“DEAR MOVIEGOERS, PLEASE FORM A LINE AT THE CONCESSIONS.

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE STRAIGHT.”

From the (thankfully) generous amount of scattered promotional posters and cleverly-assembled, quirky puns, it is needless to say that many (myself included) had high hopes for this movie. And, as expected, Love, Simon, scored every mark with flying colors.

The 2018 film, directed by Greg Berlanti, takes flight as an adaptation of the Young Adult Romance novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, written by Becky Albertalli and published in 2015.

Here is the general premise, notwithstanding of any dissimilarities between film and book: a young, confused high schooler searches for love and encounters multiple obstacles along the way. A rather ordinary, and, frankly, overused plot in movies and novels alike.

So what makes this movie so different from other romance movies that hit the theaters every other month? What makes Love, Simon so refreshing and special?

The answer to that question lies rooted in the message the movie brings across and, really, the topic it embodies: identity. And, specifically: sexual identity.

Modern society is growing more and more confident each year in its willingness to accept one’s identity and tolerate what makes others different. Regardless of creed, color, or orientation, the younger generations are learning to understand and embrace healthy differences. And in this recent bout of progressiveness, LGBTQ+ rights have taken quite the large shine. With the right to marry finally granted to homosexual couples in 2016, there has been a surge in solidarity and unanimity with the ever-growing and ever-evolving movement, focusing on a variety of topics to acquire rights for people all around the world.

A main topic of conversation in this movement centers mainly on representation in the media, which helps to spread the sprouting LGBTQ+ rights movement internationally. This discussion comes as a double-edged sword — with LGBTQ+ representation in media often comes unfavorable stereotypes and cliches that can either perpetuate rather toxic ideals so long-evoked, or generalize an entire group of people and broadcast a glorified and often unrealistic view of the community.

Positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters in the media is rather difficult to come by without having them written off shows, killed in movies, or simply used as queerbait for a singular period of time and afterwards, never to be seen again.

Love, Simon is the movie that makes the difference.

There are stories of young people (all around the world!) using this movie to come out to their parents and loved ones. The emotional journey travelled with Simon had allowed a family, once at odds for years, to finally come to a sense of understanding.

This film brings families together. The film brings a sense of understanding to people who may be confused. The film promotes an ideal concept of tolerance and acceptance.

This film is a prominent and powerful example that positive representation for the LGBTQ+ community (and, for all marginalized groups) can help to bring the world to a more progressive outlook.

What makes Love, Simon worth the watch is that it bravely confronts the often confusing topic of sexuality and does not hesitate in conveying a message of inclusivity and progressiveness — one of which is desperately needed in today’s society.