Why the film “But I’m a Cheerleader” condemning conversion therapy remains an unheralded masterpiece

The words “conversion therapy” are often enough to send shivers down queer people’s spines. The antiquated pseudoscience involves trying to forcibly change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression into hetero, cis “normality.” It’s an extremely dangerous and insidious practice that’s led to generations of trauma, self-hatred, violence, and suicide. It’s also still completely legal in 21 states, and partially legal in others.

A number of recent films have explored conversion therapy, including The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Boy Erased, and the recent horror film They/Them. For the most part, these are serious dramas that hone in on the psychological torture, taking place in cold, clinical settings. For the first major American film to tackle conversion therapy, Jamie Babbit’s 1999 film But I’m a Cheerleader takes a very different approach. The film is a satirical comedy, camping and queering up conversion therapy at every turn to create an extremely funny, incisive, and wildly under-appreciated film.

The film follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a high-school cheerleader. She’s had a boyfriend for years, but when he kisses her, Megan finds herself…

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