Another year and even more ships to fall in love with here at Fangirlish. And with each one comes a new chance to tell a story unlike anything we’ve seen before that speaks to the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and our vast experiences. Because we learn from TV, see ourselves, and grow more comfortable in our own skin when we see the love we feel inside actually represented on screen. And yes, we even learn from complicated love like Blackstede or messy AF love like Villaneve.
It’s important to note that some of these ships have sadly seen their shows canceled or ended in a way that tore our hearts out. But that doesn’t mean that the impact they had on us goes away. It stays with us long after the dust settles or the screen goes black. It stays with us as we champion for another season or create works of fanart or fanfiction. So come and celebrate the love of these LGBTQ+ ships from 2022 and make sure to check out more of our queer content over at our Queerly Not Straight column here.
1. Avatrice, Warrior Nun
We already were Avatrice shippers before season 2 premiered on Netflix. There was a spark between them that was instantly recognizable. And when season 2 arrived, we were hesitant because we had been queerbaited so long that it didn’t seem possible for these two to fall in love. But they did. They fell deeply in love in a way that felt honest to who they were and the growth that they found with each other and each other’s side. And that’s worth remembering and fighting for a season 3.
2. Lumity, The Owl House
Luz and Amity have a soft kind of love built on the connection formed between vastly different people. Because of that, it was hard at first. But the more time they spent together, the more they understood each other. Eventually, they formed a companionship, friendship, and then relationship that we would’ve loved to see when we were kids. Because love is love and a show like this would’ve transformed all of us on a deep and personal level. That’s why every moment between these two is so special.
3. Kacy, NCIS: Hawai’i
We’re all smiles thinking about Kacy, and we’re all excited about what’s to come for them. Because if we already love these two as much as we do, and all we’ve seen is basically the beginning of their story, the finding each other, the choosing each other and the deciding that the other was worth it, how much are we gonna love them when we get so much more of them? Kacy has alreay given us so much softness, so much fire and so much of what a real partnership is supposed to look like that we’ll sign up for many more years of the two of them together.
4. BlackStede, Our Flag Means Death
Black Beard aka Edward Teach and Stede Bonnet are the grumpy x sunshine trope of our dreams. And personally, at least for us, we needed this show to be renewed to continue to explore how different these two men were. But also how similar they were. Because from the very start they complemented each other with their tenacity, dedication, and curiosity for more. Also, if you can’t wait for more, this is the one LGBTQ+ ships we most recommend reading fanfiction for. Looking for a link? We got you here!
5. Villaneve, Killing Eve
Let’s make something abundantly clear about Eve and Villanelle. They were messy AF. But who cares? Straight people get whole shows about them and their twisted relationships and the LGBTQ+ community deserves the same thing. But you know what we don’t deserve? The absolute disaster that was the series finale of this show. So, thank you Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer for the characters and relationship you brought ot life. Also, thank you to the fanfiction writers who gave them the ending they should’ve had.
6. Harlivy, Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy were another couple that we’ve been dreaming about forever. Because, like the ship above, we too deserve messy and complex love. And these two are the personification of that with an added twist of them fighting crime, doing crimes, and getting into a bloody mess. And we’ve been present to their journey from hesitant allies, to friends, to hesitant lovers, and then partners in life even when they disagree about the little or big things.
7. Calliette, First Kill
Calliope and Juliette were on one of the cheesiest supernatural shows we’ve ever watched. And we loved every charged moment of it. These two deserved better than the short life they got. Other shows of the same caliber get multiple seasons and spin-offs. Why not this one? This ship in particular deserved the time, the love, and the promotion to really give these two star-crossed lovers a chance to shine. Also, don’t even get us started on the absolute tragedy of not giving us more of a Black queer lead who comes from a family of badass hunters and the vampire she’s falling for. Thank God for fanfiction.
8. Narlie, Heartstopper
As much as we love every couple on this list, there is something about Charlie and Nick that gave us absolute butterflies. We all remember our first love and this show managed to bring that experience to life in a way that felt honest about the ups and downs or new relationships. But one of the best things about these two is how they learn from each other while still being on their journey. That’s strength, independence, and something young LGBTQ+ people need as they too find their first loves.
9. Tarlos, 911: Lone Star
T.K and Carlos are coming back to us in 2023, and not a moment too soon. We’ve missed their faces, and the way they love each other. Steadfast and sure, even through ups and downs, Tarlos has been a bright spot in procedural land for a while. What are stereotypes? This couple hasn’t heard of them, instead, they’re just very much who they are, and also just two men who happen to love each other. That’s beautiful.
