Get to know LGTBIQ Spanish Cinema+, representation matters. It makes us feel seen, recognized and, above all, it reminds us that our stories also deserve to be told. In Spain, cinema and television have taken important steps to include LGTBIQ+ characters and narratives in an increasingly realistic and diverse way.
Here I leave you 10 Spanish productions that have marked a before and after in queer representation on screen. Some will make you laugh, others cry, but all have done their bit to make stories that matter visible.
1. The Poison (2020)
If we talk about LGTBIQ+ visibility, we cannot ignore Veneno. Created by the Javis (Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo), this series tells the life of Cristina Ortiz, “La Veneno”, one of the most iconic trans figures in Spain. With a raw, emotional and spectacularly performed narrative, this series became an immediate reference.
2. Paquita Salas (2016-2019)
“Los Javis” return to the list with Paquita Salas, a comedy that, between laughter and absurd situations, gives us one of the most natural representations of queer characters. With Brays Efe in the role of Paquita and cameos by well-known faces, it is a series that, without pretensions, vindicates diversity.
3. The laws of the border (2021)
This film, based on the novel by Javier Cercas, is not exactly an LGTBIQ+ story, but it includes a queer character who breaks stereotypes and brings a different dimension to the stories of youth gangs and crime.
4. The Call (2017)
Born as a musical and made into a film, The Call presents us with a fresh and different story about the awakening of identity, love and faith. With an irreverent tone and an unforgettable soundtrack, this film is a must for those looking for LGTBIQ+ stories from a lighter and more optimistic perspective.
5. All About My Mother (1999)
We couldn’t leave out Pedro Almodóvar, master of including LGTBIQ+ characters in his films. All About My Mother shows us one of the most memorable trans representations in Spanish cinema, with complex characters full of humanity.
6. Vis a Vis (2015-2019)
If you like prison series, Vis a Vis is for you. In addition to its intense plot, the relationship between Macarena and Rizos gave us one of the lesbian couples most loved by the public.
7. Merlí: Sapere Aude (2019-2021)
This spin-off from Merlí follows the story of Pol Rubio during his university years, exploring his sexuality in an honest and natural way. The series touches on themes such as discovery, identity and acceptance, with LGTBIQ+ representation that feels genuine.
8. The Javis and their universe
Okay, we cheat a little here. But we can’t deny that everything the Javis play has queer representation. From Veneno to Cardo, each of their productions has opted for diverse characters, making visible stories that previously remained on the margins.
9. Carmen and Lola (2018)
The love between two gypsy women, intersectionality in all its splendor, is not a story that we often see in the cinema. Carmen and Lola breaks taboos and gives us a love story that challenges the norms within a traditional community.
10. Elite (2018-present)
Yes, Elite is a youth series full of drama and luxury, but it has also been key in LGTBIQ+ representation. From the story of Omar and Ander to characters like Patrick, the series has normalized queer relationships in a context of youth and discovery.
The path continues
These are just some of the many productions that have given visibility to the LGTBIQ+ community. Representation on screen continues to evolve, and while there is still much to be done, it’s exciting to see more and more stories being shown to us authentically. What are your favorites?
