India Bans "Love Simon" for LGBTQ+ Themes
Love, Simon made history earlier this year after it became the first major studio romcom to feature a gay lead character. The coming out movie – based on Becky Albertalli’s 2015 novel Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda – follows 17-year-old Simon Spier as he comes to terms with his sexuality by emailing an anonymous admirer at his school. The flick – which has been a box office success across the globe – was scheduled to be released in India on 1 June. However, when eager fans tried to book tickets ahead of its release, they were unable to as the screenings were no longer available. It has since transpired that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) have banned the release of Love, Simon. It is understood that this decision was taken based on the film’s gay content. Either way, the fact the film has been blocked from being released in India has sparked protest online through the hashtag #ReleaseLoveSimoninIndia, and a number of petitions.
“India is considered as a progressive country but still hasn’t scheduled the release of Love, Simon in the cinemas despite the movie being released in majority of the countries,” a change.org petition reads.
“It’s been more than 2 months and the LGBT+ community has been patiently waiting for the movie which finally gives the community some representation.
“India has lacked a mainstream powerful representation of its LGBT+ citizens for a long time. Although not Bollywood, this film could not only encourage LGBT kids to come out, but also educate parents about what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual etc.
Love, Simon | Official Trailer 2 [HD] | 20th Century FOX
“This film could have a tremendous impact on the country’s perception of what it means to be a part of the LGBT+ community.
“This movie can be a medium to create awareness and can be a progressive step in eliminating the stigma that surrounds the LGBT+ community. This movie has a major impact in providing validation and reassurance for the LGBT+ community.”
Jurassic World’s Nick Robinson stars in the title role of Simon, while Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel play his parents.
13 Reasons Why’s Katherine Langford and Miles Heizer are also part of the cast, along with Logan Miller (The Walking Dead), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocalypse) and Flash actor Keiynan Lonsdale.
- GAYTIMES.COM
