But I'm A Cheerleader -

, Michelle Williams , and Rosario Dawson (considered for the lead) Mink Stole and Bud Cort as Megan’s parents Legacy & Impact

Released in 1999, is a satirical romantic comedy that has evolved from a critically panned indie film into a definitive LGBTQ+ cult classic. Directed by Jamie Babbit, the film uses a vibrant, "candy-colored" aesthetic to lampoon the absurdity of conversion therapy and rigid gender roles. Plot & Themes But I'm a Cheerleader

The film features an impressive ensemble cast of then-rising stars and cult icons: as Megan Bloomfield Clea DuVall as Graham Eaton RuPaul (appearing out of drag) as Mike , Michelle Williams , and Rosario Dawson (considered

: Rather than being "fixed," Megan meets Graham (Clea DuVall), a rebellious lesbian, and the two fall in love, leading Megan to embrace her true identity. : Led by the stern Mary Brown (Cathy

: Led by the stern Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty) and "ex-gay" counselor Mike (RuPaul), the camp attempts to "cure" students through stereotypical gender performance—girls do housework in pink, while boys do manual labor in blue.

: Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne), a seemingly "perfect" high school cheerleader, is sent to a residential conversion camp called True Directions after her parents and friends stage an intervention.

: The film highlights the silliness of gendered expectations, such as "the root" of homosexuality being blamed on things like "born in France" or a mother wearing pants. Production & Cast