Does it ever feel like you actually run out of stuff to watch on Netflix?
Trouble is, Netflix can feel like a bit of an iceberg, only a fraction of the available content is easy to find right there on the front page. The rest, the hidden 90 per cent, can feel like a taunting and neverending task of endless searching.
Strangely enough using Netflix.com can be easier to find the content you’re looking for, rather than Fire TV or the dreaded Apple TV.
Weirdly depending on what device you’re using, searching Netflix for that next great find can either simple or an hours worth of wasted time. We’ve used a number of devices ranging from the simplest (iPad) to the mediocre (Fire TV) to the downright unstable (Apple TV gen 2) .
For the record, using Netflix’s website to find content is always much easier. So you might want log in there first using your laptop or iPad find something that looks good then go back to your browsing device and use the search to manually type in the title.
Luckily Netflix has tagged all of its content quite well and we’re happy to report that gay content has been divided into sub-genres to help you get the exact kind of content you’re in the mood for.
Don’t spend hours and hours blindly searching. Use these links to find exactly what you’re looking for.
So what are these secret links? Well, all gay films can be found on genre link 5977, while TV shows can be found on link 65263. If you were looking for a foreign language LGBT+ film you’d be able to find the full list of content on link 8243.
Here’s all the links to get you to exactly what you’re looking for
There’s so much on Netflix that it can take an age just find something to watch. But what if you just wanted to watch something a bit gay?
Trouble is, Netflix can feel like a bit of an iceberg, only a fraction of the available content is easy to find right there on the front page. The rest, the hidden 90 per cent, can feel like a taunting and neverending task of endless searching.
Strangely enough using Netflix.com can be easier to find the content you’re looking for, rather than Fire TV or the dreaded Apple TV.
Weirdly depending on what device you’re using, searching Netflix for that next great find can either be simple, potluck or, more often than not, hours of wasted time. We’ve used a number of devices ranging from the simplest (iPad) to the mediocre (Fire TV) to the downright unstable (Apple TV gen 2).
For the record, using Netflix’s website to find content is always much easier. So you might want to log in there first using your laptop or iPad find something that looks good then go back to your browsing device and use the search to manually type in the title.
However, there’s a super easy way to find what you’re looking for because everything on Netflix is given a genre code. Makes sense right? You’ll want to link all the Horrors together – and separately away from, say, Kids’ content.
Luckily Netflix has tagged all of its content quite well. Even better, we’re happy to report that gay content has been divided into sub-genres to help you get the exact kind of content you’re in the mood for.
Don’t spend hours and hours blindly searching. Use these links to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Netflix has also added some blockbusters to its mix too, currently, you can find, Bohemian Rhapsody, Brokeback Mountain, Call Me By Your Name and Pride.
So what are these secret links? Well, all gay films can be found on genre link 5977, while TV shows can be found on link 65263. If you were looking for a foreign language LGBT+ film you’d be able to find the full list of content on link 8243.
Here are all the links to get you to exactly what you’re looking for
Get your Sinitta and 5 Star albums of feel-good music at the ready because if you haven’t already binged watched Russell T Davies new Channel 4 drama, It’s A Sin, then brace yourselves for grim viewing.
Having seen the advert teasers and the first show on Friday 22nd January that doesn’t leave you in a good place after the show, then I can tell you that it only gets worse.
The ’80s were not great times for the gay community and Russell manages to pick up the fear so well and quickly too. The accomplished writings of Russell are there from the start and the show bounces with an occasional break in the fourth wall with the view.
Thankfully these are very brief but important and hammer out almost a whole programs worth of what was going on in around 3 minutes as to some peoples perceptions of HIV and AIDS and what was to come played out. Our main character Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander) does I have to say grate on you in this part but then again this is 1981 and with some 40 passing years and hindsight it all becomes relative.
There is no sugar coating what the AIDS crisis was from the start of the show and the experiences so many had in the real world in the ’80s, characters dropped like flies. In Friday’s episode, the lovable Henry (Neil Patrick Harris) who you instantly warmed too is killed off by the virus in the bleakest of ways. His boyfriend “goes home” and the crying starts. Russell is a dab hand at writing tear jerkers. I don’t think there are many out there who can say they didn’t cry watching Dr Who where the Dr and Rose were parted. Well, tissues at the ready because worse is to come.
