As LGBTQ+ Americans rush to protect their legal rights and shore up family protections ahead of January 2025, the usual holiday anxiety hits different this year. Lawyers report a “jarring” increase in requests for legal paperwork. Nationwide healthcare providers like FOLX Health expanded coverage post-election as a commitment to providing life-saving healthcare and mental health support. And many in our community are making tough choices about family gatherings in what advocacy leaders are calling “a seriously dangerous period.”

But here’s the thing: as National LGBTQ Task Force President Kierra Johnson reminded us in The 19th: “the strategies are already in motion.” Collectives like the Gender Liberation Movement share that “we cannot preemptively comply when our community’s most vulnerable are under attack; we must defy hatred, powerfully organize, and build a better society.” And while some of us are updating our documents, considering relocations or figuring out how to navigate tense family dinners where political divisions run deeper than the casserole dish, we also deserve our moments of joy and chosen family connection.

So whether you’re skipping the passive-aggressive comments about your “lifestyle,” protecting your hard-earned mental health, or just need a break from the noise, we’ve got your couch-based escape plan ready. Here are ten queer holiday films that remind us love persists, even when the world feels uncertain.

1. “Single All The Way” (Netflix)

Best for: When you need your best friend to pretend to be your boyfriend… until he actually becomes your boyfriend. Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers serve up the comfort food of rom-coms, with Jennifer Coolidge as the chaotic aunt you wish you had.

2. “Happiest Season” (Hulu)

Best for: Reminding yourself why you’re already out and proud. Yes, there’s some coming-out stress, but Aubrey Plaza’s character will make you feel seen about every bad holiday dating decision you’ve ever made.

3. “Season of Love” (Tello Films)

Best for: When you need a lesbian “Love Actually” minus the straight people problems. Multiple queer storylines mean if one couple annoys you, another will save your night.

4. “Carol” (Available for Rent)

Best for: When you’re feeling dramatic and want to stare longingly at someone over festive dinner tables. Not technically a rom-com, but Cate Blanchett in that Santa hat deserves an honorable mention.

5. “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas” (VH1)

Best for: When you need RuPaul’s Drag Race queens to remind you that family can be fabulous. It’s camp, it’s chaos, it’s Christmas.

6. “Red, White & Royal Blue” (Prime Video)

Best for: While not strictly a holiday movie, the Christmas scenes of queer royalty and political romance will fill your heart with more warmth than your mom’s judgmental hot cocoa. Plus, who doesn’t love a good queer romance novel adaptation—especially books by Casey McQuiston?

7. “Dashing in December” (Prime Video)

Best for: Cowboys in love during Christmas. Need we say more? Perfect for when you want your holiday romance with a side of ranch dressing.

8. “Under the Christmas Tree” (Lifetime)

Best for: Lesbian Christmas tree experts falling in love. Yes, that’s a real plot, and yes, it’s exactly the cozy escape you need.

9. “The Holiday Sitter” (Hallmark)

Best for: When you want to watch Hallmark finally join the 21st century with their first gay main character holiday romance. It’s progress wrapped in tinsel.

10. “Christmas at the Ranch” (Tello Films)

Best for: When you want your holiday romance with a side of saving the family ranch and proving yourself to skeptical relatives (but make it gay).

Pro Tip: Double down on self-care by making yourself the holiday feast you actually want. Nobody’s stopping you from having Thai takeout and sugar cookies for dinner while you watch. Additionally, watch these with your chosen family, whether they’re on your couch or virtually via Watch Party or Discord with the loved ones from your group chat.

As attorney Stephanie Sauer recently noted to The Washington Post, people are “legitimately scared” right now, so there’s no shame in seeking comfort where you can find it. Sometimes self-care can be as straightforward as takeout, sugar cookies, and stories where we get to see ourselves living happily ever after.

What you’ll need for the perfect movie marathon:

• Your comfiest queer loungewear
• That fancy hot chocolate you’ve been saving
• Your pet (or plant) who loves you unconditionally
• A group chat of friends ready to discuss every scene… or line
• Permission to skip any movie that gives you second-hand coming out stress

Remember: While many of us are making backup plans and seeking legal protections this season, we still deserve our moments of joy. These movies might not fix the political landscape, but they’ll give you something precious: two hours where queer love wins, chosen family shows up and happy endings aren’t just possible—they’re guaranteed.