Queer portrayal in movies has evolved, but simply having a token character is insufficient. In 2025,we are hopefully moving beyond queer characters being portrayed as scary monsters solely due to their otherness. More complex roles for LGBTQIA+ individuals are needed on screen. Whether funny, feral, or flawed, multifaceted characters benefit both stories and the community.
Queer Representation Needs More Nuance
Table of Contents
During a Pride Panel: Queer Horror Corner hosted by IGN’s Amelia Emberwing at IGN Live 2025, Nicole Maines emphasized the need to approach queer characters as real people. The portrayal of trans characters as villains is outdated. Queer voices deserve to be heard without defining the character’s entire role.
maines stated, “Queer characters who are f***-ups and are sometimes the bad guy and have problematic tendencies. It shows how we are multifaceted people. We have flaws, and things that make us awesome. We are human. To be flawed is to be human.”
Maines discussed her role as dreamer in the TV series, Supergirl, highlighting that being trans was not the defining aspect of her character. She was a narcoleptic girl who struggled wiht her powers,which is a refreshing portrayal ofen lacking in trans characters.
Sexuality doesn’t need to define a character or be explicitly stated on screen. Maines confirmed that Lisa’s character in Yellowjackets may or may not be trans,leaving it open to interpretation.
Michael Varrati added,”Everyone is talking about queer joy,but guess what? I’m also queer pissed.I’m also queer sad…If that’s not being represented, then we’re not representing ourselves accurately. We gotta just tell the truth now. We want and deserve nuance.”
It’s crucial not to sugar-coat the queer experience in 2025. There isn’t a gay agenda; there’s just a need to be seen and included.
Who Are The Real Monsters Here?
The real monsters in cinema are those who undervalue diversity and prioritize profit over creativity. Studios are realizing that audiences want to see themselves represented in engaging, new stories.
Lovell Holder and Michael Varrati have faced rejection when seeking funding for their projects, hearing that “Queer stories aren’t marketable.” These passion projects where essential for them to create. Varrati advises queer creators to “Go make the thing!”
The Evolution Of Queer Horror
Queer characters have always been present in horror, but frequently enough misrepresented. Maines humorously suggested, “We need to hear buffalo Bill’s side of the story (Silence of the Lambs).That’s just a doll trying to get estrogen. What else was she supposed to do? I’m not saying I condone it, I’m just saying–been there.”
“Horror has always been a queer genre.” – Nicole Maines.
Maines added that trans individuals have frequently enough been portrayed as monsters, but are now moving into roles where they can be the final girls and survive. Progress is being made.
Varrati stated, “I often say to people, the idea of queer horror is kind of an oxymoron because Horror as a genre is the genre of the subversive, it’s the genre of otherness. And Queer people have been treated as subversive forever and are used to being othered. In this space,we’ve always found a connection as this otherness speaks to us.”
Horror has been queer long before cinema, with sapphic lesbian vampires in Gothic literature.
Carmilla, published in 1872″>Varrati emphasizes the need for more representation until everyone has content that reflects them. The future of queer representation is promising, with the “closet door” blown wide open. Varrati hopes to see more horror musicals.
How Comedy And Horror are Linked to queerness
More to come…
Disclaimer: This article discusses representation in entertainment and does not constitute legal, financial, or health advice.
What are your thoughts on queer representation in horror? Share your favorite queer horror films and characters in the comments below! don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into the world of entertainment.
