Celebrate the holidays with these queer Christmas classics

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, joy, and, of course, festive entertainment. For many, this means revisiting cherished Christmas movies, listening to holiday music, and gathering with loved ones. But what about celebrating the holidays through a queer lens? There's a whole world of LGBTQ+ content out there that's perfect for celebrating Christmas, from heartwarming movies to hilarious podcasts. Ready to deck the halls with some extra sparkle? Let's dive in.

Holiday films for a festive mood

Christmas movies often have a certain charm, a specific nostalgic feeling that can't be beat. But it's rare to see queer representation at the forefront. Fortunately, some holiday films celebrate queer characters and storylines in meaningful ways.

Happiest Season

This 2020 rom-com, directed by Clea DuVall, offers a fresh take on the classic Christmas movie formula. The story follows a woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend at her family's holiday gathering. But her plans are complicated when she learns her partner hasn't come out to her family yet. Featuring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, this movie offers a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and the challenges of coming out.

Single All the Way

This Netflix holiday rom-com follows a gay man who convinces his best friend to pose as his boyfriend for the holidays to avoid family pressure. Things get complicated when his family sets him up on a blind date. It's a fun, lighthearted film that celebrates chosen family and self-acceptance.

A Christmas Prince (and sequels!)

Okay, so this isn't specifically an LGBTQ+ movie, but the entire storyline is campy and fun. While not explicitly queer, the over-the-top nature of the films lends themselves to queer audiences. And with a recent marriage in the third installment, who knows where the series will go!

Home Alone

While not a queer film, its campiness is undeniable. The over-the-top antics of the burglars and the sheer ridiculousness of the plot make it a holiday favorite. And let's be honest, Macaulay Culkin's iconic scream is the stuff of memes.

Other films to explore

Many other films offer queer representation. These include some classic films, which, while not explicitly queer, often find a place in queer culture.

Podcasts to get you in the holiday spirit

Podcasts are a great way to enjoy some holiday content. Many podcasts cover Christmas movies, holiday traditions, and queer topics, offering something for every taste. Whether you're looking for a deep dive into a specific film or some lighthearted holiday banter, you're sure to find something that fits the bill.

Dragged Out

This podcast offers a hilarious take on Christmas classics and other cultural phenomena, and offers plenty of Christmas specials throughout the holiday season. You'll enjoy listening to hosts Allison and Sam as they break down the "Santa-ness" of your favorite holiday films, along with a great time with other special guests.

Watch What Crappens

This popular podcast is known for its recaps of reality TV shows. And of course, the Real Housewives franchise loves to celebrate Christmas! The hosts often discuss holiday-themed episodes, including movies featuring the Housewives. If you're a fan of reality TV and the holidays, this podcast will give you the best of both worlds.

Homophilia

This podcast, hosted by Matt McConkey, offers a wide range of LGBTQ+ content. The hosts often discuss Christmas movies and how they relate to queer culture and experiences. McConkey finds that many holiday films remind him of escaping to his room and finding connection with his favorite films, and can offer that same opportunity to listeners.

Beyond Movies and Podcasts: Embracing the Spirit

While movies and podcasts are great ways to celebrate, the most important aspect of the holidays is the spirit of the season. This involves inclusivity, acceptance, and celebrating yourself and the community around you. Here are some tips for celebrating the holidays in a way that honors your identity:

Create your own traditions: Start new traditions that are meaningful to you. This could include decorating your home with rainbow lights, hosting a queer holiday party, or volunteering for an LGBTQ+ organization.
Celebrate with your chosen family: If your biological family isn't supportive, celebrate with your chosen family. These are the friends and loved ones who support and accept you for who you are.
Be visible and proud: Don't be afraid to be yourself. Be proud of your identity and share it with the world.
Support queer businesses: Shop at businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. This could include buying gifts from queer-owned businesses, donating to queer charities, or attending events organized by queer organizations.

Why Queer Christmas Matters

Celebrating the holidays as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is not just about entertainment; it's about visibility, representation, and community. When queer people are represented in holiday media and traditions, it validates their experiences and helps them feel seen and understood.

For many, Christmas is a time of family. However, the traditional nuclear family does not always welcome LGBTQ+ members. When LGBTQ+ people see themselves reflected in holiday stories and culture, they feel less alone and more connected to a larger community. This is especially important for young people. Seeing diverse representation helps them grow up knowing that they are valued and can thrive as themselves.

Queer Christmas also creates space for dialogue and understanding. When LGBTQ+ people and their allies celebrate the holidays together, it fosters empathy and builds bridges. It opens up conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for everyone.

Moreover, queer celebrations challenge traditional norms and promote inclusivity. By celebrating in ways that honor their identities, LGBTQ+ people push for greater acceptance and understanding within the wider culture. This helps create a more equitable world for everyone.

Final thoughts: a season of joy and acceptance

Whether it's through heartwarming movies, entertaining podcasts, or creating your own traditions, there are many ways to celebrate the holidays through a queer lens. So, grab your footie pajamas, mix yourself a festive cocktail, and immerse yourself in a world of inclusive holiday cheer. This holiday season, may you find joy, community, and plenty of reasons to celebrate who you are.