LIST: Queer couples on television that we admire
Watching a series is one of the best ways to unwind and learn something. Aside from the plot, what makes us hooked are its characters.
LGBTQ+ characters, for instance, add diversity and richness to TV shows. While most countries, including the Philippines, are still in a long battle toward acceptance and complete inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. Seeing someone who is also queer in TV shows can give them the feeling of being seen and represented, which can be very important for their mental health and well-being.
This Pride month, why not celebrate inclusivity and colors by (re)watching these shows? Here are some of the queer couples in TV shows that made us shed tears and swoon over kilig.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker
Who wouldn’t love this chaotic duo? Uptight Mitch (Jesse Ferguson), an environmental lawyer, and lively, ever-dramatic Cam (Eric Stonestreet), a music teacher and a trained clown perfectly complement each other, making them one of the most loved characters from the TV series Modern Family.
First met at Pepper’s charades party, the two adopted a Vietnamese baby named Lily and introduced it to the whole family (Mitch’s side) in “Lion King-style,” an idea from Cam which was opposed by Mitch.
One of the most kilig moments of these two is in season 5, episode 1, where gay marriage has been legalized in California. Both elated with the news, the two secretly planned a marriage proposal to each other that same day.
Raymond Holt and Kevin Cozner
Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher) is the captain of the 99th police precinct of the NYPD in the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He is known to be strict and non-expressive—he even sends texts with signoffs like in emails. Unlike Mitch, Holt has met his partner, Kevin (Marc Evan Jackson), a professor who is also as strict as he is.
The two lack emotions so much that they “argue” in the calmest ways possible. Despite their uptight personalities, they were able to bring sunshine to each other, especially to the rest of the chaotic detectives close to them, such as Jake Peralta, Rosa Diaz, and Amy Santiago, among others.
Despite their busy work lives, they are an effective parent to Cheddar, a corgi that they treasure the most.
David Rose and Patrick Brewer
David Rose (Dan Levy) came from a wealthy family whose lives turned upside-down overnight after being a victim of fraud committed by their business manager.
He and the Rose family relocated to their only asset: a town named Schitt’s Creek—which they bought before as a joke. Now living in a motel, the family slowly adapts to the massive change in their lifestyle.
David was able to establish a general merchandising store, Rose Apothecary, which he co-manages with his business-turned-lifetime partner Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid), a real estate agent.
The couple sits on the opposite pole: David is dramatic and sassy at times, while Patrick is a calm and down-to-earth kind of guy. At the beginning of the course of their romance, Patrick is more expressive of his affections even in the simplest ways, which David feels embarrassed with. As time goes by, the two have managed to find their footing, being able to help each other get out of their comfort zones.
Their relationship brings all the cozy feels, like a ride to the calm river, as it did not involve any heavy dramas.
Khun Sam and Mon Kornkamon
Starring in the first-ever Thai GL (Girl’s Love) series, Gap: The Series, Sam and Mon have captured the hearts of many, including Filipinos.
The romantic-comedy series tells the love of Sam and Mon who first met since childhood. Mon has always admired Sam, being the go-getter yet cold-hearted type that she is. Despite having gaps in age, personality, and class, the two found their way to be together.
Thai stars Freen Sarocha (Khun Sam) and Becky Armstrong (Mon) had their first-ever fan meeting in the Philippines last February 12 at Skydome, SM North Edsa.
Casey Gardner and Izzie Taylor
Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Izzie (Fivel Stewart) from the series Atypical have shown the realistic course of relationships between high school girls. Despite struggling in differing household situations, the two have had their fair share of ups and downs, but they have managed to be each other's safe haven.
One of the couple's iconic moments was when they protested against the school's dress code rule, which Izzie believes is unfair because it reinforces gender norms. This was one of the powerful ways they advocated for inclusivity.
Sharing the same dream of getting into UCLA, this athletic couple has managed to stay until the end without ever sacrificing their individual goals in life.
Sarawat Guntithanon and Tine Teepakorn
One of the things that kept many sane during the early days of the pandemic is the BL series, 2gether. Starting their romance as staged, Sarawat (Vachirawit Chivaaree) and Tine (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn) eventually ended up being together. It was based on a popular novel of the same name. Its plot was pretty simple, but that helped the audience embrace more the “Sarawatine” couple, finding comfort from their journey.
And in case you didn't know, one of its stars, Win will be holding his first-ever fan meeting in Manila on June 11 at the New Frontier Theater.