And it does. Admittedly there are some funny bits and if you pay attention to the finer details you’ll howl laughing at the disgust the Tozer gave when the infamous AIDS TV advert aired. Instead, they click it over to Michael Barrymore’s Strike It Lucky. “Oh I like him,” says Valerie (Keeley Hawes). And Keeley really does shine throughout to the point where you are screaming at her. The meek and mild mother of two suddenly becomes emboldened when she discovers the grim news. And then goes on to be a total bitch.
But one mustn’t single out the actors because everyone plays a vital part in this gripping drama of six friends and their peripheral groups in dark times. But it is Jill (Lydia West) who has the hardest of times throughout the 5 episodes. The only female within the group and the one watching all of those around her fall to a virus or living in fear of it.
The last episode ends with all 6 friends together in a flashback of happier times. And it’s this ending that sets you off. It combines the feel-good with what was and might have been.
So grab your best friends, the ’80s feel-good CDs and a box of tissues. It’s hard viewing. Just don’t watch this on your own.
According to research, the death of OITNB‘s Pousey Washington tops the poll of saddest death on the streaming platform, Netflix, according to fans.
The title of saddest Netflix death goes to Poussey Washington from Orange Is the New Black, her intelligent and outspoken nature certainly made her a fan favourite. Poussey’s death led to shed tears among viewers when she was suffocated by CO Bayley at the end of season four, with 54% of fans rating this as one of the saddest.
In second place is Hannah Baker from Thirteen Reasons Why. Hannah’s suicide is central to the storyline and fans connected with her through narration, making her death one of the saddest; 42% of Netflix fans agree.
40% of fans voted Nairobi’s death as the saddest, placing her in third overall. After learning to counterfeit money at age 13, she was recruited to participate in the Royal Mint of Spain heist which eventually led to her death in Money Heist.
The Five Most Surprising Netflix Original Show Deaths
Once again, Poussey’s death takes the top spot. Not only is her death the saddest, but it’s also the most surprising, as 38% of Netflix fans didn’t expect it.
The title of the second most surprising death goes to Barbara Holland who featured in Stranger Things. Commonly known as Barb, her character certainly tugged on fans’ heartstrings as she mysteriously vanished and it was later revealed she was killed by the Demogorgon, surprising 32% of fans.
The third most surprising Netflix show death is Zoe Barnes from House of Cards, with 30% surprised by the plot of her death. Zoe appeared in seasons one, two, and four before she was pushed in front of an oncoming train by Frank, frustrating viewers of the show.
OnBuy.com surveyed 3,180 fans around the world in October 2020 to vote on the three Netflix TV show deaths they found the saddest and the three Netflix deaths they found the most surprising. They then ranked the characters in order of saddest and most surprising deaths to obtain the final result.
Let’s start with the number of LGBT+ contestants that have appeared on the show. Out of the 222 contestants of the show, there has never been an out or openly LGBT+ winner of the show.
What’s even more concerning there has never been an openly transgender contestant on the show that has been running since 2004. There have also been very few openly lesbian or bisexual stars on the show.
The closest any LGBT+ contender has come to winning was Julian Clary in series three who placed third. Colin Jackson was a runner-up in his series, but he was not out at the time of his appearance in the show.
Of 222 contestants since the show’s premiere in 2004, these are the openly LGB stars of the show.
Series 1
Jason Wood was the first openly gay person to take part in the show in 2004. He was paired with Kylie Jones and was voted out in week 2. The winners of the series were Natascha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole.
Series 2
Julian Clary performed alongside Erin Boag and came third. The winners of the series were Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett Cole.
Series 3
Colin Jackson appeared in the third season, however, he was not openly gay at that time. He came second in the competition. The winners of the series were Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova.
Series 9
Russell Grant danced with Flavia Cacace and was booted in week 8. The winners of the series were Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani.
Series 12
Scott Mills was paired with Joanne Clifton and was voted out in week 6. The winners of the series were Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev.
Series 14
Will Young appeared in the show and danced with Karen Clifton until he with withdrew in week 3.
Judge Rinder danced alongside Oksana Platero and was voted out in week 11. The winners of the series were Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton.
Series 15
Rev Richard Coles danced with Dianne Buswell and was voted out in week 3.
Susan Calman danced with Kevin Clifton and was voted out in week 10. The winners of the series were Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.
Series 16
Dr Ranj Singh danced opposite Janette Manrara
Series 17
There were no openly LGBT+ participants in Series 17.
