Iconic LGBTQ+-Themed Television Episodes

This Pride Month, let’s take a trip down Queer Memory Lane and recognize some of the most impactful, groundbreaking, and legendary LGBTQ+-themed episodes of some of our favorite shows throughout the years!

Series: "Ellen"

Episode: “The Puppy Episode” (Season 4, Episode 22/23) 

Iconic line: “Susan… I’m gay.”

Long before Ellen DeGeneres’s daytime show, the comedian was widely recognized for her ABC sitcom, aptly titled "Ellen". In this episode from the 4th season, Ellen literally and figuratively steps up to the mic and comes out as a gay woman. This episode would earn DeGeneres a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series and change the television landscape forever.

Series: "Schitt’s Creek"

Episode: “Happy Ending” (Season 6, Episode 14)

Iconic line: “It's not been an easy road for me, but knowing that you will be there for me at the end makes everything okay.”

The PopTV sleeper-hit, "Schitt’s Creek", touched the hearts of its viewers for managing to make us both laugh and cry – sometimes simultaneously. “Happy Endings”, the series finale, was no different and is celebrated for its honest and impactful portrayal of gay marriage.

Series: "Girls"

Episode: “Tad & Loreen & Avi & Shanaz” (Season 4, Episode 8)

Iconic line: “I’ve been thinking lately that I’m… gay.”

If for nothing else, HBO’s dramedy "Girls" will be remembered for the multi-dimensional character development that takes place throughout the series – particularly in its 4th season when Hannah's father Tad, a married man, comes out as gay.

Series: "Pose" 

Episode: “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Iconic line: “Do you know what the greatest pain a person can feel is? The greatest tragedy a life can experience? It is having a truth inside of you and you not being able to share it.”

"Pose", Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking, Emmy Award-winning FX series opens with a poignant and powerful episode that explores 1980s New York City,with themes ranging from the HIV epidemic to queer ballroom culture to homophobia.

Series: "Orange Is the New Black"

Episode: “Lesbian Request Denied” (Season 1, Episode 3)

Iconic line: “Why would anyone want to give up being a man? It's like winning the lottery and giving the ticket back.”

While the Netflix original series "Orange Is the New Black" broke down many barriers for LGBTQ+ representation in television, it’s the third episode of the first season that stands out for its honest and effective portrayal of a Black trans character – exploring the background of Sophia Bursett, a trans inmate, portrayed by Laverne Cox in a role that would garner her 4 Emmy nominations.

Series: "Andi Mack"

Episode: “Hey, Who Wants Pizza?” (Season 2, Episode 1)

Iconic line: “Cyrus, you've always been weird. But you're no different.”

The first Disney Channel original series to feature a main gay character, "Andi Mack" saw a surge in ratings upon its second season when Cyrus Goodman, Andi’s best friend, revealed that he had a crush on the same boy that Andi did.

Series: "The Last of Us"

Episode: “Long, Long Time” (Season 1, Episode 3)

Iconic line: “I'm old. I'm satisfied. And you were my purpose.”

HBO’s "The Last of Us" received universal critical acclaim and massive social media attention upon airing the third episode, which follows the sacrifices one gay couple makes to live -- and die -- for each other. 

Series: "Never Have I Ever"

Episode: “...had my own troll” (Season 3, Episode 2)

Iconic line: “She just wanted to feel seen.”

Though the scene is brief (as is their relationship), the kiss shared between Aneesa and Fabiola in the third season of "Never Have I Ever" highlighted the importance and noticeable lack of queer representation for South Asian girls and television characters.