Queer Screams: A History of LGBTQ+ Survival Through the Lens of American Horror Cinema

The horror genre reflects the American queer experience, providing catharsis and reclamation for queer people. It explores how terror can repair a shattered queer heart, from psychiatry to homophobic fear of HIV/AIDS spread and alienation and self-determination in the Trump era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The horror genre has a profound connection to the American queer experience, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, both overtly and subtextually. From the lumbering, flower-picking monster of Frankenstein (1931) to the fearless intersectional protagonist of the Fear Street Trilogy (2021), the genre has mirrored the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. This book offers a historical exploration of the queer roots of the horror genre, documenting how diverse stories have provided a cathartic outlet for queer people, including transgender and non-binary individuals, to find healing and reclaim their identities.

Freaks, dolls, serial killers, telekinetic teenagers, and Final Girls all play significant roles in the historical examination of the American LGBTQ+ experience. Spanning from psychiatry to homophobic fears of HIV/AIDS spread and, more recently, the alienation and self-determination of queer America in the Trump era, this book delves into the ways in which terror can mend a shattered queer heart.

The horror genre has long been a site of exploration and expression for LGBTQ+ individuals, providing a means to confront and challenge societal norms and expectations. It has allowed queer people to subvert stereotypes and reclaim their power, creating a space where they can be seen and heard in a way that is often marginalized or erased.

However, the horror genre has not always been a safe or welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Throughout history, the genre has been used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and marginalize queer characters, often reinforcing harmful attitudes and beliefs. For example, in the early days of cinema, horror films were often used to scare and disgust audiences, with LGBTQ+ characters often portrayed as monsters or villains.

Despite these challenges, the horror genre has continued to evolve and become more inclusive over time. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of representation and diversity in the genre, with more queer characters and storylines being featured in horror films and television shows. This has led to a greater sense of acceptance and understanding among audiences, and has helped to break down the barriers that have historically prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from fully participating in the horror genre.

One of the most notable examples of the horror genre's queer roots is the work of filmmaker John Waters. Waters is known for his subversive and campy films, which often explore themes of gender and sexuality. His films, such as Pink Flamingos (1972) and Polyester (1981), have been credited with paving the way for the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the horror genre.

Waters' films often feature queer characters who are unapologetically themselves, challenging traditional gender and sexual norms. They are often portrayed as glamorous and confident, defying the stereotypes that are often associated with LGBTQ+ individuals. This representation has helped to break down the barriers that have prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from being seen as worthy and valid members of society.

In addition to Waters' work, the horror genre has also been a site of exploration for the themes of LGBTQ+ identity and sexuality. Many horror films and television shows have tackled the challenges and struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including discrimination, marginalization, and violence. These stories have provided a means for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with others who share their experiences and to find validation and support in a genre that is often seen as taboo.

One of the most notable examples of this is the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which ran from 1997 to 2003. Buffy is a young woman who is faced with a variety of supernatural challenges, including vampires, demons, and other supernatural creatures. However, she is also dealing with her own identity and sexuality, which is often complicated and challenging.

Throughout the series, Buffy explores her bisexuality and her relationship with her best friend, Willow. She is also faced with discrimination and marginalization from her family and peers, who do not understand or accept her sexuality. However, Buffy is determined to be herself and to fight for the rights of others, and she uses her supernatural powers to help those in need.

Another notable example of the horror genre's exploration of LGBTQ+ identity and sexuality is the film The Babadook, which was released in 2014. The Babadook is a horror film about a mother who becomes increasingly concerned about her young son's obsession with a monster that appears in his dreams. As the mother delves deeper into the monster's origins, she discovers that it is a manifestation of her own trauma and fears, which are rooted in her own experiences as a queer woman.

The film explores the themes of trauma, mental health, and the intersection of gender and sexuality, providing a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a queer woman's experience. It has been praised for its ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and empathy, and has been credited with helping to break down the barriers that have prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from being seen as fully human.

In conclusion, the horror genre has a profound connection to the American queer experience, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, both overtly and subtextually. From the lumbering, flower-picking monster of Frankenstein to the fearless intersectional protagonist of the Fear Street Trilogy, the genre has mirrored the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. This book offers a historical exploration of the queer roots of the horror genre, documenting how diverse stories have provided a cathartic outlet for queer people, including transgender and non-binary individuals, to find healing and reclaim their identities.

While the horror genre has not always been a safe or welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, it has continued to evolve and become more inclusive over time. The work of filmmakers such as John Waters and the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer have paved the way for greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals in the genre. The horror genre has also been a site of exploration for the themes of LGBTQ+ identity and sexuality, providing a means for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with others who share their experiences and to find validation and support in a genre that is often seen as taboo. As the genre continues to evolve and grow, it is important to continue to promote diversity and representation in order to ensure that all LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe and welcome within it.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 151 x 224 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687421