When Ted (Spencer Curnutt) comes home from college to visit his parents, they’re just as nervous as he is. After a bit of small talk with his mom (Romy Rosemont) and dad (Tom Hodges), Ted reveals he has something to tell them. His parents have been anticipating this moment—Ted is about to drop the gay bomb. He goes on about how he’s always known he was different and how meeting his friend, Ben, in high school really helped him through a tough time in his life and to discover his true self.

Ted’s parents have suspected the big news that Ted is alluding to for a while and they seem excitedly anxious that the moment has finally come. They try to ease the situation by assuring Ted that they already know what he’s about to disclose and Ted is clearly relieved. His parents assure Ted that they’re so proud of him, love him unconditionally, and are grateful that he has finally shared this part of his life with them.

After an awkward exchange about Ted’s first time with Ben, followed by his mother’s mention of her friend’s gay son, Ted realizes he and his parents have been talking about two totally different things. In his big coming out moment, Ted finally blurts out his big news—he just finished voting for the first time and...he’s a republican. The shock, disappointment, and the confusion leave his parents totally ashamed and blaming one another. When Ted’s dad insists that no son of his could ever be a republican, his earlier statement about unconditional love has completely gone out the window. The tension is immediately relieved when Ted turns the situation around by admitting the one thing that he knows will actually excite his parents and make them proud—he’s also gay.

When I came upon "Homecoming," I was excited to find an LGBTQ short film in the comedy genre. While I can’t say I was laughing out loud while watching it, I did think the overall concept was comical and enjoyable. I also thought the acting was really good, especially Romy Rosemont. I would Absolutely recommend this short film.

The main storyline in "Homecoming" is a very familiar one to many in the LGBTQ community. It’s reminiscent of that nerve-wracking moment that many of us rehearsed in our heads for years while trying to find the courage to finally come out to our parents or other family members or friends. Many parents have had a similar rehearsal in their heads as well—waiting expectantly for that moment when their child will finally feel comfortable enough to come out to them. "Homecoming" captured the uneasiness and nervousness of that much-anticipated, tense, and awkward moment so well. It was a clever idea and the plot twist was very entertaining.

In a world where everything is always so serious, we need to take more time to find the humor in ourselves and our situations. Criticizing and poking fun at others doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. Stereotypes aren’t going away any time soon and, although we can try, it’s often difficult to change other people’s thoughts, words, or actions. We can, however, change our own. Instead of complaining about things and placing blame on others, we need to have the courage to find the humor in ourselves, our situations, and even the stereotypes surrounding us. A little bit of comedy relief goes a long way.