Back in 1999, few could have predicted that a quirky rom-com set at a conversion therapy camp, starring Natasha Lyonne, would become a beloved LGBTQ+ cult classic. Jamie Babbit’s But I’m A Cheerleader premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was initially panned by critics, but today it’s recognized as groundbreaking, hilarious, and revolutionary in its representation of lesbian characters.
Babbit’s audacious debut is more than just a rom-com; it’s a biting satire that tackles gender stereotypes and the absurdity of conversion therapy with wit and style. Featuring a campy yet heartfelt story, the film follows Megan Bloomfield (Lyonne), a seemingly all-American cheerleader whose conservative parents send her to a conversion camp after suspecting she might be gay. At the camp, Megan is thrust into a bizarre five-step program designed to “cure” her of her homosexuality. But things take a hilarious and heartwarming turn when Megan falls for rebellious fellow camper Graham, played by Clea DuVall.
Reflecting on her inspiration, Babbit says she wanted to create a movie that felt like it represented her own experiences as a young femme lesbian. “I didn’t see any movies about lesbians that felt like a movie for me,” Babbit explains. “I wanted to tell a story of a femme lesbian who rescues a butch lesbian, using her femme powers of cheerleading to do that.”
At the time of the film’s release, queer cinema was still finding its footing in the mainstream, with many LGBTQ+ films focusing on darker themes. But I’m A Cheerleader stood out by embracing humor, even as it dealt with serious issues. Babbit’s decision to infuse comedy into a story about conversion therapy was bold, and she credits it with helping the film resonate. “If you don’t laugh, you’re crying,” she says.
The film also helped pave the way for a more playful strain of queer cinema, influencing future works like D.E.B.S. and Bottoms. Its campy aesthetic, including brightly colored uniforms and a Barbie Dreamhouse-esque setting, added to its charm. Conversion therapy is treated with the satire it deserves, as the film highlights the ridiculousness of enforcing outdated gender norms.
Despite its initial struggles—facing an NC-17 rating and disappointing box office returns—the film has achieved cult status. Its influence can be seen in music videos like MUNA’s Silk Chiffon, and its legacy is echoed in more recent films like The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Babbit reflects on the film’s lasting impact with pride: “I just knew there was nothing like it.”
Today, But I’m A Cheerleader is celebrated for its vibrant humor, campy aesthetic, and optimistic portrayal of young queer love. Its trailblazing role in LGBTQ+ cinema is undeniable, and its message continues to resonate with new generations.
Also read:Kendall Jenner Embraces Blonde Ambition, Debuts Golden Locks In Style
