Global and Indian queer stories that shine bright on OTT platforms

Queer narratives have finally started claiming space on OTT, with Indian and international platforms slowly but surely offering room for identities beyond binaries and boxes. From quiet coming-out arcs to full-blown romantic leads, LGBTQ+ characters are no longer just side plots; they ARE the plot. Here’s a rundown of some standout Indian and global shows that have done justice to queer storytelling.

Indian OTT shows that got it right

Made in Heaven

In Made in Heaven (2019–2023), Arjun Mathur plays Karan Mehra, a gay wedding planner from Delhi whose sexuality is handled with nuance. The show covers everything from family rejection to self-acceptance. Season 2 also introduced Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju as Meher, a trans woman navigating corporate and personal challenges with quiet power. Together, they represent queer life that is still messy, brave, and hopeful.

The Married Woman

The Married Woman (2021) features Ridhi Dogra as Astha, who seems to have the perfect family life until her connection with artist Peeplika (Monica Dogra) awakens something deeper. The show reflects how queerness can quietly rewrite who you are without unnecessary drama.

Four More Shots Please!

In Four More Shots Please! (2019–2020), Bani J’s Umang is a queer fitness trainer balancing life, career, and a high-profile romance with a Bollywood actress. Her sexuality is fluid and well-represented without tokenism.

Romil & Jugal

Romil & Jugal (2017) offer a gay take on Romeo and Juliet. With Rajeev and Manraj as the star-crossed lovers, the show brings queer romance into the mainstream with sweet, desi, and progressive storytelling.

His Storyy

His Storyy (2021) explores what happens when a married man comes out. Satyadeep Misra plays the man who reveals his truth to his wife and society, while Mrinal Dutt plays his partner. It is a story of guilt, love, and freedom tangled in reality.

The Other Love Story

The Other Love Story (2016) is quiet and nostalgic. Set in the late `90s, it follows two girls, played by Shweta and Spoorthi, who fall in love before smartphones and safe spaces were common. It’s slow, honest, and beautifully authentic.

Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele

Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele (2021) is about a gay man and a lesbian woman on a road trip. Played by Anshuman and Zareen, the film explores friendship and solidarity without forcing romance.

Rainbow Rishta

Rainbow Rishta (2023) is a docuseries letting real queer voices tell their stories with no filters or fluff. Featuring Trinetra among others, it’s a reminder that queer love exists in many forms.

Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo- Isha Talwar as Bijli

In Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo (2023), Isha Talwar plays Bijli, a queer character with unapologetic swag and softness. She’s part of a crime family led by badass women, and her identity is just one part of a complex character.

Global Shows that portrayed queerness flawlessly

Heartstopper

Heartstopper (2022–) is everything young queer love should be: joyful, awkward, and real. Joe Locke and Kit Connor play Charlie and Nick, whose story of friends becoming something more takes place against the backdrop of school and self-discovery.

The Bisexual

The Bisexual (2018) follows Leila, played by Desiree Akhavan, as she figures out her bisexual identity after years of dating women. The show is raw, funny, and unapologetic about exploring sexuality beyond neat boxes.

What It Feels Like for a Girl

What It Feels Like for a Girl (2025) is based on the life of Paris Lees, a trans writer growing up in working-class England. Ellis Howard plays Byron, her younger self, in a BBC series that is part gender diary, part punk anthem, and full of heart.

The Lake

The Lake (2022) stars Jordan Gavaris as Justin, a gay man reconnecting with the daughter he gave up for adoption. The show mixes family drama and queer love with sweetness and intelligence.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love

The Ultimatum: Queer Love (2023–) is reality TV with all the tension and heart you expect, but with full queer representation. Lesbian and non-binary couples face relationship make-or-break moments, making it chaotic and healing to watch.