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Soap operas have been a mainstay of daytime TV for years, melodramatic, relationship-entangled, and filled with implausible comebacks. But between the twists, the shows have also made quite a history. During the last few decades, queer love has built an influential presence on the soap scene, moving from brief subtext to rich, fully developed storylines that are emotionally engaging to audiences spanning generations. What was taboo has now become delicate, intricate, and sometimes even iconic representations of LGBTQ+ love.
These tales aren't only historic because they include queer couples they're significant because they depict the actual struggles and victories that so many LGBTQ+ individuals experience. From slow-burning romances and daring first kisses to authentic depictions of coming out, soap operas have tended to break the mold of what's possible on daytime television. And we couldn't help but rewatch some of our favorite moments.
Whether you're a long-time soap buff or just coming into the soap world of over-the-top dramatic storylines and all-consuming love affairs, these 11 queer couples demonstrate precisely how strong and gorgeously human queer love stories can be when done correctly.
Queer romance in soap operas was done so right, we rewatched the scenes
1. Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis – Days of Our Lives
Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis were daytime's first gay couple to wed, a milestone moment in television history. Their romance experienced numerous ups and downs, from overcoming family issues to enduring public backlash. Viewers supported the pair as their love story unfolded with dramatic turns. Through the years, Days of Our Lives has gone on to center its lasting relationship, showing that representation in soap operas can form lasting, emotional connections. Their 2014 wedding wasn't only a milestone for them as individuals, but a cultural one that paved the way for other LGBTQ+ couples on soaps.
2. Lucas Jones and Brad Cooper – General Hospital
Lucas Jones and Brad Cooper's relationship on General Hospital was sweet and pioneering, especially in its handling of their shared victory and struggle. Their union was one of the first to show a same sex wedding on a prominent soap, and their path to parenthood through giving birth to their child won over audiences. Lucas's coming-out tale gave exposure to the LGBTQ+ community because it was approached with respect and sensitivity. In spite of the difficulties Brad encountered with his past mistakes, their love endured, symbolizing hope and acceptance in the time of adversity. The story continues to be a favorite among fans.
3. Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis – One Life to Live
One Life to Live was a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation, particularly with Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis, or "Kish," their romance. Their relationship created a new benchmark for queer couples in soap operas. They had undeniable chemistry, but even their relationship was not without problems. Oliver wrestled with coming out, while Kyle felt more confident in his own identity. The plot was a true representation of the struggles many in the LGBTQ+ community deal with concerning family acceptance. Oliver and Kyle's legacy continues to be significant in the world of soap operas as one of the first heavily praised same-sex couples on daytime television.
4. Bianca Montgomery and Maggie Stone – All My Children
Bianca Montgomery and Maggie Stone's on-screen relationship on All My Children was historic as the first prominent lesbian couple on daytime television. Their love was hailed as sensitive and real, avoiding the usual "coming out" clichés. The characters' chemistry was undeniable, and their love story won over viewers' hearts. The on-again, off-again romance of the couple was historic, providing a window into what it means to be queer in a heteronormative world. Bianca's coming out was a defining moment for the show and the LGBTQ+ community making her one of the most iconic queer characters in soap opera history.
5. Adam Chandler Jr. and Ian – All My Children
Adam Chandler Jr. and Ian's romance on All My Children was the first such representation on the show. Their romance began as a surprise and subtle love story, which was not typical for soap operas then. Adam's internal conflict about his homosexuality became pivotal to the narrative, depicting the intricacies of acceptance, both external and internal. Their relationship wasn't without its problems, but the chemistry between Ian and Adam made their romance iconic. Although brief, their romance is one of the first important portrayals of gay love on a mainstream soap.
6. Zende Forrester and Nicole Avant – The Bold and the Beautiful
Zende Forrester and Nicole Avant's romance on The Bold and the Beautiful is one of the soap's strongest depictions of love. Theirs was a storyline that broached family surrogate motherhood and complicated feelings, all set against the backdrop of the complexity of a contemporary relationship. The couple's path to parenthood was a testament to the emotional depth of their relationship, which was not simply about love but also about trust and sacrifice. As one of the only mixed-race couples on daytime television, Zende and Nicole brought a vital element of diversity to The Bold and the Beautiful's representation of romantic relationships.
7. Sasha Gilmore and Michael Corinthos – General Hospital
Although Sasha Gilmore and Michael Corinthos are not a queer couple, their General Hospital relationship has been remarkable for its changing dynamics and the portrayal of family in non-traditional ways. Sasha, who was initially a multifaceted character, got herself involved in the vortex of Michael's family life, and their romance became a distinctive story on the show. Their relationship, while largely heterosexua, has struck a chord with many viewers, particularly in the way it handled societal norms and personal identity. Their relationship emphasized the complicated nature of relationships with themes that are mirrored in some LGBTQ+ relationships in terms of identity and acceptance.
8. Ava Vitali and Jada Hunter – Days of Our Lives
Ava Vitali and Jada Hunter's relationship on Days of Our Lives is one of the most recent attempts to bring LGBTQ+ characters with depth and sincerity into the world of soap opera. Their romance, while still fairly young, has already won over many fans. Ava's own character, who is also infamous for her crazy and at times evil behavior, was given a unique twist by adding romance with Jada. Their romance continues to play out, providing significant bisexual representation for characters and demonstrating that love can thrive in the most unexpected situations, making it a significant addition to the soap's constantly changing character dynamics.
9. Tessa Porter & Mariah Copeland – The Young and the Restless
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Tessa Porter and Mariah Copeland's relationship on The Young and the Restless was a groundbreaking change of pace for daytime drama."Teriah," their love story evolved with real passion, addressing trust, self-improvement, and the complexities of coming out. Their initial 2017 kiss wasn't just sweet, it was historic, breaking ground for deeper LGBTQ+ content in soaps. What made them unforgettable wasn't the passion, but the quiet, mundane intimacy that made viewers feel seen. Their 2022 wedding cemented their place as one of the most beloved queer couples in soap history beautiful, flawed and totally worth rooting for.
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