When it comes to LGBTQIA+ representation in media, fantasy and science fiction have frequently outpaced other genres. It makes sense that if you're open to believing in dragons, magic, and futuristic technology beyond our current comprehension, then you can also imagine relationships that exist outside of cisgenderism and heteronormativity. That's not to say that representation in science fiction and fantasy is perfect, but it has come a long way.
One aspect of queer representation where the media can still improve is portraying LGBTQIA+ couples in authentic ways. Showing queer couples with genuine relationships in media is still radical, but ideally, it will become such a regular occurrence that it will be difficult to remember a time when LGBTQIA+ people weren't seen as worthy of love and happiness. Here are a few couples in fantasy and sci-fi that are paving the way for that day.
Haruka Tenou (Sailor Uranus) and Michiru Kaioh (Sailor Neptune) — Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
The Sailor Moon manga debuted in 1991, and it was completely revolutionary. Portraying two of the Sailor Guardians in a romantic relationship was shocking enough, but to have Sailor Uranus be nonbinary and/or genderfluid? People's minds were blown. So much so that the English dub of the anime tried to censor any hint of queerness by claiming that Sailors Uranus and Neptune were cousins. Sure, Jan.
In a world where love gives them their powers, Haruka (Sailor Uranus) and Michiru (Sailor Neptune) are a literal power couple. Their intimate moments show that they often have a more mature relationship than Usagi (Sailor Moon) and Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask). The love and affection between Haruka and Michiru are so pure, without coming across as naive.
Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay — Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong, and I was wrong about not liking Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Tara (Amber Benson) as a couple when I first watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the '90s. Did I try to justify it by saying that I shipped Willow and Oz (Seth Green)? Yes, but even in that justification, there was homophobia baked in.
Re-watching the series as an adult, Willow and Tara are so good together! And why would Willow want to be with Oz when he cheated on her? Tara was exactly who Willow needed, and seeing their relationship flourish helped a lot of Buffy fans confront their homophobia. We all bawled our eyes out when Willow lost Tara to a stray bullet because we knew just how much love there was between them.
Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones — Torchwood
Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) was first introduced in Doctor Who and was so popular that he got to star in the spin-off series, Torchwood. Before people had ever heard of omnisexual or pansexual identities, Jack was a bisexual icon, though we know now that he is more like the first two after he flirted and slept with any willing sentient being regardless of gender, sexuality, or species.
Jack's relationship with co-worker, Ianto Jones (Gareth David-Lloyd), was different than his usual flings. Their feelings grew serious, and Ianto became a grounding influence for Jack. There was plenty of teasing and innuendo between them, but there were also moments of breathtaking intimacy. Ianto's death shook not only Jack but also all of the Torchwood fans, and the couple's love hasn't been forgotten.
Nomi Marks and Amanita Caplan — Sense8
Sense8 didn't always live up to expectations for a sci-fi series by the Wachowski sisters, creators of The Matrix. But one of the areas in which the show excelled was the sapphic relationship between Nomi Marks (Jamie Clayton) and Amanita Caplan (Freema Agyeman).
Showing a trans woman in a healthy, loving relationship is extremely rare in media, which makes Nomi and Amanita's romance all the more beautiful. They both exhibit the "ride or die" type of love and are willing to go to any lengths for each other. Their wedding was one of the most anticipated parts of the show, and seeing them so happy was a healing moment for many fans.
Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber — Star Trek: Discovery
Star Trek has always been "woke," with the franchise experimenting with gender and sexuality in several different shows. But Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) made history when they became the first openly-gay couple in a live-action Star Trek series.
Stamets and Culber's relationship is tested countless times, but never due to LGBTQIA+ stereotypes. They bicker and struggle just like any couple, but their love brings them back together again. The way Stamets helps Culber through the trauma of dying and being resurrected is relatable to anyone who has had to balance mental health alongside their relationship.
Viv and Tandri — Legends & Lattes
Another great example of a queer romance that doesn't fall into stereotypes is that of Viv and Tandri in Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes. For one, neither half of the couple is human, but the story subverts the tropes for their respective races. Viv is an orc who's content to stay home and run a cozy cafe. Tandri is a succubus who hates being sexualized.
I happen to love cozy romance stories with characters who awkwardly express their love, and this one is a definite favorite. Viv and Tandri are hesitant at first, but their love grows beyond compare once they finally let go of their reservations. This couple just feels wholesome, and they probably give the most comforting hugs.
Aziraphale and Crowley — Good Omens
I'm not going to cover season 3 of Good Omens, as it's new enough to spoil it for people who haven't watched yet. However, I am going to say that even the book had huge swaths of fans shipping Aziraphale and Crowley. This odd-couple, angel-and-demon pairing is one of the most entertaining and tear-jerking relationships in media.
Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and Crowley (David Tennant) aren't supposed to love each other. They aren't supposed to work together. They constantly bicker and act annoyed by the other. And yet, when it comes down to it, they act in an "it's us against the world" way. The kiss at the end of season 2 had so many of us screaming, only to break our hearts moments later. These two belong together because Heaven, Hell, and the Earth are all better off when their relationship succeeds.
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