Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Closet Monsters: Queer Identity and Representation in Horror Film

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

Visit now

Closet Monsters: Queer Identity and Representation in Horror Film

24 February 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Free
Book now

Deliberately or otherwise, the horror genre has always intertwined with ideas of queer theory, identity and representation. From representations of tragic “otherness” in James Whale’s Frankenstein, to the coded lesbian desire in The Seventh Victim, to controversial conflations of monstrousness and queerness in the likes of Silence of the Lambs, there are myriad ways in which horror can be understood, celebrated and criticised from a queer perspective. Over the decades, queer identity in horror movies has moved increasingly from subtext to text, but the relationship between the two remains a fraught and fascinating one.

As part of Stockport’s LGBT+ History Month a free online panel and Q&A will walk us through and attempt to untangle some of the histories, talking through LGBTQ+ horror, from representation to creation to fandom. Titled ‘Closet Monsters: Queer Identity and Representation in Horror Film’, the panel is hosted by Robyn Adams, a trans actress and contributor to an upcoming Shudder queer history documentary. She will be joined by filmmakers James Swanton and Selene Kapsaski, as well as Andrew Scott and Mark Waters. An online after party will be held via the Manchester’s Grimmfest Facebook group.

Where to go near Closet Monsters: Queer Identity and Representation in Horror Film

Testbed Main Space
Leeds
Event venue
TESTBED

TESTBED is a newly renovated 10,000 sq foot event venue in Leeds that offers endless possibilities for creating unique and inspiring experiences.

Manchester
Restaurant
Salt & Pepper

Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

See all places

What's on: Cinema

Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

A host of Halloween horrors, experimental shorts, plus pioneering black British cinema make our October Cinema Guide.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.

See all guides