Hallmark movies will be more diverse in the near future and will include more LGBTQ storylines, characters, and cast members.
On Thursday, Hallmark reated to criticism that none of the company’s 40 upcoming holiday movies feature an LGBTQ lead. A Hallmark Channel spokesperson told “Good Morning America” that change is coming.
In the coming months, the representative said, Hallmark will make announcements about “projects featuring LGBTQ storylines, characters and actors.”
“Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us,” read the company’s statement. “We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome.”
Last year, Hallmark apologized for removing a Zola commercial that featured a gay couple amid complaints from One Million Moms; a conservative group that is a part of the American Family Association.
READ ALSO: Snapchat Apologizes for ‘Insensitive’ Juneteenth Filter
Also, Hallmark’s parent company, Crown Media, vowed to partner with LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD “to better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands.”
“The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused. Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision,” said Mike Perry; the Hallmark Cards CEO in a statement at the time. “We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”
“Across our brand, we will continue to look for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate our differences,” he added.
Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas movies and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ franchise Miracles of Christmas will kick off Friday, October 23.
