She notes that though rom-coms are often undervalued as 'fluff,' they're actually 'a vital genre for us to be seen and validated in those relationships, whatever they may look like.' In fact, Himberg says, 'These films contribute to social change, precisely because of their comedy.' The presence of LGBTQ+ rom-coms 'situates LGBTQ+ people firmly within our cultural landscape,' adds Julia Himberg, PhD, associate professor and director of film and media studies at Arizona State University. 'There is tremendous power in seeing people who look like you and love like you going through the same types of experiences.' She stresses that, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, it’s necessary that popular culture 'includes someone like you in an important and central way.' 'The power of media, especially film and television, is so personal,' says Megan Townsend, Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis at GLAAD. But instead of tuning into your favorite early ‘00s flick for the zillionth time, why not watch a film featuring an LGBTQ+ love story? Whether it’s Billy Eichner’s highly anticipated rom-com Bros (due out 2022), or 2020’s holiday hit Happiest Season, LGBTQ+ romantic comedies are finally being seen as a key part of mainstream entertainment. prime time to escape into the blissful world of romantic comedies and forget all about Janet from accounting.