The Best Quotes From ‘But I’m A Cheerleader’ To Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary

But I’m A Cheerleader is a 2000 cult classic rom com that centers on Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a popular cheerleader who is sent to a two-month long conversion therapy camp when her parents begin to suspect she may be attracted to women.

Amongst other queer teens, Megan realizes her parents were right—but through the camp’s rigorous heteronormative practices, she begins to wonder if that’s really a bad thing after all.

This film not only challenges gender norms, but it’s also a celebration of queerness and personal identity. Even 25 years later, it remains relevant and, quite frankly, iconic, reminding us that it doesn’t hurt to allow people to be who they truly are—but it does hurt them to try to force them to become someone else. Another perk of this movie? It’s also incredibly funny.

Here are the best quotes from But I’m A Cheerleader to help us ring in it’s 25th anniversary:

1.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): Everyone reads ‘Cosmo.’ Everyone looks at other girls. All the time.

Dolph (Dante Basco): But you only assume that they’re thinking what you’re thinking when they look. But they’re not.

Megan: I thought everybody had those thoughts.

2.

Hilary (Melanie Lynskey): It’s really easy to be a prude when you’re not attracted to him, isn’t it?

3.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): Oh my god, they were right. I’m a homo!

4.

Mike (RuPaul): I, myself, was once a gay. Now I’m an ex-gay, Megan.

5.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): Your parents didn’t stay very long.

Graham (Clea DuVall): Well, I imagine it gets uncomfortable sitting that long with a stick up your *ss.

6.

Joel (Joel Michaely): I mean, you’re more than just a sissy. You’re nice and clean and smart… and sexy and firm and luscious and…

Andre (Douglas Spain): Excuse me! The last thing I need right now is some fruit who’s just proved himself straight telling my *ss how sexy I am!

7.

Hilary (Melanie Lynskey): This is where we sleep, but there’s no inappropriate behavior allowed.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): Inappropriate? Like swearing?

Graham (Clea DuVall): No, inappropriate like f*cking.

8.

Mike (RuPaul): Boys! Don’t you see how sad and pathetic you all are? Always wanting something you can’t have. If I catch you looking at another man like that ever again, you’ll be watching sports… the whole weekend!

9.

Graham (Clea DuVall): You are who you are. The only trick is not getting caught.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): How’d you end up here?

Graham: I got caught.

10.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): So, it sounds stupid to you, but I really love it. Cheerleading’s the one thing that’s kept me happy. It’s exhilarating.

Graham (Clea DuVall):  I would love to see you cheer.

Megan: Don’t make fun of me!

Graham: No, I’m not. I’m not. Don’t you think maybe I’m just jealous that you love something?

11.

Graham (Clea DuVall): I don’t like Sinead that way.

Graham (Clea DuVall): What way is that? Clothed?

12.

Joel (Joel Michaely): What about foreplay?

Mary (Cathy Moriarty): No! Foreplay is for sissies! Real men go in, unload, and pull out!

13.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): I’m not supposed to like you.

Graham (Clea DuVall): But?

Megan: I wanna do that again.

14.

Andre (Douglas Spain): Congratulations, liars! You know who you are and you know who you want. Ain’t nothing gonna change that.

15.

Megan (Natasha Lyonne): 1, 2, 3, 4, I won’t take no anymore. 5, 6, 7, 8, I want you to be my mate. 1, 2, 3, 4, you’re the one that I adore. 5, 6, 7, 8, don’t run from me ’cause this is fate.

For more film and TV quotes (and more), check out Quote Catalog!