Age: Middle School-HS

Simon confidently knows he's gay but can't exactly place the reason for not coming out yet. Martin, an acquaintance, is the first to find out after discovering Simon's email exchange with someone Simon only knows as Blue. When Martin uses this secret to blackmail Simon into hooking him up his friend, Simon feels the pressure to come out looming larger now more than ever.

Spoiler

An excellent addition to the youth lgbtq cannon, Albertalli highlights a "stolen" coming out experience. Although generally well received by his peers and family, Simon feels exploited and exposed by the whole experience.