The series one finale introduces a plot twist that’s a slap in the face, and undermines the show’s messages of empowerment for survivors of sexual assault.

The one image that stands out to me after all this time — the one that I still, to this day, cannot believe — is during the series finale when all the straight couples were having sex, and, instead of doing that, Emily Fields and Alison DiLaurentis rubbed their bare ankles together.

Ellie from The Last of Us, Juliette and Calliope from First Kill, Rue and Jules from Euphoria, Buffy The Vampire Slayer’s Tara, Pretty Little Liar’s Maya St. Germain, and more teen rebels who need your vote!

We have Van and Tai from Yellowjackets, Emily and Paige from Pretty Little Liars (you read that right, two different infamous queer couples, both competitors!) — along with Riverdale’s Cheryl Blossom, Atypical’s Izzy Taylor, and so many more queer jocks jockeying for your vote!

From meet cutes to sex, the best queer TV scenes of the year were almost all about romance. Almost.

Fewer gay shows are being produced and the ones that do slip through are often canceled. But that makes it all the more important to celebrate the work that does get made!

We have actual *couples* going against *each other* this round! Including Yellowjacket’s Van and Tai and First Kill’s Calliope and Juliette! Plus Buffy’s Willow, SLOCG’s Leighton, and 26 other queer teens on TV who are clawing for your votes this March Madness!

It’s come down to this. We have Brittany *verses* Santana in a battle royale you don’t want to miss. Plus, Elena Alvarez vs. Willow Rosenberg, Emily Fields vs. Vanessa “Van” Palmer, and The Last of Us’ Ellie Williams vs. First Kill’s Calliope Burns. YOU HAVE 48 HOURS TO VOTE.

Van survived a plane crash and being mauled by wolves on Yellowjackets… can she survive and advance in a match-up with Atypical’s Casey Gardner? Also we have two famous ships facing EACH OTHER, Glee’s Santana and Brittany vs. Everything Suck’s Kate and Emaline. It’s time to Vote!

The votes have been counted and it’s time to tell you who’s bringing home imaginary trophies for this Emmy Season’s very best LGBTQ+ television.

Santana Lopez and Brittany S. Pierce, Everything Sucks’ Kate and Emaline, All American’s Coop, and Heartstopper’s Elle to name a few. This round features some of the most celebrated queer characters on television, and they need your vote!

32 couples remain!

Just remember: it only gets harder from here on out!

Some of these choices are going to really test your loyalty!

“I literally feel taken aback at the fact that I am telling this story that has never been told, period. I challenge everyone to name one other TV show that portrays love between two Asian women. It does not exist to this level.”

“Stephen Universe is a cartoon show about a little boy with a large mouth who wears flip-flops regardless of weather or situation. Rebecca Sugar made the show and she is bisexual. Stephen has imaginary friends who live in a big jewelry emporium in outer space famous for its ability to fuse different types of gemstones and rocks into each other.”

Horror has always been my favorite genre. I’m a very anxious person and something about having that anxiety externalized in a way that’s fun or cathartic has always really appealed to me. I like roller coasters too. How often is our fear so wonderfully contained?

“I remember little moments so vividly — like Ashley kissing Spencer on the shoulder while they looked in the refrigerator for something to eat. This is what I wanted. And I wasn’t afraid of wanting it anymore.”

“Play to everyone’s culinary strengths, know your nemeses, and make sure all your guests are familiar with poison-free alternatives to food with poison in them.”

You have 48 hours to vote for your faves to advance to the Sweet 16!