“Love, Simon” wants to tell the story of the underrepresented on the big screen. “Representation in general is important,” director Greg Berlanti told Cheddar. “I think it’s better for the audiences, and it’s better for the movies overall.” “Mainstream studio films have a lot of catching up to do with some of the stuff we’ve been doing in television for the past 15 years.” The movie centers around high schooler Simon Spier, whose peers do not know he’s gay. As his secret is revealed, he struggles with coming to terms with his identity. Actress Alexandra Shipp says that the cast not only wanted to educate the audience and showcase the struggles of the LGBT community, but also to encourage people to stand up for those who are being discriminated against. “There’s a scene where Simon is getting accosted by some of his classmates in the lunchroom...Maybe his friends weren’t able to stand up for him, but maybe homeboy in the back of the cafeteria is going to stand up and say, ‘Hey, that’s not OK,’” she said. “That’s what we want. We want those people to feel safe. We want those people to feel represented.” The movie hits theaters Friday.

Share:
More In Culture
Atlanta Braves' Name Gets Rob Manfred's Support
New controversy emerges in the MLB surrounding comments from commissioner Rob Manfred. While speaking to reporters before game one of the World Series, Manfred shrugged off questions about the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, and also offered support for the Atlanta Braves to keep its name, which the National Congress of American Indians has already condemned. Forbes SportsMoney senior contributor Maurey Brown joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss this and other storylines in the MLB.
Deal or No Deal, ISIS Threat & Memecoin Insanity
Dems race for a deal on President Biden's economic agenda ahead of his big foreign trip. What to make of the latest threat assessment in Afghanistan. Plus, the meme cryptocurrency of the moment that's now worth more than many Fortune 500 companies.
U.S. Issues First Passport with Gender 'X' Marker
The U.S. has now joined a handful of countries that allow a gender designation other than 'male' or 'female' on passports. Chris Johnson, White House Reporter for the Washington Blade, joined Cheddar to discuss.
Load More