As a teenager, I carried a secret that I kept tightly under wraps. It felt safer to blend into the background, a coping mechanism during those tumultuous years of adolescence. I longed for the moment when I could finally express my true self. I did my best to convince the world that I was only attracted to boys, and I was surprisingly effective at it. Yet, deep down, 15-year-old Jamie was also craving the chance to kiss girls.
I embraced my bisexuality towards the end of last year, and for the first time, I felt a liberating sense of authenticity. There’s something empowering about owning your identity, shedding the protective mask you’ve worn for so long. It could even be seen as a form of superpower.
While I may not have telekinetic abilities and I’m now a 36-year-old mom of two, I found a kindred spirit in 17-year-old Casey Mills, the protagonist of Netflix’s I Am Not Okay With This.
Meet Casey Mills
Casey (played by Sophia Lillis) is a typical angsty teen reeling from her father’s unexpected death. She adores her little brother, but her relationship with her overwhelmed mother is strained. Her quirky neighbor, Jake, has a crush on her, while her mom constantly criticizes her teenage attitude. On top of all this, Casey is grappling with a flood of emotions, including anger over a father she can no longer see.
But that’s not all—Casey has an unusual gift for causing chaos without even touching anything. As she navigates her newfound, uncontrollable superpowers, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Amidst the turmoil, she has an incredible best friend named Tara, and she is secretly (or perhaps not so secretly) in love with her.
Relating to Casey
It’s remarkable when a character resonates so deeply with your experiences, honoring the challenges of your past before you embraced your true self. In Casey, I see a younger version of myself—filled with anger, feeling unlovable, and struggling to fit into a world that felt too overwhelming at times. My heart swells for her as she navigates intense emotions that can literally set her surroundings ablaze while simultaneously wanting to express her attraction to girls.
At the core of this series is a teenager striving to hide her most authentic self. In the process of undoing those masks, she realizes that her internal and external worlds will forever be transformed. At a time when assertive women are often criticized for their passion and emotional depth, characters like Casey Mills are essential for us to support and cheer on. Honestly, I could have really benefited from seeing a positive LGBTQ+ representation like Casey when I was a teen.
If my four-year-old daughter were a teenager today, I’m sure we’d be binge-watching this series together. Regardless of your identity, I Am Not Okay With This is a show that definitely deserves a spot on your must-watch list.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, I Am Not Okay With This brilliantly showcases the complexities of teenage life, identity, and self-acceptance. With its relatable characters and engaging storyline, it’s a must-see for anyone navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.
Keyphrase: Netflix I Am Not Okay With This review
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