

I - Faking It

Recommended by the InterACT advocates for Intersex youth, Faking It is a TV series which brings an intersex main character to the story. Intersex representation is key for breaking through stigma and helping the dialogue with advocacy.

A - Upside Down by N.R. Walker

A personal favourite of mine for Asexual representation. Australian author Alice Walker has written a romance that represents a healthy depiction of asexuality in relationships. This highlights an importance of non-sexual intimacy which I think is something that isn’t talked about enough.

+ ‘Boyfriends’

An honorable mention to a webcomic of four boys in a polyamorous relationship. This slice of life story is cute and touches upon navigating school life, polyam dynamics, and who has stolen whose hoodies.