Photo Source: Hulu
The holidays are in full swing, which means holiday films are too! And while we love traditional holiday films like "Home Alone" and "A Christmas Story," it's important that queerness is represented in these films.
With so many of us spending more time at home during the pandemic, having an inclusive film that reflects its queer viewers is essential. This year, we compiled a list of LGBTQ+ holiday films that you can enjoy this year.
5 queer holiday films you can stream
1. Happiest Season (2020)
Released this year and directed by Clea DuVall, "Happiest Season" follows two queer women, Abby and Harper, as they head to Harper's family home for Christmas. However, while en route, Harper confesses to Abby that she never really came out to her conservative parents, as she previously told Abby. Abby agrees to keep her and Harper's relationship and queerness a secret while on the trip, which doesn't bode well. This film captures an all-too-familiar experience both gay women and men have gone through: fear of rejection and losing their family. Moreover, it reminds us that everyone's coming out story and experience is different. This film is available on Hulu.
2. The Family Stone (2005)
"The Family Stone" is a classic tale of a family Christmas gathering gone wrong. As the Stone children gather at their parent's house, the eldest son, Everett, brings home his uptight and conservative girlfriend, Meredith, (whom he intends to propose to with the family stone). During dinner one night, Meredith digs herself in a deep hole regarding Everett's gay and deaf brother, Thad, and her views on gay people. While Thad's storyline is not the center of the film, it marks an important one. It captures the confrontation of differing views that always seem to happen during the holidays-- even though queerness should never be up for debate. Moreover, the Stone family's unconditional love, acceptance, and protection for Thad is an important representation to see in film. Available on Hulu, Amazon, and HBO Max.
3. The Christmas House (2020)
This film is the first Hallmark holiday movie that features a central LGBTQ+ storyline. Following some difficult situations, that Mitchell family parents summon their two grown sons home for Christmas-- one of which is gay, married, and anxiously awaiting to hear back from an adoption agency. As the family reunites, they work to find a resolution to their problems and to enjoy the holiday season together. This film is available on Hallmark, Peacock Premium, or rent.
4. I Hate New Years (2020)
"I Hate New Years" is another new film that's centered around two best friends, who may or may not have feelings for each other. Rising music star Layne heads back to her hometown of Nashville to work on her writer's bloc and ring in the new year. Layne spends time with her best friend, Cassie, who intends to confess her love to Layne. Meanwhile, the pair chase after Layne's high school ex-boyfriend after she misconstrues a reading from a fortune teller (played by Candis Cayne). But, she finds that perhaps love has been right in front of her the whole time. This film captures a familiar story for many: falling in love with your same-sex best friend. Available for rent on Prime Video.
5. Rent (2005)
Yes, we're counting "Rent" as a holiday movie. Set on Christmas Day through New Year's the Broadway-show-turned-movie is a culturally significant and queer film. If you haven't seen it already, this musical follows the lives of eight friends, and features gay and queer relationships, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, substance abuse, and gentrification in New York City. Available to stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
