In the last few years, movies like “Moonlight,” “Call Me By Your Name” and “Love, Simon” have represented the LGBTQ+ community and have been successful whilst doing it. Not only have these movies received acceptance for their use of gay protagonists, but they’ve also made the coming-out experience relatable and, in some instances, easier for those struggling with their sexuality.

But, for me, and many others, something stood out about the movie “Love, Simon.”

“‘Love, Simon’ really made my mom who’s struggled with accepting my sexuality cry and become more empathetic and understanding,” said the account “keiynanick” on Twitter. “This movie is changing perspectives and lives. Support it !!! Help LGBT kids please!”

The movie centers around Simon, a normal teenage boy with a close group of friends that do normal high school activities. But Simon has his own internal struggles. He is keeping the fact that he is gay away from everyone he loves.

Eventually, Simon does come out, but the lessons that this movie teaches are extremely valuable, especially to heterosexuals.

When I left the movie, my eyes were almost swollen shut from crying so much. The movie was filled with amazing actors and an amazing storyline, which usually is enough to create a flood of tears from me. But the incredible actors and plot themselves were not what created an emotional storm inside me.

This movie made me think about every time I lacked supporting the LGBTQ+ community. It made me remember the times that I let people around me, and even myself, describe people or situations as “gay.” It made me remember the time someone told me that they “hate gay people,” and how I didn’t do as much as I could to stand up for my friends and family who are gay. I thought about society’s stereotypes of homosexuals and how I never stopped to disown them. And, what hit home the most, it made me remember the time that I was too scared to tell my friends that my older sister got married to a woman. This movie made me remember and regret every time I treated or thought of any person differently because of their sexual orientation, but I’m thankful that it did. To all of the people who I failed to support: I am sorry.

I hate using the excuse “Humans aren’t perfect,” because it doesn’t take a perfect human to respect and support others who may be different than us. But I do believe that despite our past regrets, we can try to be better people. We can try to understand the feelings of others. I can try to admit to my former failures and be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Love, Simon” paved a way for acceptance and even encouraged many people to take the step of coming out to their family and friends. And for me, a heterosexual woman, it started my journey of becoming more accepting and supportive of my friends and family.

So, my plea for you all is to see this movie. I promise it will have a lasting impact.