KJ Apa’s Holiday Strip-Down: Why His Steamy Cameo in “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” Is the Queer Gift We Needed

For many LGBTQ+ viewers, the holidays can be a mixed bag—equal parts glittery nostalgia and reminders that mainstream traditions don’t always include us. But this year, Disney+ and Hulu’s “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” are making spirits bright with a flash of holiday magic that feels tailor-made for queer audiences. Enter KJ Apa, heartthrob of “Riverdale” fame, who’s stolen headlines—and plenty of hearts—by baring his body in a cameo that’s sending shockwaves through pop culture discourse.

Apa appears as Gene, the pilot ex-boyfriend of Billie Lourd’s character Cassidy, tasked with flying the Jonas Brothers home for Christmas. But it’s not just his aviation skills that get attention. Mid-flight, Gene strips down, flexing his muscles in a moment that’s equal parts comedic and undeniably sexy. Social media lit up, with queer fans celebrating the unapologetic display of male beauty and the playful subversion of traditional holiday movie tropes .

In a pop landscape where queer-coded moments are often blink-and-you’ll-miss-them, Apa’s strip-tease is refreshingly overt, playful, and delivered with a wink—reminding us that joy, desire, and flirtation have a place in seasonal storytelling. There’s a long history of LGBTQ+ audiences finding themselves in the margins of holiday movies—whether through coded performances, subtextual relationships, or the occasional campy cameo. Apa’s appearance isn’t explicitly queer, but the scene’s cheeky energy and the surrounding cast create a vibe that’s unmistakably inclusive .

The film’s star-studded ensemble, from Billie Lourd to Andrea Martin and Will Ferrell, gives it the feel of a queer family reunion—a space where camp, chaos, and celebration are not just tolerated, but actively encouraged. For many, Apa’s physicality on screen isn’t just about thirst; it’s a bold, joyful reclamation of the male body, presented without shame or apology. In a year where body positivity and sexual agency are front and center in queer dialogues, this is the kind of representation that resonates.

The tradition of holiday cinema has long been ripe for a queer overhaul. Films like “Happiest Season” and “Single All the Way” have paved the way for LGBTQ+ stories at Christmas, but “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” ups the ante by filling its world with cameos that invite all viewers into the party. Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s turn as Santa is a knowing nod to camp tradition, while Laverne Cox’s role as Stacy delivers glamour and wit .

Apa’s scene, in particular, feels like a gift wrapped for queer audiences: it’s funny, sexy, and unafraid to play with the gaze. For many LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing a mainstream heartthrob strip down in a context that’s celebratory—not objectifying—marks a shift in how masculinity and sexuality are depicted onscreen. It’s not just about who gets to be sexy; it’s about who gets to be seen enjoying themselves, surrounded by chosen family and chaos.

KJ Apa has long held a special place in queer pop culture. As Archie Andrews, he navigated the glossy, melodramatic world of “Riverdale, ” a show that regularly courted LGBTQ+ fandom with its campy storylines and steamy moments. In “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, ” Apa carries that energy into his cameo, demonstrating a willingness to play with gender norms and audience expectations .

The internet reaction was immediate: memes, thirst tweets, and playful commentary poured in from all corners of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. For some, Apa’s performance was a reminder that queer joy can be expansive, sensual, and silly—sometimes all at once. “If you’re not watching this for the plot, you’re watching it for the abs, ” joked one fan on Instagram .

The cultural relevance of Apa’s cameo extends beyond the surface. It’s a reminder that holiday movies—so often heteronormative and exclusionary—are slowly becoming spaces where LGBTQ+ audiences can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and entertained. The film’s ensemble creates a feeling of chosen family, with diverse characters and cameos that welcome all viewers into the festivities .

For many, the act of watching a holiday movie with a queer lens—finding yourself in the chaos, the comedy, the flirtation—is its own kind of celebration. Apa’s cameo, with its blend of sex appeal and silliness, is the kind of moment that invites everyone to join in, regardless of identity.

As “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” continues to stream, KJ Apa’s strip-down is sparking conversations about visibility, joy, and the evolving landscape of holiday entertainment. It’s a reminder that representation isn’t always about explicit narratives—it’s about creating moments where queer audiences feel seen, included, and celebrated. So whether you’re watching for the music, the cameos, or the abs, this year’s holiday movies are serving up a little more sparkle—and a lot more queer joy—than ever before.