Jonathan Bennett Celebrates Historic Hallmark Gay Wedding Movie Premiere

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Jonathan Bennett gives his sincere thanks to everyone who supported his gay wedding trilogy on the Hallmark Channel. Bennett, probably best known as the guy from “Mean Girls,” used the movies as platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. The projects were very close to his heart—a retelling of his own life journey. This is a great milestone toward holiday programming for a channel so traditionally conservative.

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In a fiery message to his social media following, Bennett pleaded for community support. “Tonight, the first-ever gay wedding movie airs on our channel,” he said proudly. “I am so proud that we got to create these movies and I am kindly asking our community and our allies for your support.” He continued with, “These stories, especially those of love, have the power to change hearts and minds; they have the power to help people feel seen.”

Reception from the viewing public has been decidedly positive, with most celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime television production. A commenter captured the public mood very well: “This is representation exactly where it’s needed.” Those simple words underline the significance of Bennett’s work in bringing alternative love stories to the mainstream.

Almost buzzing in anticipation of seeing the series, one fan exclaimed that they will be watching it for the second time: “Already seen them (multiple times) and I will be watching tonight! More of this for all of us!!” The very act of such repeated watching would be reason enough to claim these movies struck a chord with audiences desperately craving true representation.

Besides the entertainment value, this movie started to change the We Get Them From Movies viewer. The reviewer continues, “You and the movie have helped me to enjoy and be comfortable with a love story between same-sex couples. Love is love. I now consider myself an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.” This commenter is a perfect example of how representation through media can directly impact one’s willingness to accept.

Another actress in the industry, Heather Hemmens, remarked, “Going to be EPIC!!! Love you JB,” in support of the trilogy. Such professional acclaim gives us industry-level validation for this achievement.

“Shifted our schedule around to watch it and support,” enthused a fan, claiming that many have already changed such schedules to be able to view the premiere. This reads volumes about how much possessing such narratives in the mainstream media means to audiences.

The trilogy as a whole has been an enormous hit, judging from most comments showering praise on the entire series. “I cannot stop watching this trilogy,” exclaimed one excited fan. “It’s so beautiful.” Another said, “Tonight’s movie was SO GOOD!! Loving this trilogy.”

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Jonathan Bennett’s shift from Mean Girls heartthrob to LGBTQ+ advocate and producer is a seismic shift for him in terms of career choice and the industry at large. The movies for which he worked provided representation, even while pushing the barrier further for what can be done in holiday programming. The magnitude of the support these movies have garnered indicate that audiences want more. Inclusive storytelling, and with Bennett at the forefront of this, might be leading the way for others to follow with their diverse projects. Success really means that love stories bind us as human beings, no matter who they’re about!