If you are anything like me, you may enjoy watching cartoons, especially animated shorts. After seeing numerous friends talking about "In a Heartbeat" on Facebook, I decided to take a watch. In just four minutes, my heart melted, feeling that the world might turn out to be okay.
For those who have not watched this gem, I have provided it for you. But, in case you cannot be bothered to sit still and watch a four minute short, I can provide a synopsis (Warning: SPOILERS). The short starts with a young red-hair boy watching another boy. You can tell he is nervous, hiding up a tree. Suddenly, his heart pulls away from his body and chases the other man. A struggle ensues as the boy with red-hair fights his own self. Should he listen to his heart, or should he listen to society and his brain who is telling him not to pursue this romance? Thankfully, he listens to his heart and the short ends with everyone feeling giddy.
That is anyone who wants love for all regardless of gender.
See, I know that this short will cause anger in certain parts of the community. They will see this as unnatural, something that should be condemned. And to them, I say that they are the other students at the school in the short. They are the ones staring, trying to convince the red-head that he should not follow his heart.
But, the heart is the one that proves these people wrong. It is not his brain convincing him what is right. No, it is his heart, a part of our body that we cannot control when it comes to feelings of love. Everyone says that you should "listen to your heart." So why is it any different when it is a boy loving a boy, or a girl loving a girl?
Because let's be honest: how is a person expressing their love a danger to you? Would you rather have someone become depressed, never able to love themselves or others completely because they have been shunned and outcast? Do we want a world of broken hearts, like the red-head experiences part-way through the short?
The answer is NO.
In this day and age, we should be a world of love. We should want people to be happy being themselves, no matter what that may look like. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is not a viral disease; if you see two men holding hands, you are not going to suddenly wake up gay. The only way that would happen is if that is what YOUR heart wants.
Seeing this film reminds me of what I myself am trying to figure out. There have been times in the past where I have been afraid to listen to my heart because of what my mind and society has told me. But if two young animated boys and love each other and follow their heart, then so can I.
I just ask that others take the time to watch this and let others keep their hearts from being broken apart by society.
