But I'm a Cheerleader

Directed by Jamie Babbit, But I'm a Cheerleader is a cult classic that gained a significant following over the years. This romantic comedy depicts the struggles of a young girl named Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne) who is sent by her parents and friends to New Directions, a gay conversion therapy camp.


Though Megan initially insists she isn't gay, she quickly gets on with Graham (Clea DuVall).

What makes the film stand out is not its intent, but its execution. Released in 1999, BIAC was considered a groundbreaking portrayal of lesbian relationships in a mainstream movie. The movie was received with mixed reviews, but had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

The film's portrayal of conversion therapy was a powerful statement against the so-called "restorative practices" championed by religious institutions and lobbyists by depicting the cruelty and absurdity of attempting to change someone's sexual orientation, and it drew attention to the harm conversion therapy can cause.

But I'm a Cheerleader also had a significant impact on the representation of queer characters in media. At the time of its release, mainstream movies rarely featured out-and-proud characters, and when they did, they were often portrayed negatively. BIAC was a refreshing change, as it was a movie that centered around a lesbian relationship and portrayed the characters in a positive light.

Perhaps the most iconic performance comes in the form of RuPaul Charles as the Anti-RuPaul, who was also notable for giving the film its campy, colorful aesthetic. The movie's over-the-top visuals and humor made it stand out from other movies of its kind, and it has since become a beloved classic among LGBTQ+ audiences.

But I'm a Cheerleader's impact on LGBTQ+ representation in media cannot be overstated. The movie paved the way for more positive and nuanced portrayals of queer characters in mainstream media. It also helped raise awareness about conversion therapy and its harmful effects.

But I'm a Cheerleader is a movie that has had a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community and on media as a whole. It was a movie that dared to be campy, colorful, and unapologetically queer, and it helped pave the way for more diverse and inclusive representation in media.

Where to Watch But I'm a Cheerleader:

But I'm a Cheerleader is available for streaming on Tubi.