Design by Yosef Phelan

Being a queer Millennial is a peculiar privilege, isn’t it? A blessing, in many ways, because we got to witness the birth of some of the most iconic television shows of all time – many of which slowly incorporated queerness into their storylines, providing much-needed visibility to an entire generation. Also a curse, because – besides having to buy TV Guide or What’s On TV to find out when [insert your favourite show here] was actually on the bloody telly – a lot of those depictions of the L’s, G’s, B’s and T’s were, upon reflection… icky?

But they all mattered. These imperfect, groundbreaking and occasionally batshit fucking crazy moments helped pave the way for the queer television that followed, from Pose to Heartstopper and Heated Rivalry. So, with a generous helping of nostalgia and the benefit of hindsight, here are the queer TV moments that made history and shaped a generation of Millennials. Dial up that internet connection and get your queer Millennial life below. 

Willow and Tara make lesbian history (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) 

Interesting, isn’t it, that a show populated by vampires, demons and all manner of ghastly forces of darkness – including floating, impeccably dressed corpse-men who cut out human hearts and a goblin-esque humanoid who feasts on human flesh – gave Millennials better queer rep than the ones with… real humans. Typical! 

While there are plenty of ‘Tillow’ moments from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) that we could name, from their long-awaited first kiss in ‘The Body’ to Willow’s (Alyson Hannigan) Dark Phoenix-esque rampage following Tara’s (Amber Benson) controversial killing, their inclusion here is sufficient enough because – fun fact – the duo made history as the small screen’s first long-term lesbian romance. Although Buffy was infamous for the titular hero’s romances with Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters), it’s Willow and Tara who have stood the test of time. Is there a healthier, more normal romance in the series than Willow and Tara? 

Buffy pushed lesbian representation even further in season seven, broadcasting what is widely regarded as television’s first lesbian sex scene. Tara wasn’t part of this because she was, well, dead – keep up! – but still. Buffy wasn’t just a show about Mother Sarah Michelle Gellar slaying vampires (and outfits! don’t forget the outfits!); it has gone down as a queer time capsule for Millennials. (See here for more slay-worthy Buffy moments – in the LGBT sense.) 

Jack McPhee kisses a boy! (Dawson’s Creek) 

More queer history incoming: Kerr Smith’s beloved portrayal of Jack McPhee in Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003) marked the first time two men shared a gay kiss on a major American television network. (This is a Millennial list, so expect “marked the first time” or “made history for queer representation”-like statements to follow.) 

In season three’s ‘True Love’, Jack – having finally come to terms with being a gay-boy – meets Ethan Brody on the commuter train back to Capeside after spending the week in Boston. Surprised to discover another gay teen in his orbit, the pair form an immediate connection and lock lips. (I might have abused my VHS player with how many times I rewound this scene. Sorry mum!) (It was basically porn for me at this age.) Yes, it ends in heartbreak when Ethan reunites with his ex-boyf – but again: history! was! made!