Regina George's Queer Identity Has Always Been Present

Since the original Mean Girls film hit screens in 2004, many in the LGBTQ+ community have embraced Regina George as a lesbian icon, despite the movie never explicitly addressing her sexuality. Fast forward to 2024, and the unofficially titled Mean Girls: The Musical: The Movie, based on the Broadway musical inspired by the original film (still with me?), doesn't outright declare Regina's queerness. However, it does fuel the argument for a queer reading of Regina, one that even those not well-versed in LGBTQ+ nuances can pick up on.

For years, Reneé Rapp, who stars as Regina, has been vocal about her belief that Regina George is a lesbian. Jokingly, she even claims that God clued her in on this fact. Now, reprising her role in the new film and with the release of her single "Not My Fault" from the soundtrack (featuring Megan Thee Stallion), where she belts out the line "Can a gay girl get an amen?"—Rapp takes Regina's queerness to a larger audience with a more explicit nod.

But, the question arises: was this explicit acknowledgment necessary, or is it a way to help everyone else catch up with the fact that Regina George is, and always has been, a lesbian?

A rewatch of the 2004 film reveals subtle cues – Regina's fixation on Cady, her apparent disinterest in her boyfriend, and starting a rumor about Janis Ian being gay. These elements have long sparked discussions among queer viewers about Regina's sexual identity, considering the possibility that her finger-pointing at Janis might be a diversion from her own potential queerness.

The 2024 film continues and builds on this narrative, offering an updated reason for the falling out between Janis and Regina. This time, Regina engages in more explicitly homophobic bullying, kissing Janis during a game of spin the bottle and claiming that Janis is "obsessed" with her. This, along with the decision to make Janis openly gay in the new version, strengthens the case for Regina's jealousy and internal struggles with her own identity.

Fans of Mean Girls who identify with the LGBTQ+ community often find echoes of their experiences in Regina's storyline. The new film takes Regina's character a step further, with Reneé Rapp playing up the sexual tension in scenes and explicitly portraying Regina as gay. Rapp has been open about her interpretation, emphasizing that it may not be everyone's view but remains true to her understanding of the character.

While art is subjective, and interpretations can vary, the consensus among those involved in the film is clear: Regina George is, and always has been, a lesbian. The new adaptation and the candid insights from the cast only serve to solidify this understanding, offering a refreshing perspective on a character that continues to resonate with diverse audiences.

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