5 Queer Comfort Movies for the Holiday Season

The holidays can be challenging for queer students, especially those with unaccepting families or those who haven’t come out yet. Often, the best escape is LGBT movies or TV shows that highlight queer joy and acceptance. So, we’ve compiled a list of five queer comfort movies for the holiday season!

Nimona

This animated action-adventure movie follows a chaotic, gender non-conforming shapeshifter as they attempt to prove the innocence of a knight wrongfully accused of a crime. This family-friendly movie is an uplifting escape, featuring gender-diverse and gay main characters. The themes of self-acceptance and challenging societal norms resonate deeply with an LGBT audience. Nimona is streaming on Netflix.

Red, White, and Royal Blue

An adaptation of the novel with the same name, this LGBT romance movie follows the fictional son of the President of the United States and the eldest grandson of the King of England as they fall in love. It’s a delightful enemies-to-lovers rom-com that’s both delightful and endearing. Red, White, and Royal Blue is streaming on Prime Video.

The Half of It

A coming-of-age film centered around a Chinese-American student who helps a jock woo the girl they both secretly admire. Whether you're a fan of rom-coms or not, The Half of It is a must-watch. This is the perfect movie for a GSA gathering, and GLSEN even provides a discussion guide. The Half of It is available on Netflix.

Bottoms

A satirical teen comedy where two unpopular best friends, PJ and Josie, form a fight club to meet girls. Note that Bottoms is rated R for sexual themes, pervasive language, and some violence. The movie is celebrated for giving the LGBT community a teen comedy with messy queer teenagers, similar to many teen satires enjoyed by heterosexual audiences. Quickly becoming a cult classic in the lesbian community, Bottoms is a must-watch for those comfortable with its mature themes. It's available for purchase on Prime Video.

The Prom

The Prom follows Emma Nolan, who is banned from attending prom with her girlfriend by the PTA. This hilarious musical comedy features big names like Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, and Andrew Rannells. Accompanied by a GLSEN discussion guide, it’s another great choice for a GSA watch party. The Prom is available on Netflix.

Remember to take care of yourself this holiday season. Make time to destress and recuperate if things become overwhelming. Your identity deserves respect, and you matter. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you can call The Trevor Project’s LGBT-oriented Mental Health Hotline at 866-488-7386.

Written by Scar, 23-24 NSC Member