Despite calls for years, it’s taken the BBC until 2020 to introduce its first-ever same-sex couple to the very popular reality show, Strictly Come Dancing. The contestant who gets to be in the very first same-sex coupling is Boxing champ, Nicola Adams, who is openly bisexual.
However Strictly isn’t the first prime-time entertainment show to introduce a same-sex coupling, last year that honour fell to Dancing On Ice when Steps’ singer “H” was paired with Matt Evers.
It’s not yet known who Nicola will be paired up with on the show which starts in mid-October.
Swapping Olympic gold for Saturday night glitter. Boxer Nicola Adams OBE is stepping into the #Strictly ring! 🥇
Speaking about her history-making appearance on the show, Nicola said,
I’m really excited to be joining this year’s incredible line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts.
“People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance-floor too. I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”
Ticking boxes
Of course, when the announcement was made, some people couldn’t hold back their fury over the involvement over the same-sex coupling, with many claiming that the casting of Nicola was down to “ticking their diversity boxes”.
Aunty Beeb senior management are ticking their diversity boxes in one 😏👍 So pleasing for the London Centric 👍😏😂
— Racing is life , before or after is just waiting (@JLivingstonSe1) September 2, 2020
One person slammed the casting saying, “I won’t be watching! Normally do but won’t this year.”
Another said that the BBC was “pandering to the woke generation”,
Yet another reason for me not paying my license fee. Not that I'm being anti LGBT, I'm just sick of the BBC pandering to the woke generation. Fine, have them as your only customers. The rot started years ago with the SPOTY noms. Athletes with no personality & we'd never heard of.
When a teen begins his transition from female to male, family secrets are revealed as everyone tries to come to terms with the decision.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Drama / Trans Year: 2019
Adam
Comedy following the journey of an awkward teenager named Adam, who is thrust into New York’s lesbian and trans activist scene.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 91 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Comedy Year: 2019
As Good As It Gets
Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt are on Oscar-winning form as a cranky novelist and the struggling single mum he falls for. Bittersweet comedy. Strong language/mature themes.
A struggling writer turns to the art of deception to save her failing writing career, as she begins to forge letters by famous writers.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet rated Runtime: 101 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
(The) Favourite
Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz compete for the favour of Queen Anne, portrayed by an Oscar-winning Olivia Colman. Black comedy from Yorgos Lanthimos.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Bio/Lesbian Year: 2018
Hocus Pocus
All hell breaks loose when witches Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are resurrected in modern-day Salem. Family comedy. Stars the gay icon Bette Midler.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: PG Genre: Comedy Year: 1993
Kristen Stewart stars as a young woman who spends years pretending to be the famed author JT Leroy, a literary persona made up by her sister-in-law.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 104 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
Lez Bomb
A woman brings her girlfriend home for Thanksgiving as she tries to come out to her parents. But an unexpected guest arrives and thwarts her plans.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 86 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Comedy / Lesbian Year: 2018
Lizzie
Thriller based on the infamous 1892 Borden family murders. Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart star.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 100 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Thriller / Lesbian Year: 2018
Meangirls
A favourite amongst some in the gay community. Naive new girl Lindsay Lohan accidentally falls in with catty queen bee Rachel McAdams. Top teen comedy. Moderate language/mature themes/flashing images. GAY UK RATING: ★★★★ Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Camp Comedy Year: 2004
Philadelphia
An Oscar-winning Tom Hanks stars as a gay lawyer fighting against wrongful dismissal with the help of attorney Denzel Washington.
GAY UK RATING: ★★★★★ Runtime: 121 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Drama Year: 1993
Pimp
A struggling female pimp finds herself locked in a battle with a rival while trying to make a better life for herself.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 81 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
Rocketman
The critically acclaimed biopic of Elton John’s life, starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell and Richard Madden.
The history of actors, who don’t identify as trans, playing trans characters is decades old.
The argument against non-trans actors taking these parts have made headlines over and over. Is it right for cis-gender actors to play the parts of trans characters?
Warning this article may contain spoilers to various films.
The 1950s – 70s
Daniel Davis, Glen or Glenda, 1953
Glen or Glenda was released in 1953 starring Ed Wood – who was actually credited as Daniel Davis in this film. It’s a semi-autobiographical film, considered one of the worst films of all time. However, it is considered a plea for tolerance.
Tim Curry, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975
Probably one of the most famous films to feature a “sweet transsexual”. TRHPS has gone on to become a cult hit and recently had a remake filmed and it starred Laverne Cox in Tim Curry’s part of Dr Frank N. Furter.
