India bans ‘Love, Simon’ on the day it was due to be released

The hit gay coming out film ‘Love, Simon’ has been banned by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). To add insult to injury, the ban came on the day the film was due to be released, on June 1st. It is understood that the CBFC banned the film because of its gay content.

There are already several online petitions to get the film released in the country. “India has lacked a mainstream powerful representation of its LGBT+ citizens for a long time,” one petition pleads. “Although not Bollywood, this film could… also educate parents about what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual etc. 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.”

Sign the petition to release the film in India here.