Top 10 Best LGBTQ+ Characters in Netflix Shows
#10: Elena Maria Alvarez “One Day at a Time” (2017-20)
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Elena Maria is the teenage daughter of the Alvarez family. Nerdy, empathetic and adorkable, Elena makes an effort to make everyone around her feel included, like the time she wanted her queer cousin to feel welcome in the family. Elena’s also very creative, especially when it comes to style and costuming: two particular incidents that stand out are her and Syd’s couple costume, and her outfit to the quinceanera. She’s a great friend, and will go through great lengths to keep her loved ones safe. Elena’s journey reflects the usual pangs and pains of adolescence, while simultaneously bringing political awareness to the sitcom and its viewers. We also especially feel for her when she comes out to her unaccepting father.
#9: Theo Putnam “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (2018-20)
Like Sabrina, we feel protective of Theo Putnam from the very beginning. Theo is vulnerable in many ways, but despite his many obstacles, he is brave, determined, and always stands up for what he believes in. This includes when he defends his uncle, when he defends Sabrina when Roz and Harvey ostracize her, and in his own journey coming out as trans. Theo may be a mortal, but he successfully uses his powers of persuasion against some very dangerous creatures. Theo is always there for his friends, no matter how insane the adventure. He and Robin are a perfect match, and the only drama-free couple in the whole show.
#8: Jeri Hogarth “Jessica Jones” (2015-19)
Did you know that this character was a man in the original comic? How cool that the show gave it a twist! A successful boss-lady is a relatively new concept in literary and television history. Lawyer Jeri Hogarth, in addition to being the first uncloseted lesbian in the MCU, embodies all the qualities we want to see in a leadership position: dry and witty, with a sprinkle of existential wisdom. Jeri has a human side and is capable of flaws, like any multi-dimensional, well-written character. Jeri is composed throughout the show. It takes patience to tolerate Jessica’s tantrums and temper, but Jeri does it with infinite grace.
#7: Adora “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” (2018-20)
The only animated character to make it on our list, the adorable Adora is a warrior-in-training who discovers her powers as She-Ra when she wields her sword. Adora is sharp, energetic and has great reflexes. She is loyal to her friends. Even when others around her are bratty or difficult, she looks out for them and is very protective of her fellow rebellion leaders in the Best Friends Squad. While sensible upon first glance, Adora constantly surprises us with her adventurous side. It’s a thrill to watch Adora and Catra’s intense relationship dynamics, from Catra’s pride holding her back from being vulnerable to various feelings of betrayal, to the occasional rivalry and the final confessions of love.
#6: Eric Effiong “Sex Education” (2019-)
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Eric grabs our attention and intrigue in the very first scene with his bold, unfiltered dialogue. Not only is he very entertaining with his outgoingness and sparkly style, but Eric is also a great friend. He encourages Otis to go into business with Maeve Wiley, to put himself out there socially, and to be honest with himself. We love him for his childlike giddiness and his occasional awkwardness, especially when he and Rahim are courting each other. But most of all, we admire his courage to be himself even in challenging circumstances. Apart from his questionable French horn-playing, Eric is also very talented, helping to turn what could have been a cute, high school play into a musical extravaganza.
#5: Danielle "Dani" Clayton “The Haunting of Bly Manor” (2020)
Teachers are heroes, and Dani Clayton is the epitome of a heroine in this Netflix show based on Henry James’s novel The Turn of the Screw. Set in 1987, Dani leaves her hometown in America to explore shaky new territory in London. The ex-teacher accepts an unpopular job as an au pair of two charming but suspicious orphans. Friendly and up-front, Dani’s bold Americanness initially stands out amidst the crisp British air. We soon discover that she’s quite sensitive and high-strung. We like that she does not give in to the children’s every whim and is a fair governess. Meanwhile, the heartfelt journey and unconditional love shared between Dani and gardener Jamie are real tear-jerkers.
#4: Sophia Burset “Orange Is the New Black” (2012-19)
We first meet Sophia at Litchfield Penitentiary, where she’s being held due to credit card fraud. Sophia is a Black trans woman and a very talented hairdresser, even setting up a neat little salon for herself in prison. She has a strained relationship with her son because of her transition, and we admire her courage to keep being her true self. Sophia is incredibly intelligent, determined, resourceful, and is able to work with whatever tools are made available to her. We see her giving really good advice to Piper throughout the show. Despite being a racial and sexual minority, she survives prison and goes on to build a thriving business once she’s out.
#3: Klaus Hargreeves “The Umbrella Academy” (2019-)
Klaus is sexy, hedonistic, unapologetic: everything we enjoy in a character. Oh, and he can speak with the dead. He’s hands-down the most playful of the seven adopted Hargreeves siblings. Klaus has a way of owning any space he’s in and he doesn’t let any person or situation get in the way of his sharp sarcasm. It’s especially entertaining to watch him form and guide a cult with song lyrics, making it all the more touching to see his tender, romantic side. Of course, we can’t forget to mention his deep relationship with Dave, which was basically the only thing that could motivate him to sober up - at least, temporarily. Deserving of mention is Klaus’s underdog sister, Vanya - number seven - who never got recognition from her family, but sure does from us!
#2: Titus Andromedon “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2015-19; 2020)
When Kimmy Schmidt escapes from her long-time kidnapper, it is her new roommate Titus Adromedan who guides her back to the modern world. Titus has the power to say precisely what many of us are secretly thinking. His inappropriate and politically-questionable outbursts are hilarious and make the show extremely watchable. Titus embodies all the qualities that make us human. His failed attempts at humility and avoiding gossip mirror many of our own desires and weaknesses, without coming across as arrogant or unrelatable. We also love Titus for his flair for the ultra-dramatic and the sharpness in some of his truths. It’s great to have Titus as a friend, as he’s always willing to jump into adventures and challenges. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Nicky & Joe, “The Old Guard” (2020) These Immortals Share What’s Arguably the Most Poetic Moment on Netflix Todd Chavez, "BoJack Horseman" (2014-20) The Best Friend BoJack Never Deserved Fabiola Torres, “Never Have I Ever” (2020-) Coming Out Is Extra Brave When Your Friends Are Boy-Crazy Omar Shanaa, “Elite” (2018-) Is It Possible to Come Out to Your Conservative Palestinian Family? Alex, “Julie and the Phantoms” (2020) A Ghost Who Won't Ghost You
#1: Nomi Marks & Amanita "Neets" Caplan “Sense8” (2015-18)
Nomi and Amanita make such a good team that we had to include them together as our top pick. Nomi is a transgender woman with excellent hacking abilities and her partner Amanita is a stylish booklover and bookstore clerk. A gorgeous and fitting duo with chemistry splashing off the screen in nearly every scene, Nomi and Amanita are also partners in crime. While Lito and Hernando also deserve a shout-out, Nomi’s and Amanita’s teamwork is especially commendable. They would do anything for each other, from theft to arson. Amanita’s unquestioning belief in Nomi is a whole new sense of loyalty we like to see more of in our Netflix characters.
