It might be July already, but there’s still so much LGBTQ+ content to look forward to for the remainder of the year! Take a look at some the queer films and shows that we’re most excited to watch throughout the rest of 2023.

Barbie

This one needs no introduction. Dubbed one of the most highly-anticipated films of the 21st century, Barbie hits Irish cinemas today, July 21, with screenings across the country already sold out. Featuring a star-studded cast including several LGBTQ+ favourites, get ready to be transported to a pink paradise in this two-hour Greta Gerwig spectacle.

Good Omens

The highly-anticipated second season of Good Omens releases on Amazon Prime Video on July 28, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next for our favourite angel and demon duo. The show, which has been praised by fans for its representation of the arguably (very) queer relationship between its two protagonists, returns with the introduction of multiple new canonically LGBTQ+ characters, with fans taking to Twitter sharing their enthusiasm for the season two premiere.

THEYRE CONFIRMED LESBIANS pic.twitter.com/lpkOjKmRBx

— ace ♡ 7 days until s2! (@acecrisis) July 19, 2023

Heartstopper

Nick and Charlie return for Heartstopper’s second season on August 3. The hit Netflix series, based on the graphic novels of the same name, follows a group of LGBTQ+ teens as they explore their identities, fall in love and more. Viewers have much to look forward to as the new episodes are promised to feature even more portrayals of queer love, expanding beyond what was shown in season one.

Red, White and Royal Blue

The R-rated film adaptation of the beloved LGBTQ+ novel follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the US President, and the British Prince Henry. The pair navigate through the ultimate enemies-to-lovers narrative, but will this forbidden match be able to survive the prying eyes of the public? Find out when the film releases on Amazon Prime on August 11.

Theater Camp

After its successful debut on the US festival circuit, Theater Camp is finally making its way to Ireland this August. The film follows a group of staff members at a summer theatre camp for young actors who must band together to run the programme after its founder falls into a coma. Featuring an ensemble cast of LGBTQ+ icons, Theater Camp is a love letter to those who still are a “theatre kid” at heart.

Fellow Travelers

Debuting on Paramount+ later this autumn, Fellow Travelers tells the story of two men whose love story spans from the McCarthy era until the 1980s, and how their relationship evolves as time passes.

Strange Way of Life

Move over, Brokeback Mountain. After making its Cannes debut in May, Strange Way of Life will be bringing its gay cowboy drama to Ireland this September. The internet has been buzzing about the short film since the trailer dropped, showing its two main characters, played by Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal, dealing with tension from remembering their past relationship.

Our Flag Means Death

After months of speculation, fans can finally mark their calendars for October, when Our Flag Means Death returns. The popular television series surrounding an 18th-century aristocrat’s humorous journey to becoming a pirate has been praised for its inclusivity and LGBTQ+ characters. While the exact date of the series’ release hasn’t been confirmed yet, fans can rest assured knowing that the second season will be out by the end of October.

Doctor Who

The popular British series returns this November with its 60th-anniversary special, featuring David Tennant (once again) playing the Doctor. The episodes will also introduce transgender actress and Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney into the time-travelling show’s canon, playing a new character named Rose. While Finney isn’t the first openly transgender person to be cast in the series, she will be the first trans person to have a major role in the episodes, and fans can’t wait to see her shine. Furthermore, Ncuti Gatwa is set to play the first gay doctor in series 14, although the release date is not yet clear.

Rustin

Colman Domingo stars as Bayard Rustin in ‘RUSTIN.’

On Netflix November 17. pic.twitter.com/rEtkPtcllC

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 18, 2023

Next on our list of queer films and shows to look forward to in 2023 is Rustin, which follows the life of American civil rights activist and openly-gay man Bayard Rustin. The film will centre on Rustin’s life and involvement in planning the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr., and the challenges he faced as a queer man of colour. The film will be released on Netflix in late November.

GAZE LGBTQIA Film Festival

Where better to catch brand new LGBTQ+ films than at GAZE? The festival, running in Dublin from August 3-7, is presenting an array of fabulous new works from all over the globe, with highlights including The People’s Joker, Kokomo City, My Animal and many, many more. Check out the full programme here!

With even more LGBTQ+ films and shows to come in the next few months, we’re sure that 2023 isn’t yet done with serving us the best in queer entertainment.