Howard Brackett is a well-respected high school English teacher in the small, conservative town of Greenleaf, Indiana, who is eagerly anticipating his upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Emily Montgomery. As the town looks forward to the Oscars, one of Howard's former students, Cameron Drake, is nominated for a prestigious award. During his acceptance speech, Cameron shocks everyone by publicly thanking Howard and revealing that his former teacher is gay. This announcement sends shockwaves through Howard's life, causing him to confront his own identity and shaking the foundations of his relationship with Emily, as well as his standing in the community.

As gossip spreads rapidly through the town, Howard becomes the center of intense scrutiny and speculation. The media descends on Greenleaf, with reporter Peter Malloy eager to cover the unfolding story. Under mounting pressure from all sides—his students, the townspeople, and especially Emily—Howard struggles with both external judgment and internal conflict regarding his sexuality. His journey is marked by humor, embarrassment, and moments of unexpected support as he navigates the challenges posed by Cameron’s public declaration. The cascading effects of this revelation lead Howard to a deeper understanding of himself and prompt a reexamination of societal norms and personal authenticity.