Invisible Boys

Holden Sheppard's novel Invisible Boys is likely the most moving and relatable book for many Aussie gay guys (especially if you grew up in a regional town).

Whether or not you have read the book - do yourself a favour and watch this TV show.

The adaptation is brilliant. It stays true to the overall narrative of the book, but has some fantastic additions too - such as the unintended impact of the same sex marriage vote on LGBTIQ+ kids, intersecting with the continued struggles of the aboriginal community, and delving deeper into isolation and mental health for men in the bush.

This adaptation is incredibly brave, highlighting the highs and lows of queer teenage life, without shying away from the awkwardness and messiness - something that we haven't seen in mainstream TV, both in Aus or abroad. Real life isn't Hollywood!

This is for all ages (MA15+ of course) - whether you're going through it now, have been through it in the past, or you're just human. There is so much to relate to with this show.

Thank you to Nicholas Verso for brining this to life so beautifully, and of course, to Holden! Joseph, Aydan, Zach and Joe, you really embodied Charlie, Zeke, Hammer and Matt. It means a lot to everyone who has connected so deeply to the characters via the book. Very grateful.

Growing up gay will probably never be easy or simple, but the more we are able to see ourselves in books and on screens, the better things will be for future generations of queer kids.

"I felt less alone knowing you were here."

This show was absolutely incredible It truly captures the heart of so many issues from homophobia to family pressures to race it truly was incredible and so well crafted.

Pia plays such an incredible role !

The stories in this series make you just cry and laugh and feel all the emotions ! It's so raw and real and it has made me so proud to be an Aussie ! I wish there would have been a show like this when I was younger to help me realise so many things.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew you should be so proud ! I cried like a baby at the end of this and I hope there will be a season 2.

This is one of the best Australian television series focusing on gay men and it needs to be seen by everyone. Set in the remote town of Geraldton, during the time of the gay marriage vote in Australia; it centres around the feelings and emotions of guys with brutal honesty and integrity. Whether you're gay or not, you can't help riding the emotional roller coaster with each of these characters. The performances are truly inspiring and endearing. All the actors do their parts so well. Pia Miranda who portrays a stereotypical homophonic matriarch is so good that she made me seethe with rage whenever she spoke her slurs.

Such a great, heartwarming show. Beautifully written and shot and amazingly acted! It is so bingeable, but it has a lot of depth and emotion. Gay men will definitely relate to the experiences, it will hit home a lot of times, but it's a show that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. It tackles family relationships, homophobia (also internalised) and racism. Maybe it can be a bit predictable , but it doesn't take away anything from the show. I hope it gets a second season, the characters are very loveable. I found this show by sheer luck, and I wonder how many hidden gems like this exist!

This is a raw and real look at what life is like for young, gay Australians.

This is a story of four boys who are fighting against the prejudice, assumptions and societal pressure that can make any one of us invisible.

The humour is outstanding, and you'll find yourself quoting so many of the lines from the show, and the music is phenomenonal. I'm so happy that a new generation is going to be introduced to Nick Cave and Dragonette!

There are some absolutely beautiful and heart-warming moments, as well as some cry-your-eyes-out tragedy, but it's part of a journey that is all too familiar to so many of us.

As well as sexuality, the show deals with themes of First Nations Australians, loneliness, country life and the power our parents can have over our lives.

Make sure the young people in your life get to watch this show, especially if they are asking questions - they need to know the world is not going to end when they start living life as the person they truly are!