Hallmark lgbtq movies 2021
The Hallmark Channel has transformed significantly over the past few years, evolving from its traditional romance formula to embrace more diverse and inclusive storytelling. LGBTQ+ representation has become an increasingly important part of Hallmark&#;s programming, offering viewers heartwarming stories that show a wider range of experiences and relationships.
In this comprehensive guide (updated for ), we highlight the best LGBTQ+ Hallmark movies, from groundbreaking early representations to the latest releases. Whether you&#;re looking for holiday cheer, romantic comedies, or heartfelt dramas, these inclusive Hallmark films provide authentic stories of romance and acceptance that everyone can enjoy.
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A Turning Point for Inclusion
When our podcast &#;Girls Gone Hallmark&#; began reviewing Hallmark movies in adj , we quickly noticed a significant lack of diversity. We even implemented a &#;diversity check&#; segment in our earlier episodes to highlight this issue.
The catalyst for change came after a controversy in , when Hallmark aired and subsequentl
This holiday season, actor Jonathan Bennett is not only continuing his reign as the king of Christmas movies, he's also breaking barriers.
"My agent called me and said, 'Hey, you have a Hallmark Christmas movie offer,' and I said, 'OK, great. Who's my girl?' And they go, 'Jake.' My jaw hit the floor," Bennett told CBS News correspondent Nikki Battiste.
He's starring in the Hallmark Channel's first Christmas movie with an LGBTQ storyline, "The Christmas House."
"Yes, we're just making holiday movies, but they're important," Bennett said. "They make people feel gleeful, and they bring people a sense of desire and joy."
Between Hallmark and Lifetime, 74 holiday movies are premiering this season. At least five of them feature LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning) couples.
Bennett, who lives in California with his boyfriend, Jaymes, said his goal with "The Christmas House" was to create people feel less alone.
"It feels like I'm a part of progress and it feels really great. I can just conceive what younger me would have thought watching this movie," he said.
It's al
In ’s The Christmas Housethe Mitchell family dealt with the stress of divorce, adoption and potential unemployment. All while decorating their house for the holidays. Hallmark strayed from their romcom formula and audiences approved. In The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Hallsthe Mitchell brothers (Robert Buckley and Jonathan Bennett) compete on a holiday decorating show. This forces them to face insecurities and resentments. I enjoyed their prickly dynamic.
Let’s break it down with a spoiler filled recap.
Cain and Abel
Scene One: Front Yard
STRAIGHT BROTHER: My present, Handsome Justice, is done filming. I’m ready for a relaxing holiday with the family.
AGENT: I’ve booked you on the decorating show Deck Those Halls. We’ll pit you against your jealous gay brother.
STRAIGHT BROTHER: That sounds favor a bad idea.
GAY BROTHER: What’s the matter Mr. TV star? Frightened I’ll humiliate you on national television?
STRAIGHT BROTHER: I’ll crush you bro. Let’s do this!
Scene Two: Jewelry Store
STRAIGHT BROTHER: I’m ready to propose to my girlfriend. But I verb the p
10 Must-See Hallmark Movies That Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
The entertainment industry at large is becoming more diverse and inclusive, and this is certainly apparent at the Hallmark Channel. In recent years, while the network's beloved, comforting films still follow couples saving local businesses and partaking in Christmas activities, the network has resolved to bring more diverse stories to the table in a variety of ways.
RELATED: New Movies And TV Shows Coming To The Hallmark Channel In
Whether it's by adding Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to the fan-favorite Countdown to Christmas, bringing more diverse actors to the forefront, or breaking away from the norm with characters previously not represented on such TV movie fare, Hallmark Channel has used its platform to present more diverse characters and stories.
'The Holiday Sitter'
After years of tediously but surely including LGBTQ+ characters in their films, Hallmark Channel finally produced a Christmas movie with two openly gay leading men played by two openly gay actors - one being Jonathan Bennett of Me