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

by Abigail Waldron

The horror genre mirrors the American queer experience, both positively and negatively, overtly and subtextually, from the lumbering, flower-picking monster of Frankenstein (1931) to the fearless intersectional protagonist of the Fear Street Trilogy (2021). This is a historical look at the queer experiences of the horror genre's characters, performers, authors and filmmakers. Offering a fresh look at the horror genre's queer roots, this book documents how diverse stories have provided an outlet for queer people--including transgender and non-binary people--to find catharsis and reclamation. Freaks, dolls, serial killers, telekinetic teenagers and Final Girls all have something to contribute to the historical examination of the American LGBTQ+ experience. Ranging from psychiatry to homophobic fear of HIV/AIDS spread and, most recently, the alienation and self-determination of queer America in the Trump era, this is a look into how terror may repair a shattered queer heart.

Genres: Horror, Nonfiction, Queer, History, LGBT

237 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2022

Reviews

[Nev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking at queer representation in horror films is something I love doing. So I was super excited to read this book since it seemed right up my alley. But ultimately I think this is a book that could be better appreciated by people who haven’t already done deep dives into the history and evolution of queerness in horror.

This felt pretty entry level, like I was constantly filling in extra details about the films mentioned instead of the book telling me that information. For instance The Uninvited (1944) and Rebecca (1940) were talked about as movies that attracted lesbian audiences back in the day. But the author never explains what exactly in those movies was attracting queer women. I was able to fill in the blanks because I’ve seen those movies but it just felt like the book should’ve told me why. So this book could be a good starting point for people to find movies or avenues that they want to study more closely.

I did appreciate that the author included information about what was happening socially and politically in the US in terms of queer rights/acceptance along with the information about the movies. It helped to place the stories in the context of what the filmmakers could’ve been responding to or how audiences would’ve perceived the messages of the films. I also enjoyed how modern this book was since it was published in 2022. It definitely covered some newer films that I haven’t read about in other books.

While I did find things to enjoy about this book, it ultimately just left me wanting more. So many times a movie or a concept would be brought up and I was like “oh interesting! Say more about this!” but then it would just switch to the next thing.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very thoroughly researched and well-written! The author’s passion shines throughout the analysis given and makes the content naturally engaging. I would recommend this book to anyone— it is smart, incisive, and cleverly reveals countless movie details to illustrate the larger connection between queerness and horror.

[Alise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent foundational work on queerness in American horror. It makes the information accessible and easy to understand while still being thoroughly researched and well done. I loved the Infographs at the beginning of the chapter which couch the movies discussed in the important societal events of the time.

[Sadifura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent and genuinely had some excellent analysis of older films like A Haunting and Freaks, but the author genuinely lacked intersectionality towards bisexual and transgender experiences. Some of the analysis at times was also a bit shallow, and the author's assertion that Rocky Horror Picture Show was reclamatory for everyone did not please me, as a pansexual who is tired of "pansexual rapist" stereotypes and I'm sure the many transgender women and transfeminine nonbinary people would find displeasure with the "transfeminine coded rapist" stereotype. Overall, a 3.5 stars rounded down to a 3.

[Galadriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. Like a term paper, dense and dry. Worth a skim for sure - looked at all the pics and read bits and pieces throughout, but not very reader-friendly for the non-academic. Hoping It Came From The Closet is a bit more accessible.

[Jen Johnson]

This is well researched on an interesting topic, but it’s more scholarly than I’m ready for right now.

[Diana Marie Denza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched and written. It’s a great introductory level text on queer horror — perfect for my college students.

[Matt Sautman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cursory exploration of queer horror that is as much a book about queer history as it is about film.

[Allyssa Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fascinating read! Coincidentally, this book was published right around the time I was taking a class on LGBTQ representation in film & tv. I had no idea the origins of queer representation (or lack thereof) in horror. If you are part of the LGBTQ community, an ally, or simply fascinated by the history of horror and LGBTQ representation in it, I’d highly recommend this book!