Hallmark is currently struggling between simple representation of LGBTQ people and catering to its “base” of conservatives, and other networks such as Lifetime and Netflix are not rushing to make one either.
So many people are wondering when – or if – we’ll get a holiday movie with characters that are not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.
Related: Lesbian kiss in new “Star Wars” movie makes history as first same-sex kiss in the series
Luckily, there are already some in existence. These following holiday-themed films feature gay or lesbian people in relationships or finding love – plus they’re available on DVD and streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Dekkoo.
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Home for the Holidays (1995 – Dir. Jodie Foster)
Starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, Dylan McDermott and available on EPIX, Amazon Prime Video (included with Prime)
In Foster’s second turn as a director, Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) relies on her gay brother and confidante, Tommy (Robert Downey Jr.), when she has to go home for Thanksgiving after losing her job and disconnecting with her daughter, Kitt (Claire Danes). We later find out that Tommy married his boyfriend, Jack (Sam Slovick), in secret – much to the devastation of their mother, Adele (Anne Bancroft).
Make the Yuletide Gay (2009 – Dir. Rob Williams)
Starring Keith Jordan, Steve Callahan, Adamo Ruggierio, Hallee Hirsch and available on Dekkoo, Amazon Prime Video (Rent for $2.99)
This film features Adamo Ruggierio in his first non-Degrassi film release as Nathan, the out boyfriend of Gunn (Keith Jordan), who is still in the closet. Nathan surprises Gunn during the holidays in his small Wisconsin town, which threatens his social standing with his friends and the life he has grown accustomed to with his family.
Shared Rooms (2016 – Dir. Rob Williams)
Starring Daniel Lipshutz, Alexander Neil Miller, Enzo Nova, Eric Allen Smith and available on Dekkoo, Amazon Prime Video (Rent for $3.99)
Rob Williams’ latest film after the aforementioned Make the Yuletide Gay, this film is an intersecting plot of stories featuring gay men between Christmas and New Year’s – including one closeted man sharing a bed with his crush, a married couple welcoming an abandoned teenager into their home, and a hookup that develops into something more.
Season of Love (2019 – Dir. Christin Baker)
Starring Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Jessica Clark, Sandra Mae Frank, Carlin James and available on Tello Films
Described as “the Love, Actually for Queer Women” by The Advocate, this film follows an ensemble of women figuring out their love lives during the “hectic holiday season” between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
