20 LGBTQIA+ stories with upbeat endings

3. Love, Simon

Like many other teens on this list, Simon Spier is closeted and honestly just trying to make his way through high school and out the other side. That, along with some romantic drama, isn’t so different from any other teen’s experiences of their final years as a child.

In fact, apart from being in the closet, Simon has it pretty good. He is part of a loving, close-knit family (who, with no real spoilers, readily accept him once he does come out). He has friends, Nick and Leah, as well as the newer Abby.

Things get complicated when he starts talking to the mysterious “Blue” online. This person is a student at Simon’s high school. He’s also gay and not ready to come out. Simon, as “Jacques,” starts talking to him and forming a bond. When another student, Martin, discovers the emails, he blackmails Simon into setting him up with Abby.

Eventually, Simon is outed and faces resistance from the other students. “Blue” deletes his email account. Simon’s friends distance themselves, not because of their friend’s sexuality, but because he manipulated them due to Martin’s blackmail.

But, this is no dramatic downward turn, not really. Love, Simon is a gentle comedy, one that really wants its characters to find happiness both in their friendships and romances. “Blue” eventually reveals himself, while Leah, Abby and Nick start to accept Simon again.

Thankfully, Simon’s family is thoroughly supportive and comforting through to the happy, affirming end. It’s a teen-focused comedy and coming-of-age story that does not villainize its characters and treats Simon and his friends with respect and, ultimately, joy.