We’re all looking for some holly, jolly storylines this holiday season to help us escape 2020’s dumpster fire. If you’re queer like I am, it’s hard to find a movie that feels like looking into your own life’s snow globe.
There are few spaces that are truly safe and inclusive for queer folks, and in order to achieve those spaces we need visibility and positive representation in all forms of media. The stories of our everyday lives need to be told and seen. We buy stuff, get married, have babies, and celebrate the holidays. It’s not too much to ask to see ourselves in products, television shows, and movies doing said things.
I shouldn’t have to constantly change a narrative to fit my reality when the reality is that folks who identify as LGBTQIA+ have always existed, and we are out in higher numbers than ever. One study showed that roughly 11.3 million Americans have self-identified as LGBTQ, and we want a Christmas movie or two that has queer representation.
Thankfully, 2020 marked the highest number of LGBTQ TV and movie characters. Hollywood has a long way to go, but from campy to seamless, there are some watch-worthy holiday movies with queer storylines. Grab a warm beverage, a cozy blanket, and snuggle up with these.
'Happiest Season'
Happiest Season is getting a lot of attention this year because it is the first mainstream LGBTQ holiday movie and it stars A-list celebrities. Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Clea DuVall, and Dan Levy are the tip of the gay iceberg here. It’s the typical "let’s propose at Christmas" holiday rom-com, but there is a snag in the plan. Kristen Stewart’s character realizes her hopefully soon-to-be fiancée hasn’t told her family about their relationship. It’s the typical coming-out trope for many of us, but it’s being told on a big stage with quality actors who add credibility. Also, it shows just how hard it can be to introduce a significant other to the family. Stream it on Hulu.
'The Christmas House'
Last year, Hallmark pulled an ad that featured two women marrying each other because some uptight, pearl-clutching religious folks were worried about the indecency of same-sex marriage. Thankfully, the network apologized for bowing to this bigoted pressure and reversed its decision. This year, Hallmark is doubling down and offering The Christmas House, which is Hallmark’s first movie to feature a gay couple as part of the main story. The couple—Brandon (Jonathan Bennett) and Jake (Brad Harder)—are home for the holidays and are anxiously waiting for a call about adopting their first child. Watch it on Hallmark.
'Let It Snow'
Let It Snow is a Netflix original based on the book by the same name. It’s the typical holiday romantic comedy with multiple storylines coming together through Shakespearean-like mix-ups, snowstorms, and closeted feelings. Unlike many movies with queer angst, Dorrie (Liv Hewson) and Kerry (Anna Akana) get a happy ending. Watch it on Netflix.
'A New York Christmas Wedding'
Cue the lesbian version of A Christmas Carol. A New York Christmas Wedding features Jennifer (Camilla Harden), who is about to marry fiancé David (Otoja Abit) on Christmas Eve. But when she saves the life of Azrael (Cooper Koch), she gets to see what could have happened with her best friend Gabrielle (Natasha Goodman) had she pursued her feelings of love before their falling-out. The movie is about second chances while using the familiar "wait until your wedding day to know what you really want" theme. Watch it on Netflix.
'The Christmas Setup'
Last year, Lifetime aired a movie that featured the network’s first gay kiss in Twinkle All the Way. This year Lifetime is breaking barriers with The Christmas Setup, which stars real-life married couple Ben Lewis and Blake Lee. While home for Christmas, Hugo (Lewis) just happens to run into his high school crush Patrick (Lee), thanks to Hugo’s intervening mother, Kate (Fran Drescher). Hugo needs to decide what is more important: his career or love. Watch it on Lifetime.
'Dashing in December'
Dashing in December stars Peter Porte as Wyatt, who comes home for the holidays to convince his mother Deb (Andie MacDowell) to sell the family’s ranch. But ranch hand Heath (Juan Pablo Di Pace) has ideas to save the ranch and might just save Wyatt’s Christmas spirit, too. This city-meets-country, gay-cowboy Christmas romance is the storyline we all need right now. Watch it on Paramount TV.
'The Family Stone'
This is not a new movie, but it is a lasting one and one of my favorites. It came out in 2005 and was ahead of its time to highlight a gay couple seamlessly appearing in a big, messy family holiday drama. The Family Stone has so many big names in it, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, and Claire Danes. Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson are the heads of the Stone family, which is a loud, very liberal group who love each other fiercely. One son is gay, and his relationship with his partner is just as valid and accepted — maybe more so — than the relationships his straight siblings have.
No matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation, but especially if you’re queer, finding movies with queer storylines shouldn’t feel like a Christmas miracle. The holidays are for everyone, so let’s continue to break the heteronormative narrative in Hollywood’s portrayal of the season.
