Conversational quips like, “Sweetheart – I’ve noticed you’re pretending to masturbate” pepper the show with a brusque and punchy comedy. One of the main characters in the show, Otis, has a mother, Jean (Gillian Anderson) who works as a sex therapist and has no problem speaking openly about sex.
The series follows the lives of the students, staff, and parents of the fictional Moordale Secondary School while they tackle issues about identity and intimacy, often hinging on questions of a sexual basis. More than what the title suggests, Sex Education is a show that is heartfelt and blends sensitivity and humour well, offering bundles of advice when it comes to the messy and complicated area of sexuality in the modern age. With sexual awakenings and varying journeys of self-acceptance, Dating Amber is very moving and portrays the pressures of fitting in as a queer teenager to a tee. Sweet-natured, the film captures a blossoming friendship between two individuals and gives viewers a glimpse at a platonic queer love story. The film is a mix mash of romance, comedy, and drama which makes for a refreshing take on the tribulations of coming out and figuring out your sexuality. Eddie and Amber respond to persistent homophobia by attempting to convince those around them that they are in a relationship. In Dating Amber, we see two closeted teenagers in 90s Ireland decide to fake-date in order to stop speculation about their sexualities.
We’ve found shows and films to check out that have LGBTQI characters and feature young, queer romances to fill the void that Heartstopper has surely left in its wake. AdvertisementIf you’re still gushing over the British coming-of-age series and the way the show gently showed young queer teenagers the potential to be happy while basking in the collective warmth of childhood innocence, look no further.