Breaking Barriers: TV's Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Power Couples

In the past 20 years, LGBTQ+ inclusiveness has become increasingly prominent in sitcoms, dramas, and cartoons, showcasing the 10 most memorable LGBTQ+ couples in TV history. Due to societal taboos and discrimination, television had a glaring absence of LGBTQ+ characters during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Occasionally, a token character would appear in a TV series, often depicted as shallow and peripheral to the main cast.

However, as society has become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, television creators have made significant strides in portraying authentic and relatable queer characters who have fulfilling relationships, families, and successful careers. In a time marked by division and prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community, the small screen has shattered barriers in representation. These 10 iconic LGBTQ+ couples have brought the beauty of queerness into households nationwide and worldwide, imparting the message that members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve to be seen and treated with dignity and equality in society.

10 Willow and Tara (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Willow and Tara's relationship on Buffy the Vampire Slayer broke barriers as one of the few lesbian couples portrayed on TV during the late '90s and early 2000s. Both powerful magic-wielders, they teamed up with Buffy to combat the horde of vampires that had infiltrated their town. While it was strongly suggested that Willow and Tara were dating in seasons 4 and 5, the show did not depict an intimate scene between them, unlike the portrayal of Buffy's romantic encounters with male love interests. However, this changed in season 5 when Tara, displaying a moment of compassion, shared a kiss with Willow as they prepared to attend the funeral of Buffy's mother.

9 Callie and Arizona (Grey's Anatomy)

The relationship between Callie and Arizona in Grey's Anatomy, two doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital, portrayed the complexities of marriage. Their storyline not only showcased realistic adult relationships but also provided important LGBTQ+ representation on television. Even after their divorce, the characters chose to live together in New York to raise their daughter, demonstrating that it is possible to co-parent effectively and maintain a loving family dynamic post-divorce.

8 Ian and Mickey (Shameless)

Ian and Mickey's love story on Shameless broke barriers by portraying the challenges faced by a young adult male couple in a society plagued by prejudice and dysfunction. The series bravely tackled the struggle of coming to terms with one's sexual identity and depicted the hurdles Ian and Mickey had to overcome to sustain their relationship. Despite the history of violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues within their families, Ian and Mickey emerged as a beacon of stability and resilience, capturing the hearts of fans with their unwavering commitment to each other.

The portrayal of gang leaders in fictional crime dramas often depicts them as violent womanizers. However, the dynamic between Omar and Brandon in The Wire challenges this perception. Omar Little, one of the most compelling characters on TV, is a notorious stick-up robber who leads a crew of thieves, including the introverted and kind-hearted Brandon. Breaking stereotypes, Omar defies expectations by genuinely caring for his significant other and openly showing affection towards Brandon in public. Despite facing skepticism and judgment from their friends and community, Omar remains unapologetic about their relationship.

6 Piper and Alex (Orange is the New Black)

Piper and Alex's relationship in Orange is the New Black carried immense significance as it presented the unique storyline of two women with contrasting personalities striving to maintain their connection while incarcerated for drug-related offenses. Spanning across seven seasons, their complex and intricate romance also sheds light on the complexities of being in love with someone who possesses toxic traits and exerts a negative influence. Serving as a testament to their status as an iconic LGBTQ+ couple, the development of their narrative prompted one of Orange is the New Black's writers, Lauren Morelli, to discover her own homosexuality.

5 Marceline and Princess Bubblegum (Adventure Time)

Adventure Time revolutionized the world of mainstream cartoon series by introducing LGBQT+ representation through the beautiful and heartfelt relationship between Marcline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum. Throughout the entire series, Marceline and Bubblegum's romantic journey not only captivated viewers but also played a crucial role in normalizing LGQT+ individuals and their relationships. The show's commitment to incorporating LGBQT+ themes into its storylines over its 10-season run truly made it a remarkable and inclusive program.

4 Brittany and Santana (Glee)

What made Glee's Brittany and Santana a truly iconic couple was their ability to defy the common stereotype that high school cheerleaders are exclusively heterosexual and only date male athletes. Their relationship was characterized by strength and maturity, standing out among the others in the show. Their unwavering devotion to each other and their courageousness in confronting prejudice head-on resonated deeply with viewers, making them beloved figures. By placing Brittany and Santana's storyline at the forefront, Glee became one of the most acclaimed dramas to prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters.

3 Mitch and Cam (Modern Family)

Mitch and Cam, the adoptive parents of Lily on the popular TV show Modern Family, are not only incredibly sweet but also hilariously funny. There are numerous fascinating aspects about their relationship that fans may not be aware of. What made Mitch and Cam's portrayal on the highly acclaimed and award-winning series so significant was that it showcased a gay household within the framework of a loving and accepting extended family, challenging societal norms and stereotypes surrounding same-sex marriage and toxic masculinity.

2 Raymond and Kevin (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Captain Raymond Holt and college professor Kevin Cosner's marriage became an iconic representation of an LGBTQ+ couple from the baby-boomer era, a portrayal that had not been seen on any popular sitcom before. Their highly intelligent, sophisticated, and seemingly reserved personalities captivated audiences, breaking the stereotype that all gay couples are alike. In the final season, viewers were enthralled by a memorable kissing scene in the rain between Raymond and Kevin, a delightfully cheesy romantic moment that should be enjoyed by all TV queer couples, just like their heterosexual counterparts.

1 David and Patrick (Schitt's Creek)

The relationship between David and Patrick in Schitt's Creek was a defining aspect of the popular series from season 3 to season 6. Their unique, humorous, compassionate, and affectionate courtship, culminating in their marriage in the series finale, showcased a type of romantic storyline typically reserved for heterosexual couples. David and Patrick exemplified unconditional love and tenderness, shedding light on the fact that LGBTQ+ individuals also long for fulfilling and thriving relationships, just like their straight counterparts. Their genuine acceptance by their families and the entire town served as an inspiration for numerous gay individuals to embrace and feel at ease with their own identities and relationships.