I love horror films, from classic to modern and everything in between. So, when I stumbled upon IT CAME FROM THE CLOSET on Audible, I knew I was going to listen. I didn’t check out the synopsis, so I assumed it was about the rare horror films with LGBTQ+ characters. I was pleasantly surprised to be mostly wrong. 
IT CAME FROM THE CLOSET is a collection of essays from LGBTQ+ writers on how they found connections and even themselves in horror films. It’s refreshing to hear a variety of queer voices telling their stories in conjunction with a genre that has a history of either demonizing or outright ignoring the LGBTQ+ community. Each writer weaves a personal story, relating his/her/their life experiences with a favorite horror film. One truly surprising aspect is the wide array of horror films mentioned. Sure, FRIDAY THE 13TH and HALLOWEEN are there, but never in my wildest imagination would I’ve expected to hear people personally relating to the original GODZILLA or the 1980’s remake of THE BLOB. All of these essays got me thinking about my connection with a horror film from my youth and a real life experience. 
Even when others stated it was the worst in the film series or complained the male protagonist screamed like a girl, I enjoyed the 1985 sequel A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET PART 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE. I was around 13 years old when I first saw this much maligned entry in the Elm Street franchise on HBO. While I didn’t love it as much as the first film, I was drawn to Part 2 for reasons I may not have fully understood at the time. 
In the opening scene, we see Jesse Walsh surrounded by peers in a school bus, but still he seems isolated, alone. I knew that feeling all too well. The relating increased as we see Jesse being tormented by his gym teacher and dealing with something inside of himself. Much like Jesse struggling with nightmares of Freddy Krueger trying to take over his body, I knew I had to stay silent about the queer thoughts inside me. Jesse is ultimately saved from Freddy by the love of a woman. Though, in the end, Freddy is still there, clawing his way out.
The most memorable scene for me in A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET PART 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE is when Jesse, who may or may not be having a nightmare, visits what is referred to as a queer S&M joint in the film. Once inside, Jesse is confronted by his leather-clad gym teacher. Nothing sexual happens between the two, but the scene intrigued my 13-year-old self. It felt dangerous and alluring. Dangerous in the sense that my ultra-conservative, ultra-religious hometown would implode at the idea of such a place. Alluring in the sense that it looked like a place for outsiders like me. 
Maybe that scene is why, at around 13, when I was washing my hands in the restroom at a Wendy’s Restaurant, I stared at the man using the urinal near the sink. There was a small privacy wall, but I could see he was wearing black jeans, a black leather jacket and a pair of dark sunglasses. His dark blond hair was slicked back and he looked dangerous and alluring, like he could’ve stepped out of that queer S&M joint. He must’ve sensed my eyes fixated on him because he looked at me and then asked, “Do you like girls?”
I recall his voice sounding deep, but neither gruff nor accusing. Even at 13, I understood what he was really asking, but I didn’t feel threatened. I just felt overwhelmingly nervous at being seen. So, I answered, “Yes,” and quickly finished washing my hands. Nothing more was said and I didn’t look at him as I left the restroom to rejoin my family in the dining area. However, once seated, I watched the bathroom door and the man had an amused smile on his face as he left the restaurant.
I never told anyone about this Wendy’s Restaurant encounter, probably because I knew people would freak out, even though nothing happened. It was just an intense moment where my love of horror films and my queer life intersected. At least, unlike Jesse and his gym teacher, my experience didn’t end in bloodshed. Though it might have if I had answered his question differently.
Just like any collection, there are stories you’ll like better than others, but all are fascinating and powerful in their own ways. The final essay about SLEEPAWAY CAMP is one of my favorites. So, if you love horror and you’re on the LGBTQ+ 🌈 spectrum, or you’re an ally, then IT CAME FROM THE CLOSET might be the book for you!
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. click a pic 👇 for more queer horror…
A list of queer books, some of which are available as audiobooks! 🎧 📚
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