There were so many important love and friendship stories told that highlighted the power of representation and being your authentic self. Here are our top 5 favorite LGBTQ+ shows, books and songs from 2024:
1. Heartstopper Season 3
Our favorite relationships return in season three of Heartstopper. It is an emotional season as Nick and Charlie’s relationship deepens as they face some of their biggest challenges yet. We also get to see heartwarming moments between Tao and Elle, and Imogen and Sahar (who we got to interview this year!). Season 3 deals with topics like mental health, sex, university ambitions, and the importance of leaning on those you love during tough times.
2. Young Royals Season 3
The third and final season of the queer teen Swedish language drama Young Royals arrived this year, as we got to say a proper goodbye to Wilhelm and Simon’s love story. The show, which followed a schoolboy love affair between Prince Wilhelm and the commoner Simon, was praised for its honest representation of LGBTQ+ relationships and season three wraps up the love story, mixed with political tension amid the Swedish Royal Family. Even though the show came to an end, we are so happy for what it brought to our hearts.
3. Another First Chance by Robbie Couch
Robbie Couch explores the different ways love can live on after tragedy in “Another First Chance.” It’s been a year since River Lang’s best friend Dylan died in a car accident and when he is caught vandalizing Dylan’s billboard, River is blackmailed into joining the Affinity Trials for teens who “struggle socially.” During the Trials, River finds comfort in talking to Nash, a hot jock, who reminds him of Dylan. River will have to decide just how far he is willing to go for another chance at love in this emotional rollercoaster.
4. Hell Together from David Archuleta
You may remember David Archuleta from the seventh season of American Idol, and since then he has continued to find freedom and stories in his music and beyond. David said the inspiration behind his song “Hell Together” came from a text from his mom days after he said he was stepping away from their church. Archuleta, who came out as queer in 2021, said his mom responded “If you’re going to hell, we’re all going to hell with you” and the song was a tribute to his journey and that unconditional love of authentically being yourself.
5. Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao
In this dual POV contemporary debut from Ann Zhao, Sophie and Jo, two aromantic and asexual students at Wellesley College engage in an online feud while unknowingly becoming friends in real life. The book sheds more light on a-spec identities, college life, and the healing power of finding community!
