5 of the best LGBTQ+ characters in new-who

Top LGBTQ+ characters, in your opinion! [Image: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios]

Here are 5 of the best LGBTQ+ characters in new-who based on your responses!

Number 5: Dorotheé “Ace” McShane

I know I said in new who, but you can’t make a list like this and not include the ever iconic Ace.

She re-appeared in ‘The Power of The Doctor’ alongside Teagan, so I think we can let this one slide.

There has been much debate around the character’s sexuality, with one reddit user, teepeey said: “Ace. Proper 80s gay”.

Sparking a conversation in the threat about her being attracted to a male character but other fans came to the characters defence.

Another user, romana_jane said: “I think Sophie Aldred has said a few times she assumed Ace was bi?”

On Ace’s TvTropes character sheet said: “Creator Ian Briggs wrote a sexual liaison with Sabalom Glitz (a man) although it was never made explicit within the series. Other writers, like Rona Munro, intentionally wrote her as a Butch Lesbian.”

So there you have it, despite the confusion around her sexuality, I think we can happily say she is queer in some way!

"Ace. Proper 80s gay" [Image: doctorwho.tv]

Number 4: Captain Jack Harkness

It’s no surprise that Captain Jack Harkness would appear on this list. Since his introduction in ‘The Empty Child’ Jack quickly became a fan favourite with his flirtatious manner towards Rose (and 9).

One reddit user, BarryHalls, said: “Why is this so far down? Jack was amazing and comes into so many stories with so many Doctors.”

As his story progressed it was clear he was not strictly interested into women, he had some flirtatiousness with both the 9th Incarnation of The Doctor and the 10th incarnation as well as other aliens, leading fans to believe Jack is pansexual.

The thread quickly went on to other issues with the actor of Jack Harkness, John Barrowman. One reddit user, WinterIsOnReddit, said: “Jack is objectively fantastic. Problem is that Barrowman's actions have tainted the character in many heads”.

In his spin-off show, Torchwood, him and Ianto Jones had a romance, with some on and off dating throughout the series further amplifying Jack’s queerness.

"Why is this so far down?" [Image: doctorwho.tv]

Number 3: The Doctor

You cannot make a list like this and not mention the time traveling, gender-swapping, face changing alien known as The Doctor.

The Doctor’s sexuality is never 100% confirmed within the series, so it leaves fans to speculate on it with one reddit user, gubbins_galore, said: “Even before 13 and 15 there was def[initely] some flirting with Jack”

It is believed each Doctor has their own preferences so it isn’t 100% confirmed.

One reddit user, The_Flurr, said: “At this point pinning The Doctor to any specific identity/category is a bit meaningless.”

It was confirmed in Ncuti Gatwa’s final episode ‘The Reality War’ when the 13th incarnation comes back for a quick cameo, 15 said to her that he loves her, and 13 said: “I should say that to Yaz” confirming 13’s love interest in Yazmin Khan.

"There was def[initely] some flirting with Jack" [Image: doctorwho.tv]

Number 2: Bill Potts

Bill Potts was one of the most voted people on this Reddit thread. She first appeared in ‘Friend from the Future’ after The Doctor battled a time travelling puddle piloted by her new crush, Heather.

It was set up from the very beginning that Bill was a lesbian, making her one of the fans favourites as it was confirmed from the start.

Reddit user MrDizzyAU said: “She’s just a sympathetic character, who feels ‘real’ in a way that many other don’t.

“When she got shot, it felt like a punch in the guts.”

In the eyes of Whovians the writing and acting just clicked and made the perfect LGBTQ+ character. Her sexuality wasn’t a massive part of her character development but a small thing like many straight people in shows, making it what the reddit user described as “real”

After the significant vote for Bill Potts, who could be number one?

"She's just a sympathetic character, who feels 'real' in a way" [Image: doctorwho.tv]

Honourable Mentions:

I know, I'm building suspense, but this article wouldn’t be right without some honourable mentions.

I couldn’t include every LGBTQ+ character on the list unfortunately but here are a few honourable mentions based on Reddit Users opinions:

The thin, fat, gay, married, Anglican marines. First appearing in ‘A Good Man Goes to War’ they don’t have names, they’re just known within Demon’s Run as the thin, fat, gay, married, Anglican marines.

Yazmin Khan. First appearing in ‘The Universe is Calling’ quickly established as a police officer, finding the newly regenerated Doctor crashed to earth. Later in the series Yaz develops feelings for The Doctor, but as mentioned earlier, they never got to say “I love you” to each other.

Clara Oswald. First appearing in ‘The Snowman’ as her Victorian variation, the impossible girl but some might not realise her bisexuality. No_Bumblebee2085, said: “She canonically has made out with Jane Austin, possible multiple times.” as well as having her first crush be on a girl called Nina.

Now finally, what you have been waiting for!

Number 1: Madame Vastra and Jenny Flint

It may or may not be a surprise but in joint first place is the iconic duo of Madame Vastra and Jenny. Both characters first appeared in ‘A Good Man Goes to War’ when asked to help The Doctor take over Demon’s Run after he calls in a favour to them. They’re spotted taking down the control room staff to gain control of Demon’s Run.

Reddit user heycheena said: “I would have watched a whole show about Madame Vastra and Jenny.”

Their relationship is slowly revealed to us as the show goes on, that they got married and have a romantic and somewhat sexual relationship during the Victorian era while there is a lot of discrimination both due to Madame Vastra being a reptile like humanoid and them being a lesbian couple.

Another user, Early_Discussion866, said: “Jenny and Vastra hold a special place in my heart” showing the love the audience has for these two.

This concludes our final list! Based entirely on responses given by those on r/doctorwho It was difficult to choose between all the responses but I hope I have proportionally represented those in the fandom! Until next time! Allons-y!

"I would have watched a whole show about Madame Vastra and Jenny" [Image: doctorwho.tv]