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10 Beloved Queer Halloween Movies

Johnny Depp rocks a crop top in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street. Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema.

If you are like me, the second the clock strikes midnight on September 1st, all bets are off and it’s officially Halloween season.  The crisp fall air, warm coffee (sorry, no PSL allowed in my house. I’m not that basic.), and of course, marathons upon marathons of Halloween-centered movies.

For anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, Halloween and the season surrounding it is a time to embrace feeling different and at times odd, hence why so many of us resonate with some of our favorite characters from Halloween movies. 

Below, find ten of our favorite beloved queer films to enjoy this holiday:

Hocus Pocus 1 & 2

The Sanderson Sisters in “Hocus Pocus”. Photo courtesy of Disney.

Nothing quite says Halloween like Disney’s Hocus Pocus.  Initially a flop, Hocus Pocus follows the Sanderson Sisters as they try to kill all of the children of Salem, and has become a cult phenomenon.  With a loyal gay fanbase, Hocus Pocus 2 came out in the fall of 2022 as the most-watched film on Disney+, featuring the sisters returning to complete their task.

Halloween franchise

Halloween (1978). Image courtesy of Compass International Pictures.

There is just something about a man in a uniform, am I right? Michael Myers is no exception.  Haunting our screens since 1978, Halloween follows the turbulent, and oftentimes confusing, timeline of Michael Myers seeking revenge on his small Illinois hometown, creating the perfect atmosphere for the best jump scares in cinematic history.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Johnny Depp in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema.

Horny teenagers and homo-erotic sub-texts – that’s just the beginning when it comes to Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street.  Whether it’s Johnny Depp’s crop top or a sweaty teen about to get slaughtered in their undies, it’s been a queer favorite since hitting theaters.

Hellraiser

Hellraiser. Photo courtesy of New World Pictures.

Not often thought to be a queer favorite, Hellraiser offers viewers a blend of S&M, with the recurring theme of “pain is pleasure” and sex with violence, released during a conservative time in 80’s pop culture and the AIDS Crisis.

The Babadook

The Babadook. Image courtesy of Causeway Films.

Who knew we’d get a queer icon out of the 2014 Australian thriller, Babadook?  This cultural moment featured countless news articles and a surge of Twitter memes and GIFS, showcasing the accidental gay icon that we never knew we needed. Prepare to be “babashook”.

Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Guilermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak is an absolute delight for the eyes.  Not only did the Bergdorf Goodman windows in NYC feature the costumes, but also the artistry and beautiful telling of this tragic tale.

Child’s Play

Child’s Play TV series. Photo courtesy of USA Network.

There have been so many eras of Child’s Play and there have been countless queer subplots in the films and TV series, from gay couples to Chucky’s own child coming out as trans.

Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s Body. Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

With strong lesbian and bisexual undertones, Jennifer’s Body was a major cultural milestone.  With themes ranging from demonic possession showcasing how we can’t fully reveal who we are as individuals, to the changing of a heteronormative take on a tale is riveting.

The Craft

The Craft. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures.

Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community often get misrepresented in horror films.  The Craft came to change that – with strong, individualistic women reclaiming the outsider trope and becoming the main part of the story, rather than the villains.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Photo courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.

Are you even gay if you haven’t seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show?  It’s the cult film to end cult films, and with countless catchy beats such as “Time Warp”, viewers can’t help but be captivated by Dr. Frankenfurter from Transexual, Transylvania. Check the film out with the local shadow cast the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players. Don’t dream it, be it!

Honorable mention:

The Covenant

The Covenant. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures.

2006’s The Covenant follows four hot male witches as they battle another male witch, who is also hot. Oh, and they’re on the swim team and often shirtless. You aren’t watching for their acting abilities.

Pulling the balls at OUTrageous Bingo with Rick Allison. Rick has been calling the monthly OUTrageous Bingo for 27 years, which raises money for the Shepherd Wellness Community and the Pittsburgh Equality Center. Rick takes us through the origins of this LGBTQ Pittsburgh institution beginning on December 6, 1997, the opening bingo pledge, the unique games played, and the guest bingo callers throughout the years. Listen at the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts. ...

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We are once again a proud sponsor of the @handmadearcade Holiday Market. Each year we donate our booth to a young queer artist or crafter for the event. This year’s QBurgh artist is Jess Schweitzer. Jess is a Pittsburgh-based artist who is the owner and operator of @happylilcanvases Jess uses a unique blend of art to create a playful mix of stickers, gifts, prints and illustrations. Stop by this weekend! Article and free ticket info link in bio. ...

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A transplant from NYC, Aaron always had a passion for helping and supporting the community in any way that he can.  Aaron hopes to bring to Central Outreach a sense of fun and laughter, but also compassion and empathy for all that are in need.