LGBTQ+ viewers unimpressed with Prime Video’s National Coming Out Day support
Let’s be honest with one another: it’s not been a fun time for the queer girlies out there when it comes to streaming services – particularly if you’ve been a fan of any of the LGBTQ+ shows on Prime Video. In fact, we’d even go as far to say that this might actually be one of the worst years for queer TV fans, with a lot of quality TV having their wings clipped before they can fly.
Amazon’s Prime Video in particular has come under fire for being particularly harsh with its treatment of LGBTQ+ media. It was only a few months ago that the streaming service cancelled both Paper Girls and The Wilds – two shows known for its impactful storylines, women-focused cast, and queer romance and characters – back to back. Fans have since taken up the mantle to try and get the shows renewed, with The Wilds in particular having a strong campaign.
So it’s no surprise that Prime Video’s tweet on National Coming Out Day wasn’t well-received by LGBTQ+ viewers, who was quick to point out that the cancellation of queer shows this year made the post feel like lip-service, rather than genuine support.
“Remember that making our stories invisible is also an act of hate. Prime canceling stories like The Wilds and Paper Girls is causing harm to the LGBTQIA+ community.” One Twitter user, Obviouslywlw, replied. “[Prime Video] are not allies, they are part of the problem.”
Other LGBTQ+ fans responded to the tweet by making mention of another queer show, A League Of Their Own. The series follows the journey of women’s baseball during the Second World War, and how a rapidly-changing America affects them and their dreams. Critics seemed to respond favourably, with a score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70% on Metacritic. As the time of writing this article, the show has still not been renewed for a season 2, despite creators Abbi Jacobson and Will Graham having already started planning for the potential 2nd season.
Of course, it hasn’t been all bad for queer media. Heartstopper has already been renewed for two more seasons after all, the animated series Harley Quinn is getting another season, and there’s even been a little sapphic panic in House of The Dragon, but even these shows don’t make up for the incredible amount of queer talent and stories that has been downright buried this year. It’s no wonder then that LGBTQ+ viewers are unimpressed and expect more.
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