Love, Simon is a recently released Rom-Com which focuses on a gay teen and his love life. This film follows the scary build-up to his coming-out and how he finds love in his hometown. It is the first big picture film which solely focuses on the romance of a gay teen. The film starts with Simon Spier, who is a high school senior, falling head over heels for an anonymous pen pal who is also still in the closet.This film is a big step in the movement for more LGBT representation on major movie screens, as very often LGBT characters and storylines are not the main focus of TV series or films. However, Love, Simon is helping change this.
Being the first gay movie of its kind, there is pressure on this film to be representative of the various kinds of queer people who have previously felt misrepresented in mainstream cinema. This film is a big milestone in the way queer people are represented in the film industry and the happy ending of this film provides gay people the happy ending they want in their life too. When Simon is first introduced in the film he says ‘I’m just like you’ which reminds the audience that he isn’t any different to anyone else because he’s gay.
Many people agree that Love Simon will help show LGBT teens who suffer that they’re not alone and can relate on some level to the thoughts and emotions reflected in the film of Love, Simon. As Data indicates that LQBTQ+ teens are at a much higher risk of attempted suicide or suicidal thoughts, this film could be beneficial in helping prevent some of these thoughts. Love, Simon is important, as movies like this have never gained as much media attention before so it needed to be good. It isimportant that as many people like the film as possible, and thatit provides an accurate representation of the LGBT community. Love, Simon manages to take the painful process of coming out and builds a movie around itin a positive way. Love, Simon provides a role model for many teens who can also relate to Simon and his feelings towards coming out. It also provides comfort to the teens that are struggling and feeling alone while going through the process of coming out, as this film allows this vulnerable process to be redefined as one of self- discovery. Although everyone experiences coming out differently, every young person who questions their sexuality can relate to at least part of Simon’s story and which highlights the importance of this film.