But I'm a Cheerleader

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.