How ‘Love, Simon’ Redefined LGBTQ+ Representation In Cinema

In the latest instalment of our ‘Changed Cinema Forever’ series, Libby Jennings talks about the impact that Love, Simon has had on LGBTQ+ representation that long outlives Pride celebrations.

As Pride Month’s celebrations come to a close, it’s important to recognise films that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community all year round. One standout example is the 2018 box-office hit Love, Simon, notable for being the first major studio coming-of-age film with a gay male lead character. This groundbreaking film not only captured the hearts of audiences but also marked a significant milestone in Hollywood’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ stories by setting a precedent for inclusivity.

For those who haven’t watched this coming-of-age film, directed by Greg Berlanti and based on Becky Albertalli’s novel, it follows 17-year-old Simon Spier, played by Nick Robinson, who describes himself as a normal guy with a normal life, apart from one secret: he’s gay. Simon develops a romantic online connection with an anonymous classmate known as ‘Blue’. As they exchange emails and Simon tries to piece together who Blue is, another classmate discovers Simon’s secret and blackmails him, threatening to expose him to the whole school unless Simon helps him get close to one of Simon’s friends.

While the plot might seem familiar among other coming-of-age films, it’s not the plot alone that revolutionises cinema. The real impact of Love, Simon lies in its representation and the broader cultural significance of having a major studio release a film with a gay lead character.

The 20th Century Fox film had a $10-17 million production budget and soared to gross $66.7 million worldwide. It became the third highest-grossing teen film by the studio since 1980. The success of Love, Simon had a significant cultural and social impact, the strength of which, according to Nick Robinson talking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, “started a conversation…that otherwise may not have been there.” 

It was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema—but does this success indicate that audiences were ready for and supportive of stories featuring gay protagonists? And how does Love, Simon exemplify this broader societal change? 

Why Representation Matters

Without the knowledge that Simon is gay, he is portrayed in a stereotypical straight manner, from his fashion sense to his personality. While there are no specific characteristics that define a person’s sexual orientation, Simon’s portrayal breaks down the stereotype that all gay men are hyper-feminine. Instead, he is depicted as a regular teenager who happens to be gay. This subversion of what a gay man is expected to act and look like not only resonates with many viewers but also underscores the importance of diverse and authentic representation in film.

Simon’s love interests are also depicted similarly, further challenging stereotypes. By portraying diverse relationships where neither partner fits into narrow stereotypes of masculinity pairing with femininity, the film contributes to a more nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ identities. It shows that love and relationships are diverse, transcending simplistic categorisations based on gender or sexual orientation.

Although the character ‘Ethan’ is not central to the plot or the main character, his portrayal in a more traditionally feminine manner contributes to LGBTQ+ representation in Love, Simon. Shown in a flashback, when Ethan comes out to his friends, it’s anticlimactic because they already knew, highlighting a contrast to the dramatic or negative reactions often depicted in media. 

The other students’ nonchalant response to Ethan’s identity mirrors a growing societal acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this way, the reactions of the school community around these queer characters reflect the evolving attitudes of the broader audience towards LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema.

Due to Ethan’s more feminine portrayal compared to Simon and notable differences, he unfairly becomes an easy target for ridicule. This highlights the disparity in societal acceptance based on gender expression and heteronormativity. During the film, Simon expresses frustration, wishing “Ethan didn’t make it so easy for them” to mock him. This sheds light on a harsh reality within the LGBTQ+ community, where individuals who defy gender norms often face additional challenges. Simon’s comment reflects broader societal struggles in embracing diverse LGBTQ+ representations.

While this comment has been critiqued for potentially attributing blame to those facing discrimination rather than the perpetrators, it also underscores the ongoing societal work needed, both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community, to achieve true acceptance and inclusivity for all representations.

When Simon comes out, he receives a largely positive reaction from his family, teachers, and friends, creating a supportive environment which is an important aspect which may reassure audiences about their concerns of negativity when also coming out.

Simon and Ethan do face mockery from two classmates who mistakenly assume they are romantically involved.

The classmates are reprimanded by the school, demonstrating that such behaviour is not tolerated. Simon and Ethan take the opportunity to clarify that being gay does not imply automatic romantic interest in every other gay individual. This distinction helps dispel stereotypes and empowers individuals who may be struggling with their identity, showing there is support available if needed.

While the mockery is of course a negative reaction, it is outweighed by the other positive and blasé reactions elsewhere. This contrast between light and dark reactions provides a realistic portrayal of coming-out experiences and fosters acceptance and a sense of empowerment.

