But I'm a Cheerleader

The song Rock dances to is RuPaul's (Mike) "Party Train."

INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

Melanie Lynskey was Jamie Babbit's first choice for the role of Hilary after the director saw her in Heavenly Creatures (1994) and Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998). Lynskey had also already worked with Natasha Lyonne (Megan) on Detroit Rock City (1999).

CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

Despite mixed reviews and a limited release, the film endured within the LGBTQIA+ community for its fervent rejection of heteronormativity and its celebration of queerness at every stage of production. It has since become a cult film.

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Clea DuVall and Natasha Lyonne both appeared as guest judges on RuPaul's show RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) in season 11, in two consecutive weeks.

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Natasha Lyonne appeared on RuPaul's podcast (RuPaul: What's the Tee? with Michelle Visage) and discussed her casting experience on the film. Clea DuVall and Natasha were friends before production began. The two were driving together when Natasha (then 18) spotted the script in the car and asked whether she could be in the film. Clea took the role of Graham. They had not yet cast the role of Megan. Director Jamie was persuaded to cast Natasha, who at the time identified as a stone butch and showed up to the audition dressed entirely in black.

CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

Graham's tattoo is the Chinese character for "star."

INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

It was Jamie Babbit's directorial debut. Financing was secured on the basis of a short film loosely focused on the film's plot. For the film's mood and tone, she aimed for a queer version of Clueless (1995).

PRODUCTION STORY · SOURCED

In 2005, the New York Musical Theatre Festival hosted a musical stage adaptation of But I'm a Cheerleader, written by librettist and lyricist Bill Augustin and composer Andrew Abrams. The production, featuring 18 original songs, was directed by Daniel Goldstein and starred Chandra Lee Schwartz as Megan. It played at St. Clement's in New York in September 2005. RuPaul attended one performance during the run.

CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

Michelle Williams (Kimberly) was already a young star at the time the film was shot. She loved the script and wanted to be part of the production so much that, even in a small role, she got permission to take leave from her regular series role on Dawson's Creek (which was shot in Wilmington, North Carolina) and flew to Santa Clarita, California, to appear in a small part.

INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

RuPaul later worked with director Jamie Babbit on Girl Boss (2017). Natasha Lyonne worked with Babbit on Russian Doll (2019).

INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

Director and co-writer Jamie Babbit's mother ran a youth rehabilitation home called "New Directions" in Cleveland, Ohio, which served as the inspiration for the film.

DEEPER MEANING · SOURCED

It was Kip Pardue's first film. It was also Heidi Sulzman's first film.

INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

James Franco auditioned for a role but was not cast.

CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

After Megan sneaks off to have sex with Graham, Mary and the others surround Megan's bed the next morning to confront her. Sinead is seen smirking at Megan, implying that she told on Megan and Graham.

DEEPER MEANING · SOURCED