But I 39-m. Cheerleader ✦ Easy

These days, when someone tries to dismiss me with a smirk and a “but you’re a cheerleader,” I don’t get defensive. I don’t explain. I just smile—full, bright, the kind of smile that says I know something you don’t —and I say:

Just as Megan hid behind her pom-poms, we hide behind job titles, family roles, and social badges. The "cheerleader" represents the performative self —the version of us that is designed to be palatable to society. We use this phrase to reject complexity because complexity is terrifying. but i 39-m. cheerleader

And then, with the loudest, most joyful voice you can muster—like a captain leading a stadium in a chant—change the word. These days, when someone tries to dismiss me