Gay Roles For Gay Actors

A significant critique of Love Simon is that Nick Robinson, who identifies as heterosexual, portrays the gay lead character. This has sparked ongoing debate within Hollywood, echoing similar discussions seen in other films such as Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021), where Jack Whitehall, a straight actor, played the first openly gay character in a Disney film, MacGregor Houghton.

The debate centres around the politics of representation, with many advocating for authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters by LGBTQ+ actors. Others argue that this perspective could limit artistic freedom and overlook the complexity of sexual orientation identities that do not fit into clear labels.

During Hollywood’s award seasons, controversies arise as straight actors often receive awards for portraying queer roles, overshadowing LGBTQ+ actors. For instance, Tom Hanks won Best Actor for his portrayal of a gay man with AIDS in Philadelphia (1993), raising questions about representation and recognition in the industry.

While Love, Simon faces criticism for its casting choice, it highlights ongoing challenges in achieving genuine representation in Hollywood. Despite its flaws, the film contributes to visibility and discussion surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, albeit within the context of broader industry controversies over representation and recognition. 

Berlanti, when discussing the casting choices with Variety and the evolution of attitudes towards LGBTQ+ roles in Hollywood, emphasised the importance of actors connecting with their roles and audiences, regardless of their sexuality. “What was great is that we had straight actors playing gay roles and gay actors playing straight roles and we were all over the map, and that helped us assemble a great cast because it felt like a group of friends you would know today. 

“It wasn’t prohibited by just trying to put someone in a box, which is very limiting when you’re trying to make something that is really good.” 

This approach is evident throughout ‘Love, Simon,’ where characters like Simon, Blue, and Ethan, all of whom are gay men, are portrayed by actors of various sexual orientations.

By focusing on talent and connection rather than typecasting, Love, Simon set a precedent for more open-minded and diverse representation in Hollywood.  

A Lasting Impact

For many viewers, seeing their experiences mirrored on screen has been transformative, validating their feelings and struggles. The impact of Love, Simon extends far beyond its portrayal on-screen; it has touched the lives of individuals in profound ways. 

Many people online have attributed the reasoning for coming out when they did to the film. For example, Thomas Duke, known on social media as ‘Stepping Through Film’, wrote about his admiration for the film in encouraging him to be his authentic self. “I saw myself as Simon, I saw myself as the guy on screen struggling to figure out who he was and then finally telling the world that he was gay. 

“I finally felt like I had a diving board to leap off of and make a splash in my own life, to change it and tell my truth.” 

Soon after Love, Simon’s production commenced Keiynan Lonsdale, who plays Bram, also came out publicly on Instagram saying: “I like girls, & I like guys (yes).” 

Lonsdale explained to ET Online how Love, Simon helped him come out after being involved in the film: “It’s a love story about a guy for another guy, and it really hits home in an unexpected place. 

“That’s why they say representation matters, but it really does… It didn’t hit me as much until I actually saw the film- it feels like they’re talking to me.” 

Online platforms are filled with similar personal stories detailing how Love, Simon helped people understand their sexuality, come out to loved ones, or navigate support for others. 

The film’s exploration of social media adds another layer of modernity and relevance to its portrayal of contemporary LGBTQ+ experiences. At the end of the film, a pivotal moment occurs when an online forum is overwhelmingly flooded with anonymous confessions from online strangers seeking guidance and acceptance. This narrative not only mirrors the online anonymity often sought by LGBTQ+ individuals navigating their identities but also underscores the film’s prescience in capturing the role of digital spaces in modern coming-of-age experiences.

The enduring personal impact of this film on its viewers cannot be overstated alongside its impact on the cinematic landscape. 

It paved the way for subsequent films and TV series to feature gay protagonists more prominently. One notable example is the spin-off TV series Love, Victor, which has been celebrated for expanding on the themes introduced in the original film. 

Unlike Love, Simon, which centred on a white, cisgender gay male protagonist, The Hulu TV show, Love, Victor expands on this representation by featuring a more diverse range of LGBTQ+ characters and cultural identities. For instance, the series explores issues faced by individuals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including characters of colour and those with diverse cultural backgrounds. This broader representation not only builds upon Love, Simon’s success by introducing different perspectives but also reflects a more inclusive approach while keeping a similar narrative.

The successes of Love, Simon and its spin-off Love, Victor exemplify a surging demand for inclusive storytelling in entertainment. As the first major studio to feature a gay protagonist, 20th Century Fox’s Love, Simon not only performed well at the box office but also effectively captured the depth of human experiences by defying numerous stereotypes associated with LGBTQ+ individuals. This achievement underscores the crucial need for authentic representation and marks a significant shift in audience preferences towards narratives that embrace diversity.

In essence, Love, Simon highlights how, as the film’s tagline goes, “Everyone deserves a great love story.”

Words by Libby Jennings