But I'm a Cheerleader 2000

Drama

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$2.6M

Runtime

85 min

Language

English

Directed by

Jamie Babbit

Made by

Lions Gate Films

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But I'm a Cheerleader Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for But I'm a Cheerleader (2000). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Seventeen-year-old Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is a cheerful high school senior, passionate about cheerleading and currently dating football player Jared (Brandt Wille). Although she enjoys many aspects of her life, kissing Jared isn’t one of them; in fact, she finds herself more intrigued by her fellow cheerleaders. This interest, alongside her vegetarian values and love for Melissa Etheridge, leads her family and friends to suspect that she might be a lesbian. In a misguided attempt to “help” her, they enlist the help of Mike ([RuPaul Charles]), who identifies as “ex-gay,” and stage an intervention that results in Megan being sent to True Directions—a reparative therapy camp designed to “convert” campers to heterosexuality through a rigorous five-step program reminiscent of Alcoholics Anonymous.

At True Directions, Megan encounters Mary Brown ([Cathy Moriarty]), the authoritative founder of the camp, as well as her son Rock (Eddie Cibrian) and a group of young adults who are struggling with their sexual orientation. Under the pressure of Mary and her peers, Megan reluctantly acknowledges her identity as a lesbian, which conflicts with her traditional and religious upbringing, leading to a period of turmoil as she strives to become straight. One of the camp’s early incidents involves a shocking discovery where Megan catches two boys, Dolph (Dante Basco) and Clayton (Kip Pardue), in a compromising situation, a moment that results in serious consequences for them.

The treatment program at True Directions involves a series of tasks aimed at forcing the campers to confront their sexuality, challenge their gender identities, and even simulate heterosexual behaviors. Throughout her journey, Megan forms a close friendship with Graham ([Clea DuVall]), a more self-accepting college student who is at the camp under threat of familial disownment. The group is subtly encouraged to rebel against Mary’s oppressive tactics by two so-called “failed graduates,” Larry and Lloyd (Richard Moll and Wesley Mann), leading to an adventure to a local gay bar where Megan and Graham’s relationship blossoms into romance.

Tension escalates when Mary discovers their escapades, prompting her to force the campers into a humiliating act of picketing. Megan’s love for Graham deepens, and after a night of intimacy, she becomes unapologetically herself. As the story unfolds, complications arise: Graham, weighed down by her family’s expectations, remains at the camp as Megan gets expelled and finds shelter with Larry and Lloyd. Determined to rescue both Graham and Clayton, Megan concocts a daring plan.

In an unexpected climax during the True Directions graduation ceremony, Megan, with Dolph’s assistance, attempts to liberate Graham. She passionately performs a cheer she created for Graham, declaring her love, which at last convinces Graham to join her. The film concludes with a powerful image of Megan’s parents (Mink Stole and Bud Cort) attending a PFLAG meeting as they begin to grapple with their daughter’s identity, signaling a new chapter in understanding and acceptance.

But I'm a Cheerleader Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Megan's Cheerleading Life

Seventeen-year-old Megan enjoys life as a high school senior, fully immersed in cheerleading and dating the football player Jared. Although she has many things to celebrate, she begins to feel disconnected from some aspects of her relationship with Jared, particularly in their intimate moments.

High School Senior Year High School

Growing Intrigues

Megan discovers her attraction to her fellow cheerleaders, which starts to raise eyebrows among family and friends. This newfound curiosity, along with her vegetarian values and love for artist Melissa Etheridge, leads to suspicions about her sexual orientation.

The Intervention

In an effort to 'help' her, Megan’s family mistakenly believes she needs guidance and enlists Mike, who identifies as 'ex-gay.' They stage an intervention that results in Megan being sent to the controversial True Directions camp for reparative therapy.

Megan's Home

Arrival at True Directions

Megan arrives at True Directions, a camp founded by the stern Mary Brown. Here, she meets other campers struggling with their sexual orientation, including Mary’s son, Rock, who becomes part of her journey at the camp.

True Directions Camp

Confrontation of Identity

Under pressure from Mary and her peers at the camp, Megan is forced to confront her true identity as a lesbian. This revelation leads her to struggle with the tension between her feelings and her traditional upbringing.

True Directions Camp

A Shocking Discovery

Megan experiences a shocking moment when she catches two male campers, Dolph and Clayton, in a compromising situation. This incident not only disrupts the camp's environment but also has serious repercussions for the boys involved.

