Netflix is home to a vast array of content from all around the world, and one of its latest and most talked-about shows is ‘Special’. This disability comedy-drama is based on the life of a gay man with cerebral palsy and his journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
Who is Ryan?
The central character of the show is Ryan, played by Ryan O’Connell, who is also the series’ creator and writer. Ryan is a young man living in Los Angeles who has always felt ostracized from those around him, feeling that he never truly belonged anywhere. Living with cerebral palsy has also played a major factor in his life, creating barriers in his physical and emotional development.
In the beginning, Ryan uses his disability to hide his true identity and feels ashamed of his sexuality and himself. However, after a series of events, he decides to tell his mother and close friends that he is gay, and they all accept him for who he is.
The plot of the show
Special is a series that follows the life of Ryan, a millennial writer trying to make a career for himself. His experiences, both personal and professional, are showcased throughout the episodes. The show tackles a variety of issues, including disability representation, sexuality, and living as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the standout aspects of Special is that Ryan’s physical condition is not the main focus of the show. Rather, it’s about his personal growth and how he navigates the complex landscape of modern relationships both romantic and otherwise.
The challenges
Throughout the series, Ryan faces a range of challenges. One of the most significant is learning how to be honest with himself about his sexuality. As someone who has long felt ashamed of who he is, Ryan struggles with self-acceptance. But with the help of his supportive mom, few close friends and sexual partner, Ryan learns how to embrace himself for who he is.
Being a young creative in LA is not an easy feat, and Ryan’s journey to becoming a writer is also filled with plenty of challenges. His experience as “the disabled guy” in various writers’ rooms is clear and painfully relatable. It’s a great way to bring to light the challenges that disabled individuals in creative fields face every day.
The Final Word
Special has been received very positively since its Netflix premiere. Ryan O’Connell, the writer and creator of the series, drew from his own personal experiences to create a thought-provoking, funny, and moving show.
Overall, Special offers a refreshing take on LGBTQ+ representation that is worth watching. The show is uplifting, and its depiction of disability and queerness may shine light for those experiencing the same where there is joy and beauty in embracing one’s true self.
So, what are you waiting for? Binge-watch Special now.
FAQ
What is the new gay Netflix drama?
There are several gay-themed shows on Netflix, including the latest releases. One of the newest gay dramas on Netflix is “The Boys in the Band,” which is an adaptation of the stage play of the same name. It is directed by Joe Mantello and features a talented cast of gay actors, including Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Matt Bomer, and Andrew Rannells. The story is set in the late 1960s and follows a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party in Manhattan. Over the course of the evening, secrets are exposed, relationships strained, and emotions run high.
Another recent gay-themed show on Netflix is “Special”, which is created and starred by Ryan O’Connell, a gay writer with cerebral palsy. The show is based on O’Connell’s book “I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves” and tells the story of a young gay man with cerebral palsy who decides to reinvent himself and pursue his dreams. The show explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of living with a disability.
Another gay-themed show on Netflix is “Queer Eye”, which is a reboot of a popular early-2000s reality show. The new “Queer Eye” features a new cast of gay men known as the Fab Five, who makeover people’s lives by giving them advice on fashion, grooming, home design, cooking, and personal relationships.
Netflix has a great range of gay-themed dramas, comedies, and documentaries. Whether you’re looking for shows with gay characters or stories that explore LGBTQ issues, there is certainly something for everyone.
What are some good gay shows on Netflix?
There are several good gay shows on Netflix that anyone interested in LGBTQ+ themes should check out. Let’s explore some of them.
1. “Orange Is the New Black” – This popular series has a diverse cast of characters that includes lesbians, bisexuals, and trans individuals. It explores issues of identity, acceptance, and love.
2. “Sex Education” – This British comedy-drama series features a gay character named Eric who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. It tastefully portrays the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
3. “Grace and Frankie” – This comedy-drama follows two older women who learn their husbands are gay and in love with each other. It tackles themes of love, friendship, and acceptance in a lighthearted and relatable way.
4. “Elite” – This Spanish series features a diverse cast of characters that includes a same-sex couple. It explores class struggle, friendships, and relationships in a compelling way.
5. “The House of Flowers” – This Mexican comedy-drama series has a central character who is a transgender woman. It delves into her story and those around her with humor and sensitivity.
6. “Locked Up” – This Spanish thriller series features a lesbian main character named Macarena who must navigate the violent and dangerous world of a women’s prison.
7. “XO, Kitty” – This short-form series follows the life of a queer woman named Kitty as she navigates love, relationships, and her career in Hollywood.
These are just a few examples of good gay shows on Netflix that explores LGBTQ+ themes and stories in a powerful and authentic way.
Who are the gay characters in class Netflix?
In the Netflix series “Class”, there is a single gay character named Faruq Manzoor, portrayed by actor Chintan Rachchh. Faruq is Saba’s brother and a drug dealer who eventually falls for Dhruv, one of the main characters in the series.
Faruq is a closeted gay man who struggles with satisfying his conservative Muslim parents while trying to live an authentic life. This conflict within himself becomes a central focus of his character throughout the show’s duration.
Despite his struggles, Faruq’s character is notable for embodying the strength and resilience that is often required of those who come out as LGBTQ+ in societies that are not accepting of them. Even though he is not one of the main characters, Faruq’s storyline is an important part of the series’ diverse representation of different backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations.
Faruq Manzoor’s character in “Class” highlights the need for increased representation of LGBTQ+ characters in popular media. His portrayal as a complex and relatable character helps to break down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding queer individuals, making him a positive representation for viewers who may be struggling with similar issues in their own lives.
