5 Trans-Related TV Shows To Binge In Quarantine

Trans-Related TV Shows

Being stuck inside has been a roller coaster for all of us. Maybe you’re quarantined with an unsupportive family. Maybe you’re rockin’ it solo, or you’re just bored out of your mind. Either way, these five TV shows all feature trans characters and can help you pass the time. Plus, seeing your community shown accurately on screen can feel like a lifeline when you’re this isolated. So without further ado, here are some trans-related TV shows worth checking out.

1. Feel Good (Netflix)

This show follows the semi-autobiographical story of non-binary comedian Mae Martin. Mae is a Canadian living in the UK, figuring out her complicated relationship with gender and sexuality while trying to get her comedy career off the ground. She's also struggling to manage a history of cocaine addiction. This show gets even more complicated when Mae finds herself in a new relationship with a girl named George. Keep in mind this show includes portrayals of addiction and recovery so if that’s a trigger for you, proceed with caution.

2. Pose (Netflix)

If you can dig a good musical, this show is for you! This show has heart for days and features several trans characters played by actual trans folks. (A novel idea, we know.) Set in the 1980s at the height of the AIDS epidemic, Pose tells the story of Blanca, a transwoman who creates a ‘house’ of self-selected family members to support LGBTQ youth that have been rejected by their biological families. Through the NYC ballroom scene, they compete, celebrate, fight oppression, build community, and express their authentic selves.

3. Work In Progress (HBO)

Featuring up-and-coming trans actor, Theo Germaine, Work in Progress follows the relationship between a self-proclaimed "fat, queer dyke" and a young transman named Chris (Germaine). The show's main protagonist, Abby (played by comedian Abby McEnany) hits an all-time low when her therapist dies during one of their sessions and Abby resolves to end her own life if things don't improve within 6 months. Enter Chris. Season 1 tells the unfolding of their relationship, which is challenged by big age and cultural differences between the lovers. Lots of beautiful queer, trans and non-binary folks are featured on this show, so this is a great one for folks missing their LGBTQ+ fam.

4. The Fosters

The Fosters is an American family drama that follows the lives of an interracial lesbian couple and their five children - four of whom are foster children. Trans actor, Elliot Fletcher plays the recurring character, Aaron Baker, a law student who helps Callie Foster exonerate her younger ex-foster brother. Baker eventually becomes Callie's love interest, and the pair date throughout season five. This show tackles hard topics such as political injustice, sexism, racism, and foster care cruelty head-on, and handles them skillfully.

5. Euphoria (HBO)

Drugs, addiction, self-harm, mental health, sexual identities, sex work, gender - this show is both raw and inclusive. Folks who are triggered by any of the above will likely want to stay away, however, we had to include this show on our list. Euphoria tells the story of Rue, a young addict in recovery, and her newfound friendship with Jules, a trans teenager who shares much in common with the troubled Rue. The portrayal of Jules by trans model Hunter Schafer is a fantastic piece of acting. Plus we appreciate how Jules' trans-status is acknowledged - and at times even announced - but in a way that clearly lets the viewer know this is only one part of Jules' identity. The result is that Jules is a fully developed character whose life is clearly informed by her trans-experience, but without the portrayal feeling one-note or tokenizing.

There are plenty of other shows that feature transgender characters that are definitely worth a watch. We also like Sense8, Good Girls, and Faking It. We hope these transgender TV shows bring you some comfort while you’re stuck at home.

Remember: You are not alone. You are loved. You are valid.

Related Posts

    CULTURE