On the way to work this morning, I heard "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" on the radio. 

Mental time travel aside (I don't really need nor want to go back to 1986, even if I did for just a second), the shock of hearing something both welcome and somehow seemingly out-of-touch with today's reality unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes. 

We don't live in a world like that, where choosing not to have sex (or even be sexual at all) is the norm. I Googled to see if this song has been updated or adapted by those identifying as asexual and I don't see that it has been...

But just for an instant it was nice to remember that this was once a top 10 single and that it must have resonated (and still resonates?) with other people as well, whether they are asexual or not.

There is so much more to life than rushing into things (or something as silly and abstract as the third date rule).

The horror of it! 😱

 

Embracing the Shadows: Queerness and Horror Fiction

In a world that often seeks to confine us within prescribed norms, I've found solace and empowerment in the realm of horror fiction. As a gay individual, I've discovered a profound connection between my identity and the eerie, macabre landscapes of horror. 

In horror fiction, I've encountered stories that reflect the very essence of my queer experience. (It has taken me a long, long, long time to use "queer" with any comfort level whatsover, mostly because when I was a kid, teen and adult in my 20s and early 30s, people just did not use that word to describe the lgbtq+ community. In earlier days, it was often used as a slur.)

Just as monsters and ghosts lurk in the shadows, societal expectations and prejudices can haunt queer individuals. The unease, fear, and triumph depicted in horror narratives resonate deeply with the struggles, resilience, and ultimate liberation of the queer community.

Horror fiction has a remarkable ability to challenge societal norms and subvert expectations, much like the queer experience itself. 

Both realms disrupt the status quo, unearthing truths that lie hidden beneath the surface. Through monstrous metaphors and supernatural tales, horror becomes a conduit for exploring the boundaries of identity and sexuality, questioning conventional notions and embracing the diverse spectrums of human.

As queer individuals, we often find ourselves on the margins, feeling like outsiders in a world that perceives us as different. Horror fiction provides a space where "otherness" is not only accepted but celebrated. We relate to the monsters, the outcasts, and the misunderstood protagonists who traverse the darkness. 

In these stories, we find a reflection of our own struggles and a sense of belonging within a community that celebrates the beautifully strange.

Horror, at its core, explores transformation. Whether it's a physical metamorphosis or a psychological evolution, these narratives parallel the journey of self-discovery that many queer individuals undertake. Through the symbolism of vampires, werewolves, or shape-shifters, we witness the inherent power and strength that lies within embracing our true selves, even when faced with societal condemnation.

As I navigate the world as a queer individual, horror fiction has become a beacon of acceptance, empowerment, and self-realization. It grants me the courage to face the darkest corners of my own fears and embrace the shadows within. 

Queerness and horror intertwine, offering a powerful narrative that speaks to the resilience, diversity, and profound beauty of the human experience. 

Let us continue to explore the haunting realms of horror, knowing that within them, we find not only entertainment but also a reflection of our own extraordinary journeys.