The rights of the LGBTQ+ community have come a long way since Pride first began in 1970, commemorating the Stonewall Riots. But while progress has been made, the journey toward full equality and acceptance is far from over, which is why Pride remains so important today.
There are many ways to support and uplift the voices of members of the community, and one of those ways is to engage in media that highlights their experiences.
Ahead of Saturday's Pride Parade in Dublin, here are some TV shows and movies you can watch that celebrate LGBTQ+ stories on screen.
Dating Amber (2020) - Prime
Dating Amber is an Irish coming-of-age story set in the 1990s about two closeted teens who decide to date each other to hide their sexuality and stop the homophobic abuse they are receiving from their classmates. It’s a heartfelt and funny story about friendship and self-acceptance.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005) - RTÉ Player
Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson star in this film that follows Patricia Braden, an Irish trans woman, who is on the search for her mother who abandoned her at birth. During this search she manages to fall foul of the IRA.
Lyra (2021) – RTÉ Player
Lyra documents the life and death of Lyra McKee, a Northern Irish journalist who was murdered while observing a riot in Derry. This film was put together using voice recordings from Lyra’s dictaphone as well as her text messages, home video recordings, and other archives.
Handsome Devil (2016) - Disney +
This Irish coming-of-age story follows Ned and Conor who become roommates at their boarding school. When the loner and jock become unsuspected friends, they must grapple with the difficult dynamics of being in an all-boys secondary school while also coming to terms with who they are.
Unicorns (2023) - Netflix
Luke is a straight white man struggling to adjust to being a single father. Ayasha is a Southeast Asian drag queen, leading a double life. When their paths cross one night, their undeniable chemistry forces them to be honest with themselves. This film explores identity, connection, and the harsh realities many trans people face.
Fire Island (2022) - Disney +
The movie follows a group of friends on their annual vacation trip to Fire Island. When Howie meets Charlie, their romance is complicated by classism, ex-boyfriends and overbearing friends. Fire Island is a raunchy romcom that’s inspired by Pride and Prejudice, so if that doesn’t entice you to watch it, then I don’t know what will!
Shiva Baby (2020) - Prime
Shiva Baby follows Danielle, a directionless bisexual Jewish woman who attends a Shiva attended by her ex-girlfriend, her sugar daddy, and her dysfunctional family. What could possibly go wrong? The chaotic and intense energy of this movie is perfect for people who love messy dramedies.
A Secret Love (2020) - Netflix
Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel met in 1947 and fell in love. As this was a less than accepting time, they had to live their life as a couple discreetly, even keeping it a secret from their family. Finally in their 80’s they felt comfortable enough to live their lives openly, but this came with its own set of challenges. This documentary is a moving look at love, resilience, and the cost of hiding who you are.
It’s a Sin (2021) - Channel 4
This show follows a group of five friends living their lives at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. It’s a beautiful ode to living, loving, and fighting for joy in the face of tragedy.
Pose (2018) - Disney+
Pose is about New York City’s ball culture, an LGBTQ+ subculture in the African American and Latino communities, throughout the 1980s and 1990s. We see this through the lens of members of the gay and trans community as they navigate the dynamics of chosen family, and how they are perceived in the world during the AIDS crisis.
Adults (2025) - Disney +
Adults is an ensemble comedy that follows the lives of a friend group as they navigate their 20s. It’s a really easy binge that’ll have you laughing endlessly. If you love sitcoms like New Girl and How I Met Your Mother, then this one is for you.
Killing Eve (2018) - RTÉ Player
This spy thriller follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), an MI6 officer who is tasked with catching Villanelle (Jodi Comer), a psychopathic assassin. As the chase goes on, they become more and more obsessed with one another. Is this obsession fueled by love or hate? This is a question they must answer.
Feel Good (2020) – Netflix
A semi-autobiographical romantic comedy where Mae Martin plays a fictionalised version of themselves. Mae is a recovering drug addict, trying to navigate the modern-day world of love, addiction and sexuality all while attempting to progress their career as a stand-up comedian.
Harlem (2021) – Prime
Harlem follows the strong bond among four Black women navigating love, careers, and self-discovery. The support and friendship these women give each other coupled with the witty humor and dialogue makes this a fun watch. As crazy as they all are, there are pieces of them that we can all relate to.
Overcompensating (2025) - Prime
Benny, a football player, heads to college struggling with his sexuality. To hide who he is he finds himself "overcompensating", which leads him to do ridiculous things with unintended consequences. This satirical comedy of college life for an in the closet gay man is the perfect binge.
Queer as Folk UK (1999) - Channel 4
Queer as Folk documents the lives and loves of young gay men Stuart, Vince and Nathan in Manchester. This groundbreaking drama was one of the first shows to debut gay characters, and not as background characters but as the leads. It’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s relevant. With only two short seasons, when you’re done, you can treat yourself to the US version.
