But I’m a Cult Classic: How “But I’m A Cheerleader” is still relevant 27 years later
“This month's Supreme Court ruling legalizing conversion therapy has also made this movie even more important for us to talk about right now,” Wade Merrill, an LCC history professor, said. “Since while this is a comedy, it focuses on the use of conversion therapy.” Photo by Norbu Gyachung on Unsplash.
By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter
In 1999, Jamie Babbit made her feature film directorial debut with “But I’m a Cheerleader.” The film focused on conversion therapy, a largely discredited practice which attempts to change a person’s gender identity or sexual or romantic orientation, in a serious yet comical way. With the recent ruling from the Supreme Court—in which they overruled the ban on conversion therapy for youth in Colorado—this film is still relevant today.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” focuses on 17-year-old Megan Bloomfield. She is a cheerleader and dating Jared. However, Bloomfield does not enjoy kissing him. Instead, she would much rather look at her cheerleading peers. Her parents, mortified by this, send Bloomfield to a conversion therapy camp, where many “ex gays” that they know have attended. While there, Bloomfield meets Graham Eaton, a fellow camper who is very open about her gayness. They become close confidants, with feelings slowly developing.
The campers rebel against the camp by going to a local gay bar. Here is where Bloomfield and Eaton’s relationship becomes romantic. But their relationship gets discovered quickly, leading to Bloomfield—now comfortable in her sexuality—leaving the premises with Eaton staying behind.
Disowned and homeless, Bloomfield stays with other her friends, Larry and Lloyd, while forging a plan to save Eaton from the conversion camp. Bloomfield ends up saving Eaton through a cheer, finally winning her love, and they drive off with fellow campers Dalton and Clayton.
Historians at the Movies, in partnership with Lansing Pride, will be showing the film this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Dart Auditorium. After viewing the film, the two hosts—Wade Merrill of LCC’s history department and Brian Hercliff-Proffer, the vice president of Lansing Pride—will lead a discussion with students about the film. “We will be having some very serious conversations about an issue that impact students, faculty and staff here at LCC,” Merrill clarified. “That is why we also chose to have Lansing Pride as a co-sponsor for the event.”
Historians at the Movies hosts regular screenings examining different films throughout history. Students interested in the screenings can pay close attention to the events calendar on LCC’s website.
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