How to show, not force, representation

In media, there are plenty of LGBT+ characters nowadays- from Love, Simon and Heartstopper to some darker shows with LGBT+ characters, such as Bojack Horseman (Todd, a main character, is asexual.) Some shows do it well, with these characters flowing into the cast and adding unique stories; others, but throw in these minority characters to appease the audience, and add little to nothing else to the story.

An example of this forced representation is in Supernatural, with the main characters, Castiel and Dean. A long-running show, fans have speculated for years if they were in love- after countless adventures, trails, and triumphs, it seemed natural that as the show came to a close, the writers would address these speculations. This closure came at a great expense, yet, as it was revealed in the last minutes of the show's finale and (spoiler alert!) Castiel died moments afterwards. With no closure, no happy resolution, and other than fan specultion, no buildup, this was forced representation.

Meanwhile, a show that portrayed LGBT+ characters well is Heartstopper, a recent Netflix series on a visual novel. Almost of the main characters are LGBT+ in some way: the leads are gay and bisexual, and side couples include a lesbian duo who helps a transgender girl and her crush get together by the end of the show. This show revolves around these LGBT+ relationships and how they interact with each other, while not boxing these characters into these boxes- a win!