Munroe Bergdorf's Spark Is But I'm A Cheerleader

Munroe Bergdorf's Spark Is But I'm A Cheerleader

Author: Adam Unze - Music & Film Interviews July 16, 2025 Duration: 30:14
The Spark Parade
MusicFilmInterviewsTvTV & Film

Activist, model, and writer Munroe Bergdorf sits down with Adam to talk about her spark: the cult classic queer comedy But I’m a Cheerleader. Hear Munroe’s personal story discovering the film, why it remains a game-changer for queer representation, and how its fearless humor and camp style shaped her path as a trailblazer.


What’s Inside

  • Origin Story: Munroe shares the story of renting But I’m a Cheerleader from Blockbuster as a teen and finding queer joy, self-acceptance, and unexpected inspiration from the now-iconic film.
  • Queer Visibility in Film: Learn how the movie’s razor-sharp satire of conversion therapy, pastel aesthetic, and joyful queer storytelling offered both healing and laughter during hard times.
  • Representation Matters: Adam and Munroe discuss why authentic, joyful queer stories—made by queer creators—matter, especially in a world where LGBTQIA+ voices are often silenced.
  • Reflections on Activism: Munroe talks about the legacy of growing up queer during Section 28 in the UK, the importance of supportive community, and how media like But I’m a Cheerleader paved the way for her own work as an activist, author, and media leader.
  • Cultural Impact: Explore the enduring influence of But I’m a Cheerleader—from its legendary cast (including RuPaul, Natasha Lyonne, and Clea DuVall) to its impact on generations of queer audiences and creatives.

About Munroe Bergdorf

Munroe Bergdorf is a globally recognized writer, model, broadcaster, and LGBTQIA+ activist. She’s British Vogue’s contributing editor, an award-winning author, and the star of LOVE & RAGE: MUNROE BERGDORF, the brand-new documentary telling her own story and the fight for trans visibility. Her second book, Talk To Me, is out now.


About But I’m a Cheerleader

Released in 1999 and directed by Jamie Babbit, But I’m a Cheerleader is a groundbreaking queer comedy that follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne) as she’s sent to a conversion therapy camp. Its pastel sets, absurdist humor, and focus on authentic queer joy have made it one of the most beloved LGBTQIA+ movies of all time.


Why Listen?

  • Perfect for fans of Munroe Bergdorf, queer cinema, pop culture buffs, and anyone looking for heartfelt conversations about identity and inspiration.
  • Get real talk about coming out, forging pride through media, and how stories like But I’m a Cheerleader continue to spark hope and creativity.





The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.


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What single piece of art-an album, a film, a television show-fundamentally altered your creative path? That's the central question of The Spark Parade, a podcast hosted by Adam Unze. This isn't a standard interview format; it's a focused excavation of a singular, transformative work. Each conversation with an actor, musician, or cultural icon revolves entirely around that one catalytic piece of culture that ignited their journey. The discussion delves into the personal history and emotional resonance of the work, whether it's a cult classic or a mainstream hit, tracing how its influence continues to echo through their life and career. Listeners are invited into these intimate reflections, hearing stories from artists like Margaret Cho and Maya about the moments of inspiration that sparked everything. The podcast operates at the intersection of music, film, and personal narrative, offering a unique lens on the creative process. By concentrating on a single artifact, each episode provides a deep, nuanced portrait of both the artist and the art that made them. You'll come away from the podcast not just with a recommendation, but with an understanding of how art shapes identity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Podcast Episodes
Lubalin's Spark Is ET [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:50
Singer and musician Lubalin has been infatuated with Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi family movie E.T. The story's emotional depth and (for a kids movie) surprisingly complex character development stuck with him from t…
Bastille's Spark Is Wes Craven's Scream [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:08
Bastille front man Dan Smith first saw Scream as a pre-teen and instead of being terrified, he was instantly hooked on the horror genre. It was also his gateway to a whole world of cinema, including films by directors li…
Rosie Lowe's Spark Is Erykah Badu's Mama's Gun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
Singer and songwriter Rosie Lowe became infatuated with Erykah Badu's second album Mama's Gun at an early age. She's continued to love its eclectic musicality and powerful melodies into adulthood. But it's the lyrics tha…
Good News, Bad News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:18
The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film o…
Orla Gartland's Spark Is Imogen Heap's Ellipse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
Irish singer, songwriter and musician Orla Gartland has always been fascinated by Imogen Heap's unique approach to music making. Her use of ambient sounds and new technologies has always pushed Heap's work to the forefro…
KIMBRA's Spark Is The Love Below [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
Singer/songwriter KIMBRA loves the creativity and experimentation that runs through The Love Below, Andre 3000's half of Outcast's monster hit double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. She loves his fearlessness and its…
Travis' Fran Healy's Spark Is Aftersun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:04
Travis front man Fran Healy first heard about the Academy Award nominated film Aftersun in an interview about the importance of music in film. This reference would resonate through Healy's relationship with the film. It…
Noga Erez's Spark Is Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
Singer, songwriter and producer Noga Erez first taste of Kendrick Lamar's masterpiece To Pimp A Butterfly came when its smash hit single Alright was played for her on the set of one of her music videos. From there, she q…

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