True Directions Camp

Camp Dynamics Change

The treatment program at True Directions consists of various tasks aimed at forcing campers to confront their sexualities. Megan befriends Graham, a college student who is confident about her identity but struggles with family pressure.

True Directions Camp

Rebellion Against Authority

Encouraged by 'failed graduates' Larry and Lloyd, the campers plot a rebellion against Mary’s oppressive regime. This leads to a night out at a local gay bar, where Megan and Graham’s friendship deepens into romance.

Local Gay Bar

Facing Consequences

Upon discovering the campers’ escapades, Mary punishes them by forcing a humiliating picketing exercise. This act of discipline triggers further resistance among the campers, especially Megan and Graham, whose affection for one another is burgeoning.

True Directions Camp

Night of Intimacy

After a night together, Megan and Graham become more open about their feelings, allowing Megan to embrace her identity fully. However, Graham is still burdened by family expectations, creating tension in their relationship.

True Directions Camp

The Expulsion

Megan is ultimately expelled from True Directions, leaving her to find shelter with Larry and Lloyd. Despite this setback, she becomes determined to rescue Graham and Clayton, showing her steadfast commitment to her friends.

True Directions Camp

The Daring Plan

Megan devises a courageous plan to liberate Graham during the graduation ceremony at True Directions. With the help of Dolph, she aims to declare her love for Graham in a bold, memorable way.

Graduation Ceremony True Directions Camp

The Cheer Declaration

During the graduation ceremony, Megan performs a cheer she created specifically for Graham, passionately expressing her feelings. This public declaration convinces Graham to join her, solidifying their bond.

Graduation Ceremony True Directions Camp

A New Beginning

The story concludes with a poignant scene of Megan’s parents attending a PFLAG meeting. Their willingness to engage in conversations about their daughter's identity marks a significant step towards understanding and acceptance.

PFLAG Meeting

But I'm a Cheerleader Characters

Explore all characters from But I'm a Cheerleader (2000). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne)

Megan is a high school senior whose cheerful exterior hides her inner conflict with her sexual orientation. As she navigates the challenges of societal expectations and her own desires, she evolves from a compliant teenager to a confident young woman who embraces her true identity. Her journey is marked by self-discovery and rebellion against conformity.

👩‍🎓 Cheerleader 🌱 Self-Discovery

Graham (Clea DuVall)

Graham is a college student who represents self-acceptance and resilience. Throughout her time at True Directions, she grapples with her own family pressures while supporting Megan's journey. Her friendship with Megan blossoms into romance, illustrating the importance of love and solidarity in challenging circumstances.

💖 LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 Friendship

Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty)

As the authoritative figure at True Directions, Mary Brown embodies traditional values and societal expectations. Her oppressive tactics to enforce conformity are met with resistance from the campers, reflecting the antagonistic forces they must confront. Her character serves as a representation of systemic oppression within the narrative.

📏 Authority ⚖️ Oppression

But I'm a Cheerleader Settings

Learn where and when But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, addressing issues around LGBTQ+ identity and societal expectations in the late 1990s era. It reflects the cultural climate of that time, notably concerning gay rights and acceptance, alongside the pressures of traditional values.

Location

True Directions, Local Gay Bar

True Directions is a reparative therapy camp designed to convert campers to heterosexuality. It is run by the authoritative Mary Brown and serves as the primary setting for Megan's struggle with her identity. The local gay bar provides a contrasting atmosphere where Megan and her friends find acceptance and freedom, highlighting the diverse social landscapes around them.

🏕️ Camp 🍹 Bar

But I'm a Cheerleader Themes

Discover the main themes in But I'm a Cheerleader (2000). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🏳️‍🌈

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the film as Megan grapples with her sexual orientation amid societal pressures. Her journey explores self-acceptance and the conflict between personal truth and external expectations. The film emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self, regardless of societal norms.

✊

Rebellion

Megan and her fellow campers rebel against the oppressive structure of True Directions. Their acts of defiance symbolize the broader fight against conformity and highlight the importance of advocacy for one's own freedom. The journey towards liberation paints a vivid picture of resistance against repressive systems.

❤️

Love

The theme of love is explored through Megan's relationship with Graham and the friendships she forms at the camp. It signifies acceptance and the courage to love openly, showcasing how love can break down barriers and foster understanding. Their romance serves as a powerful narrative of authenticity.

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