🎬 But I’m a Cheerleader

Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne) is a sweet, popular high school cheerleader who seems to have the perfect suburban life, complete with a football-player boyfriend. However, her parents and friends become convinced she is a closeted lesbian, citing her vegetarianism, love for Melissa Etheridge, and lack of interest in her boyfriend.

Surprised and staged with an intervention, Megan is sent to "True Directions"—a residential conversion therapy camp run by the rigid Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty) and her ex-gay assistant Mike (RuPaul). The camp uses hyper-gendered stereotypes and a five-step program to "cure" its attendees. Instead of turning straight, Megan realizes her true sexual orientation and falls deeply in love with Graham Eaton (Clea DuVall), a confident and rebellious fellow camp inmate.

💡 Did you know?
Jamie Babbit's Feature Debut: Director Jamie Babbit was inspired to make the film after reading an article about conversion therapy camps, choosing to tackle the horrific subject through bright, colorful satire.

RuPaul Out of Drag: Drag superstar RuPaul Charles makes a memorable out-of-drag appearance playing Mike, the ex-gay counselor wearing an iconic "Straight is Great" t-shirt.

Hyper-Saturated Aesthetics: The film’s striking aesthetic features absurdly vivid artificial colors—intense pastel pinks for girls and baby blues for boys—designed to visually mock enforced gender binaries.

Queer Cult Milestone: Initially panned by mainstream critics upon release, the film has undergone a massive critical reappraisal and is now celebrated as one of the definitive LGBTQ+ cult comedies of the 1990s.

⭐ Film Evaluation & Ratings 📈
⭐ Global Critical & Cult Consensus: 7.8 / 10 (85% Director's Cut Audience Score / 6.8 IMDb)

A beloved cornerstone of modern queer cinema, praised for its sharp satire, vibrant visual style, and the undeniable romantic chemistry between Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall.

🎨 Visual & Satirical Craft: 8.6 / 10

Babbit's use of surreal, campy set designs and exaggerated color palettes serves as a brilliant parody of conservative gender norms and conversion therapy absurdities.

📝 Portal Recommendation:

An essential cornerstone for Queer Cult Cinema Spotlights, 90s LGBTQ+ Comedies, and Camp Satire Archives. A perfect feature to pair alongside titles like Serial Mom (1994), D.E.B.S. (2004), or Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999).