Complete Guide to LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies (Updated 2025 List)
LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies have become an essential part of the network’s evolution, reflecting love stories beyond the traditional formula. In this guide (updated for 2025), we cover the best and most talked-about inclusive Hallmark films — from the first gay Hallmark movie leads, to lesbian romances, to new holiday releases. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt dramas, queer representation, or simply want to know which LGBTQ+ Hallmark movies are streaming now, this list has you covered.
The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
When Girls Gone Hallmark began reviewing movies in 2020, we noticed how little diversity existed on screen. Under then-CEO Wonya Lucas, the network was committed to more authentic, inclusive storytelling — and for a few years, we were genuinely excited by the progress.
But with several shake-ups in leadership since 2022, that momentum has slowed. Hallmark once gave us groundbreaking films featuring same-sex lead couples, yet recently the inclusive storylines have gone quieter. As fans, we can’t help but feel disappointed — the representation that once felt like a turning point now feels uncertain.
With longtime programming executive Michelle Vicary returning to Hallmark in 2025, there’s hope the pendulum could swing back. During her earlier tenure, she was known for championing more inclusive programming and helping broaden representation across the network. Her return suggests that Hallmark may once again place a stronger focus on inclusion as part of its programming strategy.
Hallmark’s Diversity Commitment: 2020-2025
Since 2020, Hallmark has made noticeable strides in LGBTQ+ representation, adding more visibility to gay, lesbian, and queer storylines:
- 2020: The Christmas House introduced Hallmark’s first same-sex couple, a milestone for LGBTQ+ Hallmark movies.
- 2021: Several films expanded roles for LGBTQ+ characters, moving beyond side plots and into meaningful storylines.
- 2022: The Holiday Sitter premiered as the first leading gay Hallmark movie, featuring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa in a same-sex romance at the center of the story.
- 2023: Holiday standouts like Friends & Family Christmas (a lesbian Hallmark movie) and Christmas on Cherry Lane brought multiple LGBTQ+ lead couples to the screen.
- 2024–2025: Inclusive storytelling continued with original Hallmark+ series such as The Groomsmen and Holidazed, both featuring LGBTQ+ couples as core characters.
This progression shows how Hallmark has experimented with — and at times led — more inclusive programming, though the pace of new gay and lesbian Hallmark movies has slowed in recent years.
Latest LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies (Updated 2025)
Hallmark has slowly expanded its inclusive storytelling over the past few years, with gay, lesbian, and LGBTQ+ romances appearing across holiday movies, original series, and even reality projects. Below you’ll find the latest releases for 2025, along with highlights from the years leading up to today.
2025 LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
- The Groomsmen trilogy — originally released on Hallmark+ in late 2024 and aired on Hallmark Channel in September 2025, bringing same-sex romances to a broader audience. No new gay or lesbian movies premiered in 2025.
- The Chicken Sisters – Originally aired on Hallmark+ in 2024 and brought to linear Hallmark Channel in 2025. The series includes couple Kenneth and Patrick (played by Jake Foy and Andrew Hampton), who run the local inn and bakery/coffee shop.
- Home Is Where the Heart Is — a cozy, unscripted Hallmark+ renovation series hosted by Luke Macfarlane, an openly gay actor. His authentic presence and heartfelt storytelling continue the thread of LGBTQ+ visibility, even beyond scripted formats.
- Luke Macfarlane is also developing a queer Christmas movie for Hallmark, bringing his expertise and enthusiastic advocacy to the network’s inclusive storytelling in development.
2024 LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
2024 brought several inclusive stories to the holiday lineup and Hallmark+:
- Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane – Jonathan Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III returned as married parents.
- Deck the Walls – Written by Danny Pellegrino who also co-starred in this movie. Sal and Jake’s love story was the standout romance in this classically Hallmark film.
- Holidazed – included a subplot about a gay couple navigating family traditions and engagement news.
- Finding Mr. Christmas – Hallmark’s first reality competition series centered on casting a future Hallmark lead. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett, the show spotlighted queer contestants and candid conversations about representation – an important step for LGBTQ+ visibility beyond scripted movies.
Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Hallmark Media
2023 LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
2023 was a stronger year for representation, with multiple films highlighting LGBTQ+ couples:
- Christmas on Cherry Lane – Jonathan Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III star as a couple unexpectedly expanding their family on Christmas Eve.
- Friends and Family Christmas – a lesbian Hallmark movie starring Humberly Gonzalez and Ali Liebert as Daniella and Amelia.
- Notes of Autumn – Luke Macfarlane and Peter Porte played a central gay couple.
- Ride (series) – featured ongoing LGBTQ+ storylines woven into its drama.
2022 LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
This was a milestone year:
- The Holiday Sitter – the first leading gay Hallmark movie, starring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa in a same-sex romance at the heart of the story.
- Love, Classified – starred Arienne Mandi and Katherine McNamara as a same-sex couple, weaving a lesbian romance into the film’s family-centered narrative.
2020–2021 LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
The foundation for inclusion started here:
- The Christmas House – introduced the first same-sex couple in a Hallmark holiday movie.
- The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls – continued the story, expanding LGBTQ+ visibility.
Hallmark’s First Leading Gay Couple
The Holiday Sitter (2022) — Hallmark’s first gay Hallmark movie with a same-sex romance at the center, starring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa. Directed by out actor Ali Liebert, the film blended the classic Hallmark holiday formula with authentic LGBTQ+ representation, earning praise for the leads’ natural chemistry and the milestone it represented in inclusive storytelling.
Lesbian Hallmark Movies and Characters
While Hallmark’s lesbian representation has been limited compared to its gay love stories, a few standout movies and series have included meaningful same-sex and queer storylines:
- Friends & Family Christmas — a lesbian Hallmark movie starring Humberly Gonzalez and Ali Liebert as Daniella and Amelia, whose fake-dating setup turns into real love.
- Love, Classified — featured Arienne Mandi and Katherine McNamara as a same-sex couple, weaving a lesbian romance into its family-centered storyline.
- The Way Home (2024–2025) — introduced K.C., a non-binary character who uses they/them pronouns, adding more LGBTQ+ visibility to an ongoing Hallmark series.
Luke Macfarlane’s Return to Hallmark
After announcing in 2022 that A Magical Christmas Village would be his last Hallmark film, fans were surprised when Luke Macfarlane returned in 2023’s Notes of Autumn. In this movie, his character Leo falls for Matt (Peter Porte), marking one of Hallmark’s most prominent gay romances. Macfarlane has since been tapped to develop new content for Hallmark, signaling the network’s ongoing relationship with one of its most beloved openly gay actors.
Openly Out Hallmark Actors
Representation at Hallmark extends beyond characters — several LGBTQ+ actors have taken leading roles in recent films and series:
- Jonathan Bennett — starred in The Groomsmen, The Holiday Sitter, and Christmas on Cherry Lane
- Luke Macfarlane — returned in Notes of Autumn
- Ali Liebert — appeared in Love, Classified and directed The Holiday Sitter
- Jake Foy — stars in The Chicken Sisters series as part of an openly gay couple
Where to Watch LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
Finding these inclusive Hallmark movies is easier than ever in 2025.
Conclusion: The Future of LGBTQ+ Hallmark Movies
Hallmark’s journey toward LGBTQ+ inclusion has been a major shift for a network once defined by traditional storytelling. From early steps with supporting characters to groundbreaking titles like The Holiday Sitter and Friends & Family Christmas, LGBTQ+ Hallmark movies have proven that heartwarming, family-friendly romances can – and should – reflect the diversity of real relationships.
Still, there’s work to be done. The 2024 holiday season came and went without a same-sex lead on Hallmark Channel’s linear schedule, leaving many fans disappointed. While Hallmark+ has continued to feature some inclusive stories, viewers are eager to see more gay and lesbian Hallmark movies front and center in the network’s biggest lineups.
We remain hopeful that Hallmark will continue expanding authentic representation across its movies and series. Inclusive love stories not only resonate with audiences, they strengthen the brand’s promise of celebrating love in all its forms.
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