The 1980s – 90s
Michael Caine in Dressed To Kill, 1980
In 1980 Michael Caine played a murderous trans woman in this erotic thriller. For his part in the film, Mr Caine was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor.
Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game, 1982
A drama which explores themes of race, gender, nationality and sexuality with the troubles of early 80s Northern Ireland as a backdrop. The trans character in this film is actually one of its great surprises, which is considered a “shocking twist”. Jaye Davidson was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor for the role.
Terrence Stamp in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 1994
One of the most successful LGBT films of all times was released in 1994 is in the top 40 grossing gay and lesbian films of all times. Terrence Stamp’s Bernadette Bassinger is a carefully studied character, played respectfully.
Mary Sean Young, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, 1994
Possibly one of the most offensive portrayals of a trans person in film – which uses the trans character as a comedy mimic.
Julie Hesmondhalgh in Coronation Street, 1998
Coronation Street made history in 1998 when they introduced the first trans character to a British soap. It wasn’t until 2015 that EastEnders made further history by having a trans actor play a trans character. Julie Hesmondhalgh has been praised for her portrayal of a trans person and she is a huge advocate for the LGBT community. In 2017 she called on TV companies to employ trans people in trans roles.
One of the most tear-jerking LGBT films of all time. Hillary Swank was truly remarkable in the film which was based on the true story of murdered trans man Brandon Teena. The film was nominated for 57 awards and won 37 of them including, Best Actress (Oscars and BAFTAs) for Swank.
The 00s to 10s
John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2001
One of the only musical films featuring a trans character in the central role. John Cameron Mitchell wrote and directed this film. It features in the top 100 LGBT films.
Felicity Huffman was widely praised for her role in TransAmercia as a pre-operative male to female transgender person. This was an unusual casting decision as usually male to female trans parts are played by males rather than females.
Rebecca Romijn was another female who was cast in an M2F role in the comedy TV series, Ugly Betty. She appeared midway through the first season and left in season 3.
The 10s to 20s
Chloe Sevigny in Hit And Miss, 2012
Hit And Miss was a TV series which followed the life of a transgender contract killer. It ran for one series.
Jared was awarded an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, however, his casting in this film and subsequent acceptance of the Oscar with a full beard was criticised by some in the trans community. Laverne Cox recently said, “as brilliant as Jared Leto is, and all these actors who play trans women, when people who don’t know anything about trans folks and trans women see the very sexy Jared Leto and his beard accepting an Oscar for playing a trans woman, the message that it sends is that trans women are really men”
Jeff Tambor in Transparent, 2014
CREDIT: kathclick-bigstock
Amazon was praised for the production of Transparent starring Jeff Tambor who plays a trans person coming out as trans later in life. The show has won awards and much love from the critics for its sensitive portrayal of a family dealing with and accepting transition.
Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl, 2015
Eddie Redmayne played the part of Lili Elbe, acknowledged as the first trans woman to go through sex reassignment surgery. Despite it being widely praised there was only one Oscar win out of four nominations. The film was banned in a number of countries including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Malaysia.
He later apologised to the transgender community saying, “To the Trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.”
Have we missed something? Is there an error? Please use the comments below to help expand this article.
In 2018 it was reported that Netflix had signed up Ryan for a five-year $300 million creative contract to create shows for the entertainment giant. The Politician is the first of his shows for the platform to go live.
We discover what shows he currently has on the streaming platform.
The Politician
THE POLITICIAN
Ryan Murphy and his long-time creative partner, Brad Falchuck have a number of shows on Netflix, the most recent of which is the critically acclaimed and fan-loved ThePolitician starring, Goop‘s Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Platt. There are eight episodes of the show for you to enjoy charting the rise, stumbles and rise again of Payton to become President, of the school’s Student Body. Also stars Ryan’s go to camp vamp, Jessica Lange. Series 2 of the show has now been released.
Glee
Next up is Glee. The juggernaut show from the late noughties that follows the lives of school kids of William McKinley High School and their neverending goal of reaching the talent finals with their Glee club. Glee was the third major series that Ryan worked on after Nip/Tuck and Popular, but arguably his most profitable yet. The soundtracks to the show alone have broken all records – including ones held by the Beatles.
American Horror Story
Up next is American Horror Story, the epic show that just won’t quit. Netflix carries 8 seasons of the cult show including our personal favourites, ‘Murder House’, ‘Asylum’ and ‘Freak Show’. Look out for the new series, ‘1984’. In these shows, the core cast, including Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett get to stretch their acting legs in a variety of characters.
Circus Of Books
Circus of Books (C) NETFLIX
A documentary film, about a straight couple and their family who opened a gay book store to make money out of the LGBT+ market in West Hollywood. The film is made by the couple’s own daughter.
Pose
Hailed by viewers as incredible (the show has a Rotten Tomatoes scored in the high 90s), Pose is a show set in New York at around the time of the LGBT+ ballroom culture (see Paris Is Burning). Netflix has just season one available to stream, but there is another already out and a third has been ordered.
The People V O.J. Simpson
Engross yourself in the details of the O.J. Simpson murder trial that rocked the United States in the mid-1990s. Ryan and his team meticulously recreate the drama and feel of the story that threatened to derail Los Angeles’s frail race relations and legal system. The level of detail is never as claustrophobic as the inside of that infamous courtroom.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
The next in the instalment of American Crime Story, The Assassination of Gianni Versace follows the story of one of America’s most notorious gay serial killers, Andrew Cunanan, whose murder spree ended in the death of Gianni Versace in 1997. Utterly captivating. Again Ryan and his team manage to squeeze detail after detail of the gruesome story into a must-see show.
Eat Pray Love
A film this time, rather than a series. Starring one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading actors, Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love sees Liz reshaping her life after divorce. Based on a true story, this film is sentimental and romantic.
Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood has an all-star lineup and follows the hopes and dreams of young actors who come to tinsel town to find their fame and fortune. Partly based on fact, and real people and the realities they faced (homophobia, racism and sexism) and the part total fantasy, which ultimately ruins the season.
More than fifty years after Mart Crowley’s play became an unexpected smash hit for putting gay men’s lives centre stage with honesty and humour, THE BOYS IN THE BAND returns to the screen in a new adaptation that reunites acclaimed director Joe Mantello with the all-star cast of the Tony-winning, 2018 Broadway production. In 1968 New York City – when being gay was still considered to be best kept behind closed doors – a group of friends gather for a raucous birthday party hosted by Michael (Jim Parsons), a screenwriter who spends and drinks too much, in honour of the sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued Harold (Zachary Quinto). Other partygoers include Donald (Matt Bomer), Michael’s former flame, now mired in self-analysis; Larry (Andrew Rannells), a randy commercial artist living with Hank (Tuc Watkins), a school teacher who has just left his wife; Bernard (Michael Benjamin Washington), a librarian tiptoeing around fraught codes of friendship alongside Emory (Robin de Jesús), a decorator who never holds back; and a guileless hustler (Charlie Carver), hired to be Harold’s gift for the night.
The streaming platform has announced a date for its new film, The Boys In The Band and yep, it’s another Ryan Murphy production for Netflix.
First look images
So what is The Boys In The Band all about?
More than fifty years after Mart Crowley’s play became an unexpected smash hit for putting gay men’s lives centre stage with honesty and humour, THE BOYS IN THE BAND returns to the screen in a new adaptation that reunites acclaimed director Joe Mantello with the all-star cast of the Tony-winning, 2018 Broadway production. In 1968 New York City – when being gay was still considered to be best kept behind closed doors – a group of friends gather for a raucous birthday party hosted by Michael (Jim Parsons), a screenwriter who spends and drinks too much, in honour of the sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued Harold (Zachary Quinto). Other partygoers include Donald (Matt Bomer), Michael’s former flame, now mired in self-analysis; Larry (Andrew Rannells), a randy commercial artist living with Hank (Tuc Watkins), a school teacher who has just left his wife; Bernard (Michael Benjamin Washington), a librarian tiptoeing around fraught codes of friendship alongside Emory (Robin de Jesús), a decorator who never holds back; and a guileless hustler (Charlie Carver), hired to be Harold’s gift for the night.
What begins as an evening of drinks and laughs gets upended when Alan (Brian Hutchison), Michael’s straight-laced college roommate, shows up unexpectedly and each man is challenged to confront long-buried truths that threaten the foundation of the group’s tight bond.
When is The Boys In The Band streaming on Netflix?
The Netflix film, produced by Ryan Murphy, reunites the entire cast of the Tony-winning Broadway revival. Premiering globally on Netflix on 30 September.
