A cheerleader trying to fit into social norms is assumed to be a lesbian, thereby being sent to a gay conversion therapy camp by her parents, where she inadvertently makes discoveries about herself and her sexuality.
1999 was the last year of a century of changing times, and film was the greatest reflection of those differences as time wore on. Acceptance of homosexuality in film was just beginning to happen, but there was still a long uphill battle ahead. One that still hasn’t truly been won. And you can see just how resistant the societal landscape was by how hard conservative reviewers trashed the wonderful attempt at representation that is But I’m A Cheerleader, an engaging, lightly comedic and deeply touching movie about the disgusting practice of conversion therapy. Not to mention the fact that the MPAA was all but determined to give the film a death sentence with an NC-17 rating, specifically because homosexuality was considered to be so controversial. Luckily, it was edited down to an R, but that still didn’t help it to be accepted at the box office.
Directed by Jamie Babbitt, a lesbian, from a screenplay written by Brian Wayne Peterson, a gay man, they’re the perfect duo to have breathed life into this important story. With their own experiences being unabashedly brought to the screen, specifically those gained from their own exposures to conversion therapy, But I’m A Cheerleader feels personal and realistic, which is exactly what we gain when we make space for underrepresented voices in film. The heartbreaking fact that these conversion therapy camps aren’t a work of fiction, and that the over the top behavior of those in charge is a realistic depiction and not full fledged satire, is disturbing and something that needs to be discussed more, especially by those who have been through them.
With Natasha Lyonne as the lead character, and titular cheerleader, Megan, and real life lesbian Clea DuVall as her endearing love interest, Graham, the cast is perfect for each role and it only helps to draw you into the story, which is important, because anybody who doesn’t understand what members of the LGBTQ community must endure, who happens to give this film a watch, will feel like they can fully relate to them, and put themselves in their shoes. Featuring gay icon RuPaul in a pivotal role, and Julie Delpy in a small but enjoyable part, But I’m A Cheerleader is fully fleshed out with a fantastic cast, and you’re bound to find someone to like, and maybe even love, along the way. Even if a few of the characters sometimes feel like flat stereotypes instead of real people.
One of the things about the film that drew a lot of ire in particular was the vivid and gender themed color palette. Utilizing bright pinks and blues and giving the whole project an almost bubblegum feel might turn some away, but truth be told, it amplifies the message of the film and really helps to drive it home. Not to mention the fun score, featuring music by RuPaul himself, as well as Go Sailor, Wanda Jackson and Dressy Bessy, which goes hand in hand with the lightly comedic tones of the film.
Bright, humorous and heartfelt, But I’m A Cheerleader is an enjoyable movie that has a lot to say, too. And it’s still poignant now, as gay conversion therapy still exists, despite the facts that prove its falsity. Maybe if a few more people watched this one, we could abolish the hate disguised as the belief in conversion.