For decades, horror films have been infused with queer themes

NPR | By Marc Rivers,

Ryan Benk, Joel Rose, Mallory Yu, Adam Raney

Published October 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT

NPR's Mallory Yu, Ryan Benk and Joel Rose discuss how queer themes and characters have long found a home in horror films.

Marc Rivers

Ryan Benk

Joel Rose

Joel Rose is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk. As the network’s transportation correspondent since 2023, Rose’s reporting focuses on roadway and pedestrian safety, an air travel system under stress and how emerging technologies are changing the ways we get around.

Mallory Yu

Mallory Yu is an associate producer for All Things Considered.

Adam Raney

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For decades, horror films have been infused with queer themes

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.