Not only was this season of The Real World historic for its honest depiction of cast member Pedro Zamora’s struggle with AIDS, but it also gave us TV’s first same-sex commitment ceremony between Zamora and partner Sean Sasser.
Original Airdate: Nov. 3, 1994
It’s ironic that Roseanne Barr has become something of a conservative hero in recent years, as her sitcom character was fairly progressive. Remember the time she volunteered to help plan Scott and Leon’s wedding?
Original Airdate: Dec. 12, 1995
While we’d never give Friends a gold star for its LGBT representation — the jokes about Chandler’s transgender father have aged particularly terribly — it’s impossible not to appreciate how supportive the gang was at Carol and Susan’s wedding.
Original Airdate: Jan. 18, 1996
Easily the highest-profile episode on our list, Ellen Morgan came out to her friends — after coming out to herself — in this star-studded two-parter. (Laura Dern! Gina Gershon! Oprah Winfrey!) And although the show was canceled after one more season, it set Ellen DeGeneres on the path to becoming the inspirational icon she is today.
Original Airdate: April 30, 1997
Jack and Ethan’s encounter in the WB drama’s third season finale is credited as being the first “passionate” kiss between two men on national television.
Original Airdate: May 24, 2000
When Ellie refuses to continue acting as Marco’s beard, he’s inspired to officially come out. And although Marco’s best friend Spinner has a difficult time accepting the news, Paige’s brother Dylan offers more than just a shoulder to cry on.
Original Airdate: Oct. 8 and 15, 2003
Look, “Calzona” may not have gotten a happy ending, but we can still celebrate the good times, right?
Original Airdate: May 5, 2011
Stef and Lena Foster were the first same-sex TV couple to say “I do” after the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down in June 2013. Historic!
Original Airdate: Aug. 5, 2013
Laverne Cox gave a powerhouse performance (which earned her an Emmy nomination!) in this early episode of the Netflix series, which explored the myriad difficulties faced by transgender prisoners, as well as the desperate circumstances that landed Cox’s character behind bars.
Original Airdate: July 11, 2013
Not only did this episode kick off Darryl’s exploration of his bisexuality, but it also gave us “Gettin’ Bi,” a toe-tapper of an anthem that cleverly dispelled stereotypes and misconceptions about what it means to be bisexual.
Original Airdate: March 7, 2016
When Elena’s dad failed to accept her as a lesbian at her quinceañera, the rest of her family stepped in to finish the father-daughter dance.
Original Airdate: Jan. 6, 2017
In an attempt to bring the people of National City back together in the face of divisive hate, Dreamer (aka Nia Nal) came out as transgender during a live TV interview.
Original Airdate: April 28, 2019
The show might not have survived beyond Season 3, but “Malec” is forever.
Original Airdate: May 6, 2019
The long-running children’s show inforced a positive message about love and equality by sending Arthur’s teacher down the aisle with his now-husband. Unfortunately, the episode was met with a bit of controversy, even being banned by Alabama Public Television — proving there’s still much work to be done.
Original Airdate: May 13, 2019