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by HRC Staff •
Binge watching TV shows, streaming the latest movies, listening to music and hopping on Zoom calls filled up most of our 2020 as we quarantined and practiced social distancing. This year surely had its ups and downs, but we also saw LGBTQ visibility expand across our screens, which is always something to celebrate.
Here are some of our 2020 pop culture highlights:
We Said Goodbye to “Schitt’s Creek”
After six seasons of “Schitt’s Creek” father and son duo Eugene and Dan Levy closed this chapter of the Rose family’s story. The finale episode, “Happy Ending,” featured the wedding of David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid), putting LGBTQ representation front and center and delivering an incredible love story for our favorite couple. “Schitt’s Creek” went on to prove awards season is in fact the best season when it made Emmys history by breaking the record for most wins in a single season for a comedy with nine awards in total.
From bringing pansexuality to the forefront to pushing LGBTQ acceptance as the norm rather than the exception, @SchittsCreek has broken barriers for queer representation on television. What can we say - it’s simply the best. 💖#SchittsCreek https://t.co/i77ZlqDCo9
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 6, 2020
“Modern Family” and “Will & Grace” Aired Their Final Episodes
“Modern Family” wrapped up its 11th season after more than a decade-long run on ABC. Throughout the series, we saw Mitchell and Cam celebrate their marriage and continue to build a family through the adoption of their daughter. “Modern Family” was a show dedicated to the ups and downs of three diverse families who consistently put compassion, growth and love above all else.
Do we really have to say goodbye? Thank you to the cast and crew of @ModernFam for the last 11 seasons of laughs, love and support of the LGBTQ community. #ModernFamily https://t.co/iCpgWeOMQz pic.twitter.com/M96S99TC8g
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 8, 2020
The revival of “Will & Grace” also came to a close this year after its original airing from 1998 to 2006. The show was one of the first to include gay characters as protagonists and in its return continued to expand LGBTQ representation by countering stereotypes and offering renewed visibility in media.
We’re even sadder to see them go the second time around. 💙💛Thanks for shining a light on LGBTQ issues and characters for more than two decades, @WillAndGrace! #WillAndGraceFarewell https://t.co/qP0DjmniW5 pic.twitter.com/Fojw6FYMRm
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 24, 2020
Bi+ and Non-Binary Representation Increased Across the Board
2020 marked plenty of firsts for bi+ and non-binary representation on our screens. Here are just a few of our favorite moments!
We can't wait to see @JaviciaLeslie make history as the first ever Black actress to play Batwoman while also shining a light on the bisexual community! 🦇 @CWBatwoman #Batwoman https://t.co/VjlqUNwGnA
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 9, 2020
Welcome to the family, @lilireinhart! 💙💛
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 3, 2020
You will surely inspire others to feel more comfortable being themselves. 🌈https://t.co/5TmMJAdeRL
We were honored to present Lachlan Watson, best known for their role on @sabrinanetflix, with the HRC Visibility Award. They have been a proven advocate for the non-binary community and continue to make a difference for queer kids everywhere. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/ZRTmhhvEtS
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 29, 2020
Movies Dove Into Queer Characters and Storylines
Although we didn’t find ourselves in the theatre much this year, queer movies still flourished in 2020.
Tune in on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. C for the premiere of #TheChristmasHouse on the @HallmarkChannel. We're excited to see more LGBTQ visibility on our screens, ESPECIALLY around the holidays! 🎄🎁 pic.twitter.com/8LKNQ8RJYy
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 22, 2020
If you don't talk about your crush with this degree of detailed specificity, they're not your crush.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 1, 2020
The Half of It is now on Netflix pic.twitter.com/lHAcK2JAM1
A queer holiday movie about how everyone's coming out experience is different AND featuring @danjlevy? 😍 Catch us streaming @hulu's @HappiestSeason starting on November 25! https://t.co/pY9JgmVLHT
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 10, 2020
Have you streamed @welcomechechnya yet? Be sure to watch this powerful documentary about how brave LGBTQ individuals escaped the anti-LGBTQ campaign in Chechnya. https://t.co/TC9cP9pH3l
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 10, 2020
.@Disclosure_Doc — from director Sam Feder and producer Laverne Cox — features interviews with MJ Rodriguez, Jamie Clayton, Jen Richards, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, and more in taking a vital and unprecedented look at the history of trans representation across film and TV pic.twitter.com/yJTNKf765o
— Netflix (@netflix) June 11, 2020
LGBTQ Musicians Thrived
Queer musicians released some incredible albums throughout the year and our screen time continued to increase as we streamed their music on repeat.
Additionally, openly queer artists earned Grammy nominations, giving even greater representation to LGBTQ people in music. Read more in Billboard.
Inclusive Zoom Backgrounds for Friends, Family, Teachers and More
Zoom backgrounds were a hit in 2020 and also provided the opportunity to make virtual classrooms, meeting rooms and friend group chats inclusive to all. HRC joined in creating digital backgrounds featuring different pride flags to rep during any call. We also highlighted the importance and impact of teachers and other youth-serving professionals using inclusive virtual backgrounds to show their affirmation of LGBTQ youth.
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