A fabulous movie, “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999) on Amazon Prime, explores a young woman’s struggles with her sexuality and her journey through conversion therapy. Despite the serious subject, there is still a flare of humor. The story starts with the main character Meagan Bloomfield getting ready for a state cheer competition. Meagan is the perfect stereotypical, straight girl: she cheers, she goes to church and has a handsome boyfriend. But she doesnt like kissing her boyfriend, and finds herself thinking about her friends instead. This leads Megan to True Directions, a conversion therapy program.  

This movie features lots of iconic gay actors, such as Clea Duval, as the main love interest, and RuPaul (yes that one) as a leader at True Directions. Main character Megan is played by Natasha Leone, a vocal LGBT ally. This cast allows for this iconic gay film to poke fun at stereotypes in a tongue-in-cheek way. There are scenes in the movie that are so cringe it hurts,like in the end sex simulation scene, but these scenes work to portray the absurdity of conversion therapy.

This movie is made to look dated; the film used is grainy and uses saturated colors. But the movie also utilizes bright, fun colors; all actors wear bright pink or blue outfits, and all rooms at True Directions are decorated in bright colors. The director also utilizes cinematography to show emotions and personalities rather than just telling the audience. 

This film beautifully balances the sad truth of being gay, with comedy and hope. Near the end of the film, when Megan and love interest Graham fall in love, Megan’s parents disown her. This scene is similar to what many gay youth experience and is a very sad point in the film, but Megan is able to find a supportive community with two gay men, who had also been to True Directions, took her under their wings, and helped her try to win back Graham.
The film isn’t all perfect however. Some of the messages are a little outdated like the constant reminder of gender roles, which serves the film, but still makes me uncomfortable. Another issue I have with the movie is that the main character Megan isn’t very likable. At one point in the movie, she rats out two other boys in a relationship, while she herself was having a relationship with Graham.

All-in-all this movie is awesome. It rightfully deserves its cult following and has secured its place as an iconic gay film.