Thanks for this! Billy Elliott is loved in queer communities, even though the the film (and subsequent stage version) isn't about a queer person. (Though one minor character does come out as gay in a touching moment.)

When the film debuted, queer people flocked to it, I think because we recognized the themes you point out so well in your review.

I remember being 10 years old and asking for potted red flowers for my birthday. I just wanted to explore a passion for gardening and growing things. My parents very quickly taught me that flowers are for girls and that no such tender sentiment was appropriate for boys. They even told me which "masculine" toys I should have asked for instead.

Many of us gay men can tell similar stories, which might be why Billy Elliott appealed to us so much. We shared that in common with the character of Billy, who fought to break out of toxic traditional masculinity just like so many of us struggle to do.

I think you've put your finger on it, really.