Best LGBTQ Romance Series & Movies
LGBT Romance Series & Movies are hard to find (I know many will say otherwise but to me, it is still a dry desert), but especially Asian LGBTQ Series & Movies. So, here is the list of my favorite LGBTQ series & movies that I have found so far! I put them in order of:
1) How much Queer identity is explored.
2) If the show attempts to comment on Homophobia/Transphobia in the drama.
3) If sexuality (i.e., sex and sexual encounters) is put out there. (This one is surprisingly a hard one to follow, even for straight Asian dramas!) I AM VERY SEX POSITIVE!
4) The chemistry between the two main characters
*SIDE NOTE: I know people will call me crazy for not putting Sotus, 2 Moons, or Addicted Heroin but those dramas are either too tame (S), no chemistry between two leads (2M), or censored (i.e. so we barely see any real relationship between the two leads...I'm talking to you AH!).*
This will be a short list...sigh....ESPECIALLY for QUEER/LESBIAN/BISEXUAL WOMEN representation! Just saying!
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1. Love by Chance
Thai Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
I literally watched this only for Ae and Pete's relationship (and of course, Tin and Can!), so anything outside of their relationship I either was bored stiff or couldn't handle watching (due to the nature of the storyline diving into rape).
This show explores queer identity through Pete's "coming out" moment with mom. It has consensual sex between the two main characters...WOW SHOCKER!! And it actually addresses, if only for the first couple of episodes, the homophobia Pete has to face (and what makes him hesitate to start a relationship with Ae).
Again, couldn't watch the other couples (just Ae/Pete and Tin/Can) but overall one of my favorite BL series. Haven't seen any other BL series come close to meeting my demands for a LGBTQ show.
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2. Yes or No
Thai Movie - 2010
Great movie! Love the exploration of femme and butch queer women and the homophobia faced in the movie. Wish there had been more outright sexual encounters but whatever!
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3. HIStory2: Crossing the Line
Taiwanese Special - 2018, 8 episodes
Doesn't do half the things on my list but I still LOVE this drama! Can't wait for the sequel!
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4. The Handmaiden
Korean Movie - 2016
Great thriller and great storyline, nice look at colonization of Korea and the sexual liberation of the two female characters. Though, can't believe I'm going to say this but maybe this movie had too much sex? Shit I don't know...I just felt like the movie was filming the sex scenes for straight men, not for queer women. The MALE GAZE is real! But I still appreciate that there was sex scenes in it! Wish they had explored queer identity more...
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5. Diary of Tootsies
Thai Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
I appreciate that it explores feminine gay men (and one lesbian woman) rather than just "straight" men who "happen" to fall in love with another man.
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6. Transit Girls
Japanese Drama - 2015, 8 episodes
This show did not necessarily really explore queer identity as much as I would've liked but it was one of the only lesbian relationship series out there...WE NEED MORE LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND QUEER WOMEN DRAMAS!!!!
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7. Gay OK Bangkok
Thai Drama - 2016, 5 episodes
Really enjoyed the exploration of gay men dealing with all kinds of stuff from family to their health to everything!
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8. Like Love
Chinese Drama - 2014, 15 episodes
SHIT...This show actually depicts two men going at it. Hardcore! Warning for those who are a bit squeamish with sex, there are some hardcore (okay, at least for Chinese dramas) sex scenes!
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9. Seonam Girls High School Investigators
Korean Drama - 2014, 14 episodes
The first Korean drama to ever depict lesbian characters and especially lesbian characters...KISSING! The SHOCK!!! Still, it is mainly in Episode....I want to say 13 and 14. Sorry, it has been awhile. I also put this higher up on the list due to it's female-centered themes throughout the show.
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10. Our Love Story
Korean Movie - 2016
Pretty good movie...When it comes to queer women representation, I'll take anything.
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11. Kiss Me Again
Thai Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
I basically only watch LazySubbers BL cut of this series, great chemistry between Pete and Kao...just wish there had been more sexual encounters. Can't wait for the Dark Blue Kiss!
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12. Make It Right
Thai Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
Only watched this for the secondary characters...Book and Frame! I love that Frame is bisexual/pansexual character. Appreciated that!
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13. Our Skyy
Thai Drama - 2018, 5 episodes
Short but cute.
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14. Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2
Thai Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
Three words. Off and Gun. Enough said.