Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Movies and TV Shows About LGBTQ+ Youth

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Puberty, hormones and emotions, new schools, evolving friendships: Growing up is hard for everyone, but it can be especially hard for queer kids and teens whose understanding of their gender and romantic identities is evolving. One great way to support young people through these transformative years? Share media with them that reflects their own triumphs, struggles, and lived experiences. The movies and TV shows on this list feature prominent, affirming stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth coming of age and navigating life. Before you go, check out our other suggestions for books featuring LGBTQ+ youth, or movies and TV shows that explore intersectionality and queer identities.

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The Owl House TV Poster Image

TV

The Owl House

age 8+

Engaging, quirky fantasy series has diversity, LGBTQ+ leads.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2020)

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Andi Mack Poster Image

TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

Disney Channel Comedy (2017)

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Better Nate Than Ever Movie Poster

MOVIE

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

Book-based tween musical celebrates differences, diversity.

April 1, 2022 2022 PG (91 minutes)

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Dead End: Paranormal Park poster

TV

Dead End: Paranormal Park

age 10+

Fun, spooky series features LGBTQ+ and racial diversity.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2022)

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First Day Poster Image

TV

First Day

age 11+

Lovely, warm series about trans girl has some bullying.

Hulu Drama (2020)

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I Am Jazz Poster Image

TV

I Am Jazz

age 11+

Transgender teen's reality show is positive, poignant.

TLC Reality TV (2015)

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Love, Victor Poster Image

TV

Love, Victor

age 11+

Earnest LGBTQ+ spin-off series is endearing and lovely.

Hulu Comedy (2020)

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One Day at a Time Poster Image

TV

One Day at a Time

age 11+

Worthy update of classic sitcom has heart.

Netflix Comedy (2017)

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L'immensità movie poster: Luana Giuliani sits on steps, eating an ice cream, beside Penelope Cruz

MOVIE

L'immensità

age 12+

Italian drama has language, sexual threat, domestic abuse.

May 12, 2023 2023 NR (99 minutes)

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The Most Dangerous Year Poster Image

MOVIE

The Most Dangerous Year

age 12+

Affecting documentary speaks up for trans kids.

April 12, 2019 2019 NR (90 minutes)

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Movie Poster: The characters stand back to back in front of a field of stars

MOVIE

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

age 13+

Touching 1980s-set coming-of-age drama; language, violence.

September 8, 2023 2023 PG-13 (94 minutes)

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Butterfly Poster Image

TV

Butterfly

age 13+

Powerful and complex drama dives into gender identity.

Hulu Drama (2019)

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Degrassi TV poster: Eight different characters, mostly teens, around the title on a purple background

TV

Degrassi

age 13+

Socially conscious teen drama deals with tough issues.

TeenNick Drama (2001)

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TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Netflix Drama (2016)

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Freak Show movie poster: Backlit person facing a lit vanity mirror with makeup on the table; character collage below

MOVIE

Freak Show

age 13+

Witty empowerment story deals with teen homophobia.

January 12, 2018 2018 NR (95 minutes)

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Glee TV poster: Character collage against a bright yellow background

TV

Glee

age 13+

Edgy musical comedy has positive messages, sexual content.

Fox Comedy (2009)

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Heartstopper-tv-poster

TV

Heartstopper

age 13+

Sweet, lovable LGBTQ+ romance has teen-friendly content.

Netflix Drama (2022)

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I Saw the TV Glow Movie Poster: In a dark room, a figure with his back to viewers watches a TV screen filled with pink static

MOVIE

I Saw the TV Glow

age 13+

Haunting experimental horror explores queer identity.

May 3, 2024 2024 PG-13 (100 minutes)

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Little Girl Poster Image

MOVIE

Little Girl

age 13+

Insightful docu supports grade-schooler's gender identity.

February 1, 2022 2022 NR (88 minutes)

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Love, Simon Movie Poster: A group of four young adults smiling against a red background.

MOVIE

Love, Simon

age 13+

Affecting, lovable romcom about gay teen has a little edge.

March 16, 2018 2018 PG-13 (109 minutes)

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