The novel is an LGBT coming-of-age narrative however its goes deeper and beyond the subject of sexual orientation. It is a story about identity, friendship, family, insecurities, and more importantly romance. Simon as a closeted gay boy finds solace in the correspondence he has with Blue whom they share a similar life experience. They both have a fear of coming out and declaring their sexuality therefore their story explores how two people find security in each other. In essence, vulnerability is cultivated when individuals feel their anxieties are understood and sentiments reciprocated hence romance ensues and blossoms.
Regardless of the universal themes such as love and friendship, the narrative outstandingly highlights the experiences of the LGBTQ communities and the reality of homophobia. The conflict in the story arises from blackmailing that threatens the protagonist’s sexual orientation being revealed if he does not comply. It explores how coming out is turned into an excruciating ordeal due to societal expectations and ignorance. Thus, the fear of declaring consumes closeted individuals who in turn only share their truth with other closeted people. Therefore it is Simon against the world in terms of coming out as gay to an intolerant society and dealing with the ignorance of the masses.
The title which is a parody and play on words of the phrase “the homosexual agenda” alludes to the notion that finding and accepting oneself is and should be a universal experience. Through their correspondence, Simon and Blue acknowledge this by attesting that there should not be a default identity in terms of race or sexuality. In that heterosexual people should come out as well and declare their sexual orientation akin to the LGBTQ communities, as there is no default in sexuality.
