The first time I picked up 'But I'm a Cheerleader,' I was expecting a lighthearted romp, but wow, did it deliver so much more. At its core, it's a sharp, satirical take on conversion therapy, following Megan, a high school cheerleader who gets sent to a camp to 'correct' her sexuality. The book balances humor and heartbreak brilliantly—imagine the absurdity of forced heterosexuality lessons mixed with the raw vulnerability of self-discovery.
What really stuck with me was how the story doesn’t shy away from the trauma of these programs but also celebrates queer resilience. The side characters, like Graham, add layers of rebellion and tenderness. It’s one of those stories that makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, then punches you right in the feels. I still think about Megan’s defiant prom scene months later.