The number of US mass shootings surpasses days in 2023 so far. However, our government is more concerned with waging a legislative war on LGBTQ+ people, such as with the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws. Rage is a reasonable reaction to our country’s hypocrisies, and our art should express it, including the art form that is the horror genre. In this article, I’ll show you a few modern queer horror movies that channel some of our community’s pain and (queer) rage in inspirational ways.
Drag & Horror
As of April 25th of this year, there have been 166 anti-drag attacks nationwide (also surpassing days in 2023 so far) amidst anti-drag bills spearheaded by Tennessee’s ban on drag shows in public spaces. Yet, drag artists continue to show up and turn out. Each performance–fierce, campy, emotional, or otherwise–is a protest against the status quo, which is how drag has always been. Drag, like horror, has always been political.
In Death Drop Gorgeous (2020), a local drag bar is preyed upon by a mysterious killer. You won’t find much overt political commentary in this campy slasher, but that’s the point. This indie gem, by just existing, is a big middle finger to those who wish to silence members of our community.
It also helps that the movie’s hilarious. It’s a reminder that we can turn rage into humor. Bursting at the seams with drag representation that runs the gamut (I see myself as a Tragedi), I love the escape Death Drop Gorgeous gives anyone who needs it.
You can stream Death Drop Gorgeous (2020) on Shudder.
Us vs. The Healthcare System
One in six LGBTQ adults, according to a 2017 survey, report avoiding healthcare due to worries of discrimination. Considering the 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year that could become law, those concerns aren’t without merit. Speaking from experience, it’s enraging when the healthcare system fails you amidst a crisis, and it’s one of the reasons disparities persist.
Hypochondriac (2022) shows a gay man named Will (played by Zach Villa) fighting against a mental breakdown. Unfortunately, the healthcare professionals he consults with along the way are mostly useless, so the situation worsens. This queer psychological horror is from Will’s perspective, which makes for a horrific ride. The filmmaker, Addison Heimann, said the movie’s based on his mental breakdown.
I could afford better healthcare if I had a dime for every doctor who gave me the same canned diagnosis given to Will. Art is an escape but also a catalyst for impactful conversations. By providing us with a peak into the life of someone we wouldn’t have otherwise encountered, art creates rare opportunities for empathy and change.
You can stream Hypochondriac (2022) on Tubi.
A Tale of Two Husbands
Once upon a time, there were two interracial husbands. The newlyweds purchased a home in a predominately white suburb. Malik, who’s Black, was met with racial microaggressions. He was gaslit when he tried communicating this with his husband, Aaron. Malik set his rage aside as he focused on surviving the horrors that came next. The premise for Spiral (2019) is a perfect metaphor for the dangers of not working together as a community.
Aaron was so desperate for validation from his straight neighbors that he inadvertently left Malik to fend for himself. Aaron is like members of our community who only address homophobia but turn a blind eye to the other systems of oppression. Racism, misogyny, transphobia, ableism, etc., must be appropriately addressed if we’re ever going to make it.
When we allow others to divide us, we all lose. It’s as simple as that, and I love how Spiral drives that message home. Unfortunately, divisive tactics make it easier for the powers that be to pick us off one by one.
You can stream Spiral (2019) on Shudder.
One for the Road
An aspiring pornstar and his best friend, Benjamin, and Dom, smuggle suspicious contraband in Swallowed (2022). It’s a body horror starring horror royalty Mark Patton and Jena Malone as drug lords. But, if Benjamin and Dom want to survive, they must fight back. The message? Standing up to people holding power over us is scary but not impossible.
Swallowed (2022) is streaming on your favorite VOD service.
In conclusion, art creates a snapshot of the zeitgeist, which helps contextualize future conversations. Horror movies can and should be unapologetically queer while doing what it does best: scare us. Often, that fear resolves in cathartic ways. Support queer horror movies so we can continue getting more. Most importantly, remember to vote and protest injustices. And don’t forget to give me your queer rage.