Listening to podcasts can be just as comforting as turning on your favorite bop or album. We’re not without options in terms of podcasts, and certainly not where horror podcasts are concerned. But what about horror podcasts hosted by queer people?
Queer people have always existed in the horror world. Depictions of queerness in horror haven’t always been great, though the representation has gotten leagues better than, let’s say, 20 years ago. Itching to know about some of the best LGBTQ horror podcasts? Do you want to hear what queer folks have to say about horror? I’ve definitely got some recommendations.
Attack of the Queerwolf
Official description: Listen as hosts Michael Kennedy, Nay Bever, & Brennan Klein dissect horror faves, from classic to problematic, dish on their weekly offerings, and discuss queer identity.
Attack of the Queerwolf hit the scene in 2018 and was originally associated with Blumhouse before moving to the FANGORIA Podcast Network. During their active podcast run the hosts dissected horror, interviewed tremendous guests, and delivered hilarious commentary from queer perspectives. Attack of the Queerwolf is mostly defunct, but they independently release episodes when they want to. However, there’s nothing wrong with listening to old episodes and lend some support to the hosts, who are all doing exciting things in the horror world.
Slayerfest ’98
Official description: A Queer Latinx Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast that occasionally covers Marvel stuff.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy and the Buffyverse have changed many lives, so it should come as no surprise that Slayerfest 98 exists. Slayerfest 98 is a podcast that (predominantly) covers the Buffyverse and is run by gay Latinx creative Ian Carlos Crawford. The podcast has featured cast members from both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, as well as other celebrity guests, and has become incredibly popular. The discussions on the podcast are thoughtful, funny, and always come from the perspective of fans. And the guests are quite often queer folks themselves.
Horror Queers
Official description: Each week, queer hosts Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman discuss a horror film with LGBTQ+ themes, a high camp quotient, or both.
Horror Queers is part of the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network and is very entertaining. Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman sometimes differ in their thoughts regarding the content they cover, and that’s part of what makes the podcast a fun listen. Both hosts take an analytical approach to discussing films alongside some of their guests. Overall if you’re looking to listen to gay horror fans discuss their love for the genre and deliver interesting facts, Horror Queers might be for you.
My Bloody Judy
Yes, the host of Slayerfest 98 co-hosts another horror podcast (or horror talk show) titled My Bloody Judy. Ian Carlos Crawford and Zachary Patton-Garcia are the perfect duo, and their differing personalities make for funny moments. If you want to listen to two gay Latinx men talk about their love for horror (especially the final girls we know and love ourselves) then My Bloody Judy is for you. The chemistry is there, the coverage is great, and there are occasionally hosts that you may know of on social media!Â
Brother Ghoulish’s Tomb
Official description: Are you a horror movie fan who’s dying for the hottest tea and suggestions? Come kick it with Brother Ghoulish weekly for witty and insightful film reviews and news. Say hello to your horror bestie.
Ryan Kinney, the host of Brother Ghoulish’s Tomb, is a knowledgeable fan and even has quite the following on TikTok. He’s changed his approach in terms of podcast content, but you’ll still find yourself enjoying what he has to say, especially if you’re into horror news, fun facts, and thoughts on what’s going on in the horror world. And if you listen to the earlier episodes, you’ll get a taste of Ryan’s talent and love for writing horror fiction.
The People Under The Scares
Official description: Welcome to The People Under The Scares. This horror podcast is for fiends of the dark, eerie and disturbed. Join Mike and Bobby every Monday as they review cult classics, guilty pleasures and beyond.
The People Under the Scares may not be a big podcast, but it has bite. Bobby and Mike are unapologetically Black gay creatives. And they are also part of another podcast called Scream Kingz. The People Under the Scares is a podcast that doesn’t limit itself. Bobby and Mike cover throwback horror, the latest horror, and sometimes play fun games during their episodes. They will have you cackling out loud to their conversations and commentary. And you’ll be moved by their understanding of the genre. You won’t be bored to tears if you listen to Bobby and Mike’s podcast, I can promise you that.
Midnight Social Distortion
Official description: Where my love for horror, blerdom, gay mess, and pop culture collides…
Smaller, independently produced podcasts deserve to be appreciated and Midnight Social Distortion is one of them. Host Mark O. Estes is a very knowledgeable horror fan and that shines through when you listen to Midnight Social Distortion. Mark effortlessly infuses his experiences as a Black gay man into his discussions. If you want to understand more about horror and fandom as a whole, you’ve chosen the right podcast. He’s also part of the Scream Kingz podcast alongside the hosts of The People Under the Scares.
Slash Her
Official description: Two friends dive deep into the art of horror and all things spooky and terrifying. Join our hosts as they review films, discuss urban legends and look into real life horror!
Slash Her was born during the start of the pandemic and that’s pretty impressive. Young horror fans aren’t without knowledge and this podcast further proves that point. Adrian and Stormy bring a casual vibe to their podcast and it’s obvious that they’re genuine friends—something that doesn’t always ring true in every podcast. Currently they aren’t as active as they once were, but there are plenty of episodes to listen to if you’re just finding out about them! Support queer folks and queer people of color by checking Slash Her out.
Girls, Guts, & Giallo
Official description: A podcast about subversive and controversial cinema hosted by Lesbian Vampire, Annie Rose and featuring various guests. We explore sin-ema through the lens of queer sex work and leather history sensibility. A celebration of trash and feminine perversion.
Annie Rose is an absolute delight to listen to from her voice to her commentary. So why not tune into her podcast? Girls, Guts, & Giallo is suitable for folks who want to hear from a lesbian who embraces desire and the macabre. The conversations had on Girls, Guts, & Giallo are very thought-provoking, and the podcast does explore more than just horror. If you are itching for a lovely auditory delight, I highly recommend Girls, Guts, & Giallo. You will not be disappointed!
Scream Kingz
Official description: Horror fans, Tamon, Bobby, Michael, and Mark, come together as Scream Kings to discuss all things horror in film and television.
It’s fun when fellow horror fans come together and bring their individual tastes to the table. However it’s not every day that four Black gay men host a podcast together. Scream Kingz is a YouTube podcast that explores various horror topics, and they always have a good time! Do you want to listen to an episode about final girls and scream queens? Scream Kingz has you covered. If you’re looking to learn all about A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream Kingz has you covered. Listening to passionate queer Black fans be unapologetic about their love for the genre is special. So don’t miss out and check out their podcast!
(featured image: Dimension Films)
