SALEM HORROR FEST Wants to Host a FEAR STREET Convention

Fear Street

Horror is queer as