Although LGBTQ+ representation in media is getting a lot better, there is still a lack of well-rounded and well-developed LGBTQ+ characters and their romantic relationships on television. Therefore, when complex, interesting, and positive representations of LGBTQ+ relationships feature in media, they become very popular with viewers.

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LGBTQ+ characters in media have typically received either negative representation or no reputation at all, often portrayed as villains, lack development, or are killed when they manage to find happiness. Even though negative portrayals still exist, the growing number of fleshed-out, positive LGBTQ stories and stable LGBTQ couples in popular media over the past few years is definitely a step in the right direction.

8 Harley And Ivy Have Always Been Close (Harley Quinn)

harley and ivy in the animated Harley Quinn series

Harley Quinn is one of the best pieces of DC media released in the last few years, capitalizing on the popularity of the character and making her a more well-rounded individual. One of the most heartwarming parts of Harley Quinn is Harley's friendship with Poison Ivy. Despite their differences, they prove that they can rely on each other to be there for them no matter what.

Their close friendship begins to develop into a romantic relationship in season two. While Ivy is engaged to someone else and wants to keep her friendship with Harley intact, Harley is honest about her feelings. Eventually, Ivy cannot ignore their connection any longer and they finally get together at the end of season two.

7 Maya And Carina Have Overcome A Lot (Station 19)

carina and maya's proposal in station 19, the grey's anatomy spin-off show.

Firefighter Maya Bishop and Dr. Carina DeLuca have become the longest and most stable relationship on Station 19, the Grey's Anatomy spin-off series. Maya and Carina's romance has not been smooth sailing in a television franchise known for creating drama within their relationships.

From dealing with infidelity inspired by trauma from the past, the deaths of loved ones, the pandemic, and visa renewals, it seemed as though the world was against the two women staying together. Somehow, however, they managed to make it through. The couple is now happily married and going through the process of starting a family together.

6 Kai And Amelia Reunited (Grey's Anatomy)

kai and amelia in Grey's Anatomy

Amelia Shepard is a fan-favorite character on Grey's Anatomy. As such, fans want to see her happy. Her previous relationships have often been toxic or simply a poor match, so fans rejoiced to see her develop a genuine heartfelt connection to Dr. Kai Bartley.

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While the couple are seemingly in very different places about their wishes for the future, with Amelia being a mother and Kai not wanting children, their reunion in the season 18 finale proved that they want each other in their lives and are open to working their relationship out.

5 Nick And Charlie Discover A Lot About Themselves Together (Heartstopper)

nick and charlie in a photobooth in Heartstopper

Based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels, the teen drama Heartstopper has become one of Netflix's biggest hits on the platform. The show follows the growing relationship between Charlie Spring, an introverted, slightly outcast teen, and Nick Nelson, a popular, likable rugby player.

When Nick meets Charlie, it sends him down a complicated path of figuring out who he is. Despite their differences, Nick and Charlie form a strong bond that will continue to develop in the future, as Netflix has renewed Heartstopper for two more seasons.

4 Fans Are Hopeful About Kirby And Amanda (Dynasty)

kirby and amanda in Dynasty

The 2017 reboot of Dynasty is known for its ridiculous family drama and complicated relationships within the Carrington and Colby families. Kirby Anders, the daughter of the Carrington's late majordomo, has had her fair share of difficult relationships. For example, she dated Adam Carrington, whose past is filled with violent and manipulative tendencies.

Season four brought a new Carrington, Amanda, to Dynasty. Throughout season five, fans have seen a heartwarming relationship develop between her and Kirby. Although not without its difficulties, the two seem to have a strong connection, and viewers look forward to seeing it develop during the show's final season.

3 Ola Nyman And Lily Iglehart Embrace Each Others Differences (Sex Education)

Ola and Lily on a day out together in Netflix's Sex Education

Lily Iglehart is something of an outcast at Moordale, being unapologetically eccentric and having some ecclectic hobbies and interests. As much as she is secure in her own identity, others find her strange and choose to poke fun at her because of it.

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Although Ola is initially introduced as a love interest for Otis, their relationship falls flat and Ola grows closer to Lily. Although Ola does not always understand or share Lily's interests, she encourages her to be herself and pursue her passions without judgment.

2 Shelby And Toni Found Each Other In An Unlikely Situation (The Wilds)

shelby and toni from The Wilds

Shelby Goodkind and Toni Shalifoe become adversaries when they, along with 6 others, are stranded on an island after a plane crash. Toni is secure in herself and open about her identity as a lesbian, but Shelby, who was raised religiously, harbors a lot of shame about her identity from her family's beliefs. While the two initially don't get along, Shelby learns to be open about who she is and finds common ground with Toni, which brings them together.

Their relationship is a comforting thing to see in a show where the stakes are so high. Even though they break up at the end of The Wild's second season, it is clear they still care about each other and will explore their relationship in greater detail if there is a third season.

1 TK And Carlos Have A Rocky Relationship (9-1-1: Lone Star)

carlos and tk in 9-1-1 Lone Star

Firefighter TK Strand and police officer Carlos Reyes go on quite a journey during their relationship. During the beginning, they never seemed to be on the same page; Carlos wanted to define the relationship but TK resisted. However, as of 9-1-1: Lone Star's third season, they appear to be in a stable place, with their relationship being one of the constants of the show.

They are not without their struggles because of the nature of their jobs and TK's struggles with addiction. However, they appear genuinely happy together and are planning for the future.