When I was coming out, there didn't exist some online "confessions" website for students to just post rumors and gossip anonymously. And truthfully every recent incarnation of anonymous-posting-applications (Yik Yak and Sarahah) tended to have fallen to abuse and discrimination on mass scales. So, when I was sitting in the theater and the film opened up on this visual of a gossip site, I knew that most of this movie was gonna be a bit of fantasy.
And for the most part, I was right. But that is why it was so well received right? I promise that I won't give any spoilers, and this isn't one, but I don't know anyone that goes to as nice of a school and that lives in as nice of a neighborhood as the main character lived in. I mean, talk about upper-middle class.
So if most of this movie was this sort of futuristic, fantastical representation of being queer (really, gay) in America... why was I sobbing in the theater? Probably for the same reason that so many women have sobbed while watching "The Notebook" or "The Lucky One" or that one with Channing Tatum where Rachel McAdams loses her memory. More or less, because it presented this unobtainable standard for monogamous love, acceptance, and affection.
Now, where do we go from here? "Love, Simon" is arguably the first movie of its kind, a homo-romance drama that centers on the real issues surrounding coming out, being in "the closet," and the lengths that queer folx who are grappling with these feelings are forced to go to in order to protect themselves. And generally, when "the first" of anything comes out, it's a milestone for achievement, progress, acceptance.
But I –– a college-age queer that has been far removed from "the closet" –– am not really feeling any of that.
Without a doubt, we are living in a post-"Love, Simon" society. One that has proclaimed it is time that we tell younger generations that they are allowed to dream of their perfect future out loud. And that is a really great realization to make.
Had I seen this movie at 12 years old, my coming out (less than a year later) would have been so much healthier. I'm so excited that I'm alive during this milestone.
As much as this is a milestone for achievement, progress, acceptance, the rest of the world should remember that trans folx are still being killed just for being trans. Discrimination is still happening en masse to queer people, and "Love, Simon" isn't a reason to put down our protest signs and not learn the true and accurate history of Queer Rights.
Patronize "Love, Simon" while it is still in theaters. Support this amazing cinematic representation, then take yourself –– and whoever you go to see it with –– to the nearest queer youth center and support them. Don't forget why this movie was made possible, because they sure as hell didn't wake up one morning and just go, "oh yeah, now we can make this movie because everyone loves a good gay person."
