So, unless you live without any social media whatsoever, you've probably heard of the film that is sweeping the nation; "Love, Simon". For the few who haven't, allow me to tell you about it and why it is so important. "Love, Simon" is the story of a young man named Simon who has been in the closet for some years now (for those of you who don't know what that means, he's gay but it's a secret).
There is an online confessions board where students go and well, post confessions or secrets for the world to read. There's another guy, who calls himself "Blue", who is in the same situation as Simon. The book and movie follow Simon and his life, his self-discovery and his impending infatuation with "Blue". Of course, there is always high school drama (i.e. blackmail and bullying...the usual).
But, let me tell you why this movie is more than just a movie. Why it is relevant. Even when tolerance and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community are at an all-time high, there are still some homophobes and general jerks who find it funny to bully people. Ya know the saying "kids can be cruel" and Simon faces bullying in the film, but so do millions of LGBTQ+ children, teens, and adults. The struggles that Simon faces in the film with bullying, fear of rejection, and fear that people may accept you, but still look at you differently (yes, that does happen), but also, that people coming out should be on their own terms and in their own time which is extremely important.
There have been indie films that have portrayed situations like this, but rarely do you see these honest situations in a mainstream film. The thing is, that the correspondence between Simon and "Blue" hold so much truth in them. There is an honesty in this film that so many people can identify with. Also, for people who don't know the some of the very basic struggles, it has priceless lessons for people who have never and will never go through these situations. And the saddest thing about that is you've already learned the lessons, basic respect.
Let me explain. You wouldn't, or shouldn't, pressure someone to do something they don't want to do. Like, pressuring someone to come out to you. Maybe they're not ready or maybe you're not the one they want to tell first. It's scary to come out, and it is a huge deal. People want to come out on their terms. Don't ever force someone to do that, and if they do come out to you, don't out them to anybody. That is their moment, don't you dare take that from them.
Another aspect of the film that is important for people, parents, in particular, is to be loving and accepting when your kid comes out to you. An inappropriate response would be, "we will deal with it". Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is not a disease. Being gay, bi, pan, asexual, trans, etc, is a part of who the person is. Don't shame them for it. And before you ask, no, you didn't do anything wrong. There is no fault. There's also nothing wrong with them.
The film does a great job showing acceptance and love during a time that is not easy for anyone. While there is high school drama, some of the drama that they show does happen to people every day. The moral of the story and this article I guess is to be kind, loving and accepting. Don't judge. Just be you. Because that is the very best person you could ever be.
* If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need someone to talk to, follow this link (https://www.glbthotline.org/) to the GLAAD hotline numbers and peer support.
