There was a huge part of me that wanted to spend #LesbianVisibilityDay talking about the web series Carmilla—what it did for lesbian vampire stories and how much it means to me—but then I realized that is a part of a larger problem. When I think of major lesbian couples in media or major lesbian characters, most of them, especially in genre, are white: Lauren Lewis (Lost Girl), Carmilla and Laura (Carmilla), Captain Haught (Wynonna Earp), Alex (Supergirl). While there are more WOC who are open about their sexuality now, they don’t often get to be the mainstream face of lesbian women. So in the spirit of #LesbianVisibilityDay, here are eight lesbians of color for you to show some love.
Adena El-Amin: The Bold Type
Adena is a badass lesbian Muslin photographer on The Bold Type, with some of the most amazing brows you will ever see on television. If you are sleeping on this Freeform show you are missing out.
Emily Fields: Pretty Little Liars
The loveliest of the Liars, Emily is one of the first Asian lesbians in a teen drama. Not only was she one of the leads, she broke a lot of boundaries through having multiple relationships throughout the show—not just one.
Original Cindy: Dark Angel
The best part of the show and she speaks in 3rd person.
Santana: Glee
Super problematic, but one of my first huge crushes when I was actually out—and therefore Santana will always hold a warm place in my heart. Not to mention, I love lesbian anti-heroines.
Dr. Luisa Alver: Jane the Virgin
With the recent season of JTV humanizing Luisa, we got insight into a woman who has struggled with toxic relationships, mental illness, and feelings of abandonment. For a supporting character, Luisa has a level of depth to her that many lesbian characters never get to achieve.
Lena Adams Foster: The Fosters
The hair of a goddess and the co-star of one of the most feel-good queer shows on television. Lena Adams Foster is one of the best tv moms ever.
Elena Alvarez: One Day at a Time
The most adorable baby gay angel of all time. Protect her at all costs.
Jane Ramos (J.R.): Jane the Virgin
It’s Rosario Dawson playing a bad-ass lawyer who melts the heart of Petra. I could not have asked for anything more.
Who are some of the lesbians you are celebrating today on #LesbianVisibilityDay?
(image: Netflix)
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