Representation matters. We’ve come a long way in granting legal rights to our LGBTQ+ community, but this does not always translate into acceptance (especially considering the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in recent months). We need more LGBTQ+ visibility, equity, and representation across all media and entertainment.
The more queer representation we have in the media, the more normalized acceptance and celebration become.
The percentage of Americans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or non-binary has more than doubled in the last decade. 7.1% of the US population now identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. That percentage is even higher among our Gen Z friends, 20.8% of whom identify as LGBTQ+.
It’s time for the video content we consume to reflect the country’s diversity. Viewers should look to the media and see themselves reflected in the characters, narratives, topics, and stories covered regardless of the color of their skin, their gender, their identity, and who they love. In fact, it’s time we go beyond inclusivity and elevate our LGBTQ+ community for the lessons they teach us on being fearless and steadfast in our identities.
With that being said, below are some of the best LGBTQ+ streaming services available as of writing. Keep reading to find out what each channel offers and why you should check them out.
1. Dekkoo
Dekkoo boasts the largest collection of gay entertainment anywhere. For just $9.99 a month after a 3-day free trial, you gain access to an unlimited gay streaming app stocked with a collection of gay films and shows tailored specifically to gay men. They even have a collection of frequently updated Dekkoo originals.
2. Outfest
Outfest on demand will get you access to the LGBTQ+ film festival’s chosen movies from the safety and comfort of your couch. The organization is all about lifting LGBTQ+ artists, communities, and filmmakers and giving visibility to their diverse stories. All you have to do to view a constant stream of new LGBTQ+ films is buy a virtual ticket. Find a film you want to stream and follow the link to rent it (rental fees vary by film).
3. Tello Films
Tello Films has a lovely library of queer women’s focused content. The majority of the subscription fee you pay goes straight to the filmmakers, meaning you can feel good about the $6.99 per month (or $59.99 per year) you pay to access the content. The library is filled with lesbian original series, shorts, and movies. In addition to unlimited streaming, they offer titles to rent and purchase.
4. World of Wonder (WOW Presents Plus)
WOW Presents Plus touts itself as the only streaming service featuring “Drag Race”, “Painted with Raven”, “Werq The World”, “UNHhhh”, and hundreds of World of Wonder originals, documentaries, specials, and other drag entertainment. It’s super affordable at just $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year.
One of WOW’s major selling points is its access to Drag Race content across the world. If you’re located in the US, you can view every episode of:
- Canada’s Drag Race
- Drag Race Down Under
- Drag Race Espanã
- Drag Race France
- Drag Race Holland
- Drag Race Italia
- RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
- Drag Race Philippines
5. TysonPlus
TysonPlus takes an intersectional approach by producing BIPOC inclusive LGBTQ+ content. Tap into this streaming service to enjoy original series about drama, horror, coming of age, and the personal stories of BIPOC within the LGBTQ+ community.
TysonPlus doesn’t just create content for the community– they support LGBTQ+ writers and other creatives in the process. Snag a subscription for $9.99 a month, $29.99 a quarter, or $99.99 a year.
6. Here TV
The Here TV membership is $7.99 a month or $67.99 for a yearly subscription.
Watch “The Gaze”, a hilarious and heartfelt dramedy, “Crystal City”, a documentary on how crystal meth has infiltrated New York City’s LGBTQ+ community, or tap into “The PGW: Pro Gau Wrestling!” Much like the LGBTQ+ community itself, Here TV has a little something for everyone.
7. Logo
Logo established itself in 2005 as the first commercial cable network designed for the LGBTQ+ community. The platform’s goal since has been to support the community with a diverse collection of queer content via scripted television and online exclusives.
The nostalgia of flipping through TV channels is great, but only if your TV provider actually has content you want to see. If you’re a die-hard channel surfer lacking queer content, this one’s for you.
There are a few ways to enjoy Logo content:
- Some free full episodes can be found on the logo site.
- Participating TV providers offer LogoTV. If your TV provider is included in that list, you can use your TV login to access all of Logo’s content on supported devices.
- You can also purchase individual shows through marketplaces like Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes.
Tap in to watch the “2022 LGBTQ State of the Union,” “Trans Youth Town Hall,” “Stonewall” (movie), “Gay Chorus Deep South” (documentary), and more.
8. OUTtv
OUTtv is Canada’s only national LGBTQ+ TV network. They post popular, new, and original series that celebrate and champion the LGBTQ+ community. Since OUTtv is a TV network, this is another hot choice for viewers itching to click buttons on the channel changer.
OUTtv is available to users in the United States and Canada without a cable subscription for only $3.99 a month. You can also get the channel with a Prime Video Channels subscription, AppleTV, and through cable providers in Canada.
9. Strong Voices Television (SVTV)
SVTV is a dedicated LGBTQ+ streaming service that uploads monthly content to entertain community members and allies, educate on relevant issues, and amplify Queer voices. Complete access is only $5.99 a month. For that price, you can access to LGBTQ+ community representation in TV series, movies, podcasts, documentaries, and live streams.
Stream sports live, series like “Theality TV”, movies like “Suicide Kale”, and documentaries like
“Raid of the Rainbow Lounge”.
Save money by purchasing a 6-month subscription for $29.99 or an annual subscription for $49.99 a year.
10. GayBingeTV
GayBingeTV is a streaming service that caters specifically to a gay audience. Viewers can log on to stream gay movies and TV series from 12 genres. It’s probably the most affordable on this list, priced at just $3.99 a month. They have a 7-day free trial as well as a section of free movies in their catalog.
11. Unicorns.live
Get a monthly Unicorns Live subscription for CA $9.99 a month ($7.68 USD) or CA $89.99 a year ($69.18 USD). The streaming service has all your favorite LGBTQ+ live events plus some on-demand content as well. A portion of all revenue is paid directly to the artists.
12. Fearless
Fearless is a unique streaming service in that it separates the content into 23 different perspectives. These content categories range from #LGBTQ+ to all the way to #DeafCommunity, #Autistic, #Immigrant, #SelfHarmAndSuicide, and more. The goal here is for every viewer to see themselves on screen and to provide a place for people to learn about perspectives different from their own.
After the 14-day free trial, you either pay $7.99 a month or $59.99 a year.
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