What a well-balanced, nuanced perspective on this film. I remember when it came out and a young gay friend of mine in the UK (who was at university at the time) reacted to criticism much as you are reacting here.

He felt the film represented his experiences quite well. He felt seen and heard.

Nevertheless, he recognized a problem: in the film as in life, heteronormativity gets more respect. He gets more respect as a gay man who is not outré and who dreams of monogamous marriage with the love of his life.

But he asked me once: Isn't that okay if that's who I genuinely am?

And of course it's okay. Also, I think it goes without saying that it's easier to market a decidedly heteronormative gay film. Also, no film can be all things to all queer people.

We have a lot of societal work to do in a march toward progress. Sometimes, maybe we need to slow down and savor small moments like "Love, Simon."

I say that as a decidedly non-heteronormative person who doesn't particularly feel represented by the film.