Representation of LGBTQI+ in Film

For my project, I am portraying a gay character in a new style. Normally when a queer or transgender character is used in the plot, and their sexuality or gender identity drives the story. Two examples I researched that had this were "Love, Simon" and "Those People".

Love, Simon (2018)

In "Love, Simon", Simon is a high schooler boy who is hiding his sexuality. The plot is driven by his quest to come out to his friends and meet his secret "lover" who he meets online and whose identity is hidden. It does a good job of representing gay sexuality, in terms of how teenagers struggle in hiding their identity and can be threatened and made vulnerable. In the movie, another character threatens to reveal his sexuality if he does not help him make a girl fall in love with him. It represents a real life issue many teenagers can relate to, and reveals that, even in a supporting family, being gay can be difficult.

Those People (2015)

"Those People" is a drama film about a young boy in New York who is in love with his best friend. The plot is less driven around his sexuality, and focuses more on the relationship aspect. It represents the difficulty of being in love with a person who does not reciprocate feelings. 

Both of these films have the sexuality of the main character as a major component of the plot. Thankfully, neither of these films oversexualize homosexuality or make gay people seem like they are sex obsessed, unlike many other films. In my film, I want to portray my character independent of his sexuality, and focus on him finding love in music and other aspects.