Over the past 20 years, soap operas have transformed from conservative staples into vibrant showcases of LGBTQ+ storytelling. From Coronation Street’s steamy shocker when Carl sleeps with James, to The Young and the Restless proudly featuring Fen as openly gay, queer stories are now central to the genre. General Hospital gave us Lucas’s new beau, Sidwell’s son; Emmerdale warmed hearts when elderly Mary came out to Kim; The Bold & The Beautiful broke barriers as Maya came out as trans; and Neighbours moved viewers when David died a hero. Even Carla fell for Lisa in Coronation Street.
