Romantic gay kiss

From groundbreaking cinema to binge-worthy TV, the best LGBTQIA+ love scenes have done more than just serve drama and romance—they’ve made history.

These moments have pushed past stereotypes and censorship to show love in all its forms: tender, messy, passionate, complicated, and real. “Vida” (2018–2020) – Emma and Nico

Starz’s Vida gave us a much-needed Latinx queer love story with depth.

“Rafiki” (2018)

This Kenyan film made international waves for its bold, unapologetic story about two young women, Kena and Ziki, falling in love in a society that criminalizes same-sex relationships.

The chemistry between Emma and Nico builds slowly, and when they finally get together, the scene is raw, sexy, and emotionally layered. When Papi uplifts a sad and emotional Angel. Their connection, though brief, redefines intimacy without needing to be explicit — just honest.

2. “Pose” (2018–2021) – Angel and Lil Papi

Their love story was one of the emotional anchors of “Pose,” and their scenes together are full of chemistry and mutual respect.

One standout moment?

Because visibility isn’t just about being seen — it’s about being fully seen.

Let’s take a look at the most powerful, unforgettable, and history-making LGBTQIA+ love scenes, starting with the ones that paved the way—and leading into the ones that are expanding the narrative in even more inclusive ways.

Historical Milestones in LGBTQIA+ Love Scenes

• “Wings” (1927):Recognized for featuring one of the earliest same-sex kisses in film history, this silent film included a scene where two male characters share a kiss, a groundbreaking moment for its time.

• “Desert Hearts” (1985):Directed by Donna Deitch, this film is celebrated as one of the first to present a lesbian relationship in a positive light, moving away from the tragic narratives that previously dominated queer storytelling.

• “Brokeback Mountain” (2005):Featuring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, the film’s intimate scenes brought gay relationships into mainstream cinema, challenging perceptions and sparking widespread conversation.

These groundbreaking scenes didn’t just make headlines — they cracked open the door for more nuanced and inclusive queer storytelling.

A classic coming out story that will 100% warm your heart and leave you feeling fuzzy.

Without giving too much away, just wait for the ferris wheel scene, it is an award winning kiss after all!

16. Of course I had to completely hide my reaction!

An iconic gay kiss which I will always remember.

4.  Maxxie and Tony – Skins

I religiously watched Skins during University with all my housemates, I was not out at the time so was always very excited to see any scenes with Maxxie in.

This gay kiss came as quite a shock when Maxxie kisses his friend Tony (and more) whilst Tonys girlfriend is asleep in the bed.

3. David and Patrick – Schitts Creek

Schitts Creek has won many awards and is quite simply one of our favourite shows of all time.

We loved the fact that gay representation in Schitts Creek was depicted in an incredibly natural way without making the fact that the characters were gay into the main storyline.

The gay kiss in question (for those that have watched it), is obviously when David and Patrick finally kiss after a gradual but palpable build up – this gay kissing scene had us cheering at the screen.

2.

Heath Ledger & Jake Gyllenhaal – Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain was a big dealwhen it was released, it received a huge amount of backlash as well as a huge amount of praise.

It’s definitely a gay rite of passage to watch this film and again, wait patiently for them to finally kiss after what seems like hours of subtle glances and hints.

14. Elio and Oliver – Call Me by Your Name

If you thought you had to wait patiently in Brokeback Mountain for their gay kiss, you might need to be even more patient here.

The build up between these two is palpable making the audience want to shout at them to finally kiss!

13.

The wedding night between Noah and Wade was both romantic and celebratory — showing Black queer men being soft, committed, and in love.

4. And yes, we rewinded it multiple times.

Enough thirst, back to the list.

10. It’s tender, validating, and revolutionary for trans and queer love on screen.

5.

Mitch and Cam – Modern Family

This is an interesting one, we love that Modern Family lived up to its name in showing what a modern family looks like – including gay couple Mitch and Cam.

What makes this an interesting gay kiss is that in season 1 Mitch and Cam has no gay kissing scenes, something which received backlash – as a result, their first gay kiss in season 2 makes our list.

9.  Connor and Oliver – How to Get Away With M*rder

The things that this couple have had to go through during each season of HTGAWM have been crazy.

That’s why when they finally make it to the alter and give the most beautiful wedding speeches, their first gay kiss as husbands has to make this list.

8.  Patrick and Kevin – Looking

Patrick and Kevin, another couple that have tonnes of tension between them and have you waiting for them to finally share a kiss!

7.  Stuart and Nathan – Queer as Folk

I know I keep using this word, but Queer as Folk was another ground-breaking show – for our US friends we are talking about the UK original version set in Manchester where we now live.

Not only for its gay kiss scenes between actors Aidan and Charlie, but perhaps some of the first full on intimate scenes (if you have seen it you know the one) shown on primetime TV!

For some reason we had this on video at my family home and I watched it whilst no one else was in as a teenager – eye opening is all I can say!

6.  Andrew and Justin – Desperate Housewives

In season 1 of Desperate Housewives we are introduced to Andrew Van De Kamp who, to begin with, is fully in the closet and just ‘fooling around’.

The gay kiss in question that sticks in our mind is when Susan (Terry Hatcher) catches Andrew and Justin skinny dipping and making out in a backyard pool!

5.  Nick and Todd – Coronation Street

For me, this was the one of the first gay kisses I saw on tv (around the same time as Queer as Folk).

I had read about this in the TV Times and made sure I was around to watch since Coronation Street was on every night in my family home.