Although LGBT storylines are finally becoming more commonplace on screen (god bless you Carol), equal representation in film and television is still a long road we must keep traveling. We were treated to some truly fantastic lesbian relationships to feast our eyes on in 2016 nonetheless, so let’s do a run down of the best moments. Heartland (the tub scene) Photo: Facebook
An exploration of grief and self identity, Heartland follows one woman dealing with the loss of a loved one and another woman dealing with the search for herself. The two, entangled in a relationship that’s much more complicated than simply falling in love, seek shelter in a bathtub together during a tornado. I think you can guess what comes next. The little indie movie that could is worth a watch just to see this steamy sequence. Orphan Black (Cosima and Delphine Reunite) Photo: BBC America
2016 was an intense year for Orphan Black fans. Tatiana Maslany finally win the Emmy she’s deserved every season since the show began airing. Sarah’s fate hangs in the air. Last but not certainly far from least, Delphine is alive. In the season four finale, Delphima (if that name doesn’t already exist I’m trademarking it) were treated with an emotional reunion, fueled by pure love and a connection that trumps everything else that’s at stake. Long live clone club. The 100 (Clexa consummation) Photo: YouTube
I shipped Clarke and Lexa from the very first scene they appeared in together; I mean, just look at the two of them. Therefore, the episode of The 100 lit an internet fire couldn’t possible be left off this list. This season, 13 dropped bomb after bomb in Clexa-land, wrapping up the ‘will they or won’t they’ question and then promptly killing off Lexa in a matter of minutes. leaving The 100 follow in the footsteps of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The L Word with the abrupt destruction of a lesbian relationship once it has served its plot purpose. We can mourn the loss, blow off the steam, and lick our wounds, but all of that can be done while still appreciating the gratification of the one scene we were given to cherish.
Sometimes, with lesbian driven stories, we viewers are treated to more than just a titular moment. In the best of the best, every moment is the best moment, and that’s the case for these last two: Black Mirror (San Junipero) Photo: Netflix
Sometimes a singular hour (give or take a few minutes) of television can just leave you with the feeling of pure joy and hope. Who would have ever thought that hour would come from the perplexing, pitch black show that is Black Mirror, but season 3 episode is the lesbian love story we all deserve. In a perfect world, when we die we’ll be sent to this glorious, technicolored “afterlife” and get to spend eternity with a beautiful woman? Beam me up, Scotty. The Handmaiden Photo: YouTube
Part thriller, part erotic lesbian romance, The Handmaiden has something to offer just about any audience. This film made some serious noise at the Cannes Film Festival, and for good reason. The Handmaiden is a gorgeously crafted film that touts the art of deception and the thrill of sexual desire. There’s a scene in a bathtub that contains about four minutes of pure foreplay tension that’s hotter than most full blown sex scenes. If this film hasn’t made its way to your area yet, keep your eyes peeled. You won’t want to miss it.
What were your favorite on screen lesbian moments of 2016?
