There is a video on YouTube from drag icons Trixie Mattel & Katya, where Trixie asks Katya, “Why do you think gay people love horror so much?”. Katya says: “Because we love seeing straight people get killed.” Yes, this is sarcasm, but many gays would probably agree with this statement *winks!*. All jokes aside, let’s face it, there is a certain love that folx from the LGBTQ+ community have for horror movies.

Every Halloween, our social media timelines are flooded with pictures of friends gathered for fright-filled movie nights. But this love affair with the macabre goes beyond a seasonal costume party or even just a single horror movie night. There’s a deeper connection between gays and horror that transcends the thrill of a jump scare. So, why are we drawn to the shadows? The answer, like a good horror villain, is layered. It’s a combination of the outrageous, the relatable, and the strangely purifying.

Also read: A Look at Some Classic Horror Queer Icons

The Campiness:

First, let’s not underestimate the gushing power of camp. Camp isn’t just a one-time thing in our community – it’s a whole aesthetic to aspire for. It’s about celebrating the over-the-top, the dazzling, and the delightfully artificial. And no other genre delivers camp quite like horror!

Take “Scream,” a cult classic that has remained a gay horror classic even after all these years. It is known for its clever use of campy elements in each of its instalments, but nothing can beat the original. The movie shows a teenage girl threatened by a masked killer a year after the murder of her mother. It serves as satire as well as a tribute to classic horror movies of the past. The movie uses self-aware humor and iconic kills in service of the campiness. It’s scary in its approach and funny when it goes campy, and a must-watch for anyone who loves campy horror.

The Final Girl Trope:

Well, camp is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a deeper connection between the themes of horror and the LGBTQ+ experience. Many horror movies explore the identity of the outsider, the one who doesn’t fit in. This resonates deeply with a community that has historically faced marginalisation and societal rejection.

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Then comes the classic “final girl” trope – the brave, resourceful character who survives the massacre at the end of the movie. Iconic characters such as Sidney Prescott in “Scream” or Laurie Strode in “Halloween” become symbols of strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. In a world that often tries to silence or erase LGBTQ+ identities, these characters become powerful figures of resistance. We see ourselves in their fight for survival, cheering them on as they overcome the forces that seek to destroy them.

Facing our Fears:

Horror does more than scare us; it helps us face our biggest fears. This type of story allows us to explore our worries in a safe made-up world. For LGBTQ+ people, horror can show real fears of being attacked and pushed away.

Movies like “Get Out” (2017) that look at oppressive structures like racism, mirror how many marginalised folks feel removed from the world of others. Others like “Carrie” (1976) deal with worries about what society expects and what happens when you don’t fit in.

Another old-school scary movie with hints of queerness is “The Craft” (1996). This film digs into ideas about women gaining power and the dangers of trying to be like everyone else. It’s similar to how LGBTQ+ people may try to find friends who understand them in a world that often leaves them out.

Also read: Horror: A Queer Avenue to Walk Through Grief

Community and Shared Experiences:

The horror movie experience has a social aspect that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community. Friends gather, gasp, and scream together forming a special connection. These movie nights turn into rituals allowing people to bond over a shared love, whether secret or open.

Horror’s appeal goes beyond movie nights in LGBTQ+ culture. Drag queens create stunning horror-inspired looks, artists explore the genre, and Pride celebrations often include horror movie marathons. Horror becomes a common language in many ways helping to build connections and community within the broader LGBTQ+ world.

The Final Scare: A Celebration of the Different

When you see a bunch of LGBTQ+ people talking about a scary movie, don’t be surprised. We’re just having fun with our favourite genre, trying to find heroes, and maybe seeing bits of ourselves in the spooky parts of these tales. LGBTQ+ folks love horror for more than just the thrill; it’s about enjoying the over-the-top stuff, relating to the underdog, and letting out our fears. It shows how powerful stories can be and how a scary movie can bring us together even as it gives us goosebumps.

Also read: The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Poignant Gothic Romance

Our love for horror isn’t just about snacks and getting scared. It’s about seeing strength in characters who fight to live facing society’s fears through these movies, and feeling close to others who share the same experiences. From cheesy old movies to films that clearly show LGBTQ+ themes, horror gives us a chance to think about ourselves, feel strong, and cheer for those who aren’t afraid to be different. So, call your friends, turn the lights down, and don’t be scared of the dark. You might just see yourself – and a whole group of people like you – looking back at you.