Gay Christmas: Why Halloween is so Important to the LGBTQ+ Community

On November 1st, 1907, The Pittsburgh Press released an article expressing concerns about women dressing as men for Halloween. At the time, crossdressing was illegal. Despite this law, people still expressed themselves.

Why? Because Halloween gave them the freedom to.

Many first perceive Halloween as a holiday of tricks, treats, costumes, and parties. While this is true about the holiday, Halloween is a special time for the LGBTQ+ community. It is a holiday centered on deviation and defying social norms, concepts that are considered “queer.”

“Queer” was a derogatory term against the LGBTQ+ community that was first used in 1914 in the United States. The term was essentially used to say that LGBTQ+ people were not normal and did not fall under societal standards that were strongly enforced.

The term made out of hate was soon reclaimed as the community began to accept its place outside of norms they no longer wanted to support. With that, they turned the “queer” holiday of Halloween into their holiday.

Parades

Halloween continued to grow as a gay holiday over the years. In the 1950s, the LGBTQ+ population of Philadelphia, PA participated in “Bitches Christmas.” Local drag performers would go from bar to bar performing, followed by large masses of LGBTQ+ supporters. These soon turned into some of the first Halloween parades in the United States.

In 1974, theatrical artist Ralph Lee organized the first New York Village Halloween Parade in the West Village. It was filled with people of all demographics, such as artists, families, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Halloween parades now annually occur nationwide, bringing together all types of people, despite their differences, to celebrate the queer holiday.

Many LGBTQ+ clubs and bars now host events during the entire month of October to celebrate the holiday, with many owners admitting it is their second most profitable time of year, following Pride.

The Queerness of Horror

A major part of Halloween is the genre of horror, but that itself has a queer connection. Many horror movies can be allegories for queerness. Take Frankenstein’s monster, for example. Frankenstein didn’t think of himself as an evil monster. In fact, he did not even choose to be created as he was. It was the society around him that made him perceive himself as evil.

There is a parallel between Frankenstein’s monster and queer shame. It is the set societal expectations that have led to the idea of shame around being anything other than cisgender and heterosexual.

In a different light, The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates gender nonconformity and queerness in a positive way. The cult film is about love, liberation, and embracing what makes you unique. Dr. Frank N-Furter said it best: “Don’t dream it; be it.”

The horror genre as a whole has connected with many LGBTQ+ people because of the allegories and themes that are displayed. And its tie to Halloween is even more suitable.

Gay Christmas

Halloween has been deemed “Gay Christmas,” as it is considered to be one of the greatest times of the year for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This is because it is the time of year when they feel safe expressing themselves.

People who feel ostracized from society for their identity can present themselves however they want. In fact, their differences are celebrated, not torn down.

Others who may be closeted can use a holiday such as Halloween to do the same; this is a brief time where they can be comfortable fully being themselves.

Halloween has become yet another symbol of acceptance, expression, and the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience during times of oppression. It is a celebration of queerness at its core. People are given a sense of freedom that may only last a night, is nevertheless empowering and assuring.