Cliff Notes – “Queer stories in period dramas aren’t seen often – everyone was kissing back then”
- Gentleman Jack: This series highlights the life of Anne Lister, a Victorian lesbian in 1832 Halifax, showcasing her pursuit of love and identity. It serves as an engaging introduction to Lister’s historical significance.
- Dickinson: A creative interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s life, this Apple TV Plus series explores her relationship with sister-in-law Susan Gilbert through a humorous lens, drawing from her poetry and personal letters.
- Downton Abbey: Featuring one of the early LGBTQ+ narratives in period dramas, Thomas Barrow’s character evolves over six seasons, offering a poignant exploration of identity and acceptance within a historical context.
“Queer stories in period dramas aren’t seen often – everyone was kissing back then”
Gentleman Jack
This two-season drama is based on real-life figure Anne Lister and is set in Halifax in 1832 who is determined to ‘find herself a wife’ when she meets the alluring Ann Walker.
Not only do we see Victorian lesbians living their best lives, but it is a great gateway into learning all about the actual Anne Lister’s fascinating backstory.
Gentleman Jack is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Dickinson
Based on the real-life accounts of famed poet Emily Dickinson, this tongue-in-cheek Apple TV Plus series dares to imagine what exactly was going on between Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) and her sister-in-law Susan Gilbert (Ella Hunt).
Lifting from her corpus of work and private letters between the pair, as well as outside accounts of Emily’s life, this offers a fun and fresh take on this historical figure’s life.
Dickinson is available to stream on Apple TV Plus.
If you enjoyed The Buccaneers then you’ll probably like Dickinson (Picture: Apple TV+)
Downton Abbey
One of the earlier forms of LGBTQ+ representation in period TV dramas is Thomas Barrow’s character in ITV series.
Although this starts off as an underexplored and often depressing, storyline, with six seasons and two movies (and a third on the way), we see his character go on a journey that ultimately makes it worth the watch.
Downton Abbey is available to stream on Netflix.
A League of Their Own
Based on the 1992 movie, the Amazon Prime series set in 1940s America follows an all-female baseball league and, needless to say, plenty of queer shenanigan’s ensue.
The show is packed with LGBTQ+ relationships in all their shapes and forms as a ragtag baseball team attempts to make their mark on American history and live their true lives.
A League of Their Own is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Black Sails
This pirate drama is set in the early 18th century and follows Captain Flint and his crew as they sail the dangerous seas.
Along the way, we encounter actual historical figures from the era and, as can be expected for a rambunctious group of seafarers, there’s plenty of romance, with several LGBTQ+ relationships and characters taking centre stage.
Black Sails is available to stream on Amazon MGM Plus.