But I'm a Cheerleader

Plot

Megan is an all-American girl. She's a cheerleader and has a boyfriend, but she doesn't like kissing him very much, and she's pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends, and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker. Her parents and friends conclude that she *must* be gay and send her off to "sexual redirection" school, full of admittedly homosexual misfits, where she can learn how to be straight. Will Megan be turned around to successful heterosexuality, or will she succumb to her love for the beautiful Graham?

Why watch

Megan is sent to a conversion therapy camp by her well-meaning but misguided parents, who believe her cheerleading and close friendships with girls indicate she is gay. As she navigates the absurdity of her surroundings, the film unfolds with a vibrant, campy aesthetic that challenges societal norms. Watching it feels like a joyful rebellion against conformity, filled with humor and heart as Megan discovers her true self amidst the chaos.

Talking points

• the impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ youth
• the role of humor in addressing serious topics
• the evolution of queer representation in film
• the significance of found family in marginalized communities

Cultural context

If you liked this