Shout it from the sofa: voting season is here. Fans and queer TV lovers across the web are being asked to pick winners in the 9th Autostraddle TV Awards, celebrating standout lesbian, queer female and trans characters from shows that aired between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 , because representation still matters.

Essential Takeaways

  • Voting is open: Fans decide winners across drama, comedy, sci‑fi/fantasy, animation and more; polls close 1 September 2026.
  • Wide mix of nominees: Big streaming hits sit alongside unexpected indie favourites, with shows like The Hunting Wives, Deadloch and Pluribus on the ballots.
  • Fresh categories: Awards include queer teen character honours and recognition for out LGBTQ+ creatives, with a special Santana Lopez Legacy Award.
  • Sensory note: Many nominees bring bold costume and hairstyling choices , think vivid colours, distinctive silhouettes and playful textures.
  • Practical tip: You can vote across all categories, including reader‑determined fan favourites like Fan Favorite LGBTQ+ Couple.

Why these awards still matter , loud, proud and specific

Autostraddle built these awards to spotlight lesbian, queer female and trans stories that mainstream ceremonies often miss, and that mission feels as urgent as ever. The ballots this year show both progress and gaps , some categories are tighter than in past years, and the sci‑fi/fantasy field in particular looks leaner since the Arrowverse days. That makes every vote feel like a tiny intervention: you’re amplifying the shows and creators who made queer characters central, not incidental.

Who’s nominated and what they bring to the screen

Nominees run the gamut from high‑drama titles like The Pitt and The Testaments to lighter fare such as I Love L.A. and Abbott Elementary. Deadloch earns nods in comedy while Gen V and Murderbot represent the sci‑fi corner. There’s also space for animated and daytime picks, so whether you crave glossy plotting, sharp comedy or cosy serials, there’s something tactile and engaging on the list , textured costume work, sharp hair choices and performances that linger.

How to pick your winners , a simple guide

Start with what moves you: character depth, chemistry, or a storyline that felt like a rare mirror. If you’re undecided, consider categories that matter to underrepresented groups, like Outstanding Performance by an Out LGBTQ+ Actor or the Santana Lopez Legacy Award for queer teen characters. Tip: make a shortlist for each category, then return after a quick rewatch or a few clips , first impressions are good, but nuance sometimes grows on a second viewing.

Notable trends and where queer TV is heading

You’ll notice creators from the community tucked into key roles as showrunners, writers and directors, which changes storytelling from the inside out. Shows pushing boundaries , whether through casting, trans and non‑binary representation, or queer teen narratives , are getting recognised more often. Still, Autostraddle’s editors flag a shrinking pool in some genres, signalling that fans and platforms need to keep pushing for a broader, more sustained range of queer lead roles.

Voting logistics and a gentle nudge

Voting is open now and stays live until 1 September 2026, with reader‑decided categories for Fan Favorite LGBTQ+ Couple, Fan Favorite LGBTQ+ Character and Fan Favorite Out LGBTQ+ Actor. It’s quick to cast a ballot, and the impact is tangible: these results feed conversation, spotlight creators, and can nudge commissioning editors to keep making diverse stories. So take five, vote, and maybe queue up a show you haven’t seen yet.

It's a small act , but your vote helps keep queer stories in the spotlight.

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