Lesbian Couples of TV Past and Present – Why We Cherish Them Although Lesbian representation still has a long, rough road to truly achieve equality on television, on-screen coupling inspiration has flourished tremendously over the last 21 years since Ellen came out in “The Puppy Episode”. The depiction of a lesbian relationship on screen has evolved from quirky side characters who leave their husbands (think Friends) to brave teenagers who get fully fleshed character arcs (thanks Pretty Little Liars!). We don’t just want representation on television to be able to see two hot girls go at it, although that’s never a downside. Rather, we need to see characters and relationships that reflect our own successes and struggles, to empathize with our feelings and frustrations. Here are 10 TV lesbian couples that gave me all the feels over the years. Shane and Carmen (The L Word) I’ll admit that I didn’t watch The L Word in its entirety until about a year ago, but I quickly learned what the Shane obsession is all about. Shane is unequivocally comfortable with who she is and how she lives (at least on the exterior), until her world is shaken by Carmen. The sexy DJ sees through Shane’s cool, confident facade the moment they meet. I choose to repress the memory of the wedding that never was, because I so badly wanted these two to have a happy ending, Shane, with all of her complications and existential struggles, was always at her best with Carmen, but sabotaging herself was what she was all about. In my alternate universe, the ‘who killed Jenny’ arc of season six is replaced with a storyline chronicling how Shane and Carmen find their way back to one another. Nicole and Waverly (Wynonna Earp) Wynonna Earp originates in a comic book series, because all of the best gay women characters come from comics. SyFy also consistently manages to provide LGBT representation, and this series features both a lesbian coupling and a seriously badass, strong, lead heroine. Fans were graciously treated to the moment they had all been waiting for late in season one when Wynonna’s sister Waverly and Officer Nicole Haught finally shared some serious smooches that gave us one of our favorite ever couples: Wayhaught. The most meaningful, powerful part of the progression of this relationship for me is the emotional journey of Waverly, who is coming to terms as an adult that she might not be straight after all. As someone who can speak from personal experience, the process of realizing as an adult that you don’t fully know yourself as well as you thought you did is exciting and terrifying, and this show handles it gracefully. Delphine and Cosima (Orphan Black) Every fan or Orphan Black has his or her own favorite clone, and I’ve always been a champion of Cosima. She’s kind, smart, brave, and unknowingly sexy, and she’s often the glue that holds the entire team together. Cosima has been through a world of hurt, from losing her girlfriend to suffering from the illness that plagues members of Clone Club, and her surprise reunion with Delphine is one that deserves celebration. I was admittedly furious with Orphan Black when the show appeared to have kill off Delphine. The balance of femininity, intelligence, and strength she possessed was a character combination I looked up to as a woman who so recently came out, and I was devastated at the idea that the show would be without her presence. Kudos to Orphan Black for bringing her back and creating and epic reunion for Cophine. Or Dephima. Take your pick. Emily and Paige (Pretty Little Liars) Although Emily and Maya were the original pairing that led to the beautifully written coming out story for Emily Fields, but the first love isn’t always the big love. Emily and Paige’s love story is a familiar one for those who have either faced or experienced animosity by someone not because they are homophobic, but because they struggle with their own sexuality. Remember when Paige’s father accused Emily of getting preferential treatment because she’s a lesbian? Little did he know that his daughter was taking out her aggression on Emily because she was crushing on her. The two have had their ups and downs, and they certainly aren’t the perfect couple, but I loved watching them in every season. Annalise and Eve (How to Get Away With Murder) I remember the first moment Eve made an appearance during season two of How to Get Away with Murder. I looked over at my then girlfriend (now wife) and said “those two have a history and they’re going to hook up”. Annalise had given no indication up until this point that she was bisexual, by why wouldn’t she be? This woman is fluid when it comes to sex, and who wouldn’t be attracted to Famke Janssen? Even and Annalise have a complicated, occasionally destructive relationship, but they’re impossible not to root for. Annalise is dark and damaged, but Even doesn’t see her that way. In fact, Eve sees someone she just wants to have a partnership and thinks they could both feel whole if they would decide to be together. Unfortunately, Eve returns to the show only to break it to Annalise that she’s found someone else, but anything could happen, right? Pam and Tara (True Blood) The coupling of Pam and Tara was a surprise to fans of the Charlaine Harris book series, as Tara remains both human and straight throughout the written story. However, everyone’s favorite lesbian vampire sires Tara, albeit reluctantly, in the premiere episode of season five. The two ferocious female vamps embark on a messy, sexy relationship by the end of the season, bringing out a vulnerability and tenderness rarely seen in either of these two characters. They’re tough lady vamps who spend so much time trying to convince everything they’re too hardened for feelings, but the truth is that they just needed someone else to share those feelings with. Root and Shaw (Person of Interest) Although this couple were one of the many to recently fall victim to the “Bury Your Guys” trope, while they lasted, Root and Shaw were the heart and soul of Person of Interest. The unique, tech-centered, crime case of the week style drama rarely focused on human relationships and characterization, but when it did it was normally centered around these two women. Actress Amy Acker defends Root’s death by claiming it was a testament to her first love, which was ultimately The Machine. After her death she evolves to become the voice of The Machine. The relationship between Root and Shaw was short lived, but it was beautifully done and worth every second. Clarke and Lexa (The 100) The demise of Clexa still breaks my heart, and I begrudgingly stopped watching The 100 shortly after Lexa’s untimely death not just in protest, but because the loss of that relationship left little to be desired for me in regards to an emotional viewing experience. The organic way in which Clarke and Lexa come together in a dystopian universe that’s too evolved to require labels for sexuality felt so enlightened, which resulted in an even heaver disappointment when the show fell victim to the lesbian death trope. Lexa was a complete powerhouse. She was tough as nails, ruthless when she needed to be and kind to those who earned it, and she was unabashedly, unapologetically gay. Watching these two badass leaders come together was incredibly rewarding, and seeing their demise so shortly after is something I’ll never forgive that show for. Alex and Maggie (Supergirl) As vital as the number one couple on this list has been as far as longevity over the years, if the portrayal of Alex and Maggie continues on the same path it’s on now, this couple could have the same lasting impact on the millennial generation. Alex’s coming out story is poignant enough to relate to, but never overshadows the rest of her character arc. Throughout season two of Supergirl the portrayal of Alex continues to expand beyond her sexuality, showcasing her depth and strength as Kara’s sister, who might be human but in more ways the one is stronger than Supergirl herself. Both Maggie and Alex are tough as nails, and we see that come into play in their relationship. Where Supergirl succeeds the most here is when it allows the couple to share their vulnerabilities with one another in order to strengthen and grow their bond. The two finally dropped the big L word in season 2, only to break every gay heart when they were canceled as a couple. Bette and Tina (The L Word) There’s no denying it. Bette and Tina still remain the end all, be all of TV lesbian couples. Sure, an abundance of things happen from the premiere of season one to the finale of season six, but when it comes right down to it The L Word is a catalog of the relationship between these two women. Their breakups, their reunions, the birth of a child, and everything in between breaks ground by giving viewers a fully fleshed, deeply honest portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Lesbian storylines are so often coupled with the drama that comes along with the process of coming out and acceptance, that it’s refreshing to watch the trials of a relationship revolve around the same issues straight couple struggle through. Although we don’t get finite resolution on the fate of their relationship, I like to think they’re happily married with a whole soccer team of children running around. Which on-screen couples mean the most to you? Did I miss any of the ones you love? Let me know in the comments!
