But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)

But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)

Synopsis – A naïve teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian – But I’m A Cheerleader.

Director – Jamie Babbit

Starring – Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, Michelle Williams, RuPaul

Genre – Comedy | Drama | Romance

Released – 1999

If you liked: Writstcutters: A True Love Story, Not Another Teen Movie, Heathers

But I’m A Cheerleader is basically a coming-out movie, but in the teen romance genre where ‘gay movies’ are effectively divided into two types; coming out or stuck in a struggling relationship. This is one of the more unique properties, a biting satire of conservative and religious views towards homosexuality, made at a time when non-heterosexual movies were extremely formulaic.

Sure, But I’m A Cheerleader includes a few stereotypical characters and narrative points, strong acting across the board and not wanting to shy away from twisting stereotypes for comedic effect, which helps to show contempt for the view that you need to conform to for in and that homosexuality is a choice that people can change through conversion therapy.

But I’m A Cheerleader, it’s a charming, funny, and surreal movie about the struggles some teenagers go through when they’re forced by society to conform to something they’re not and the damage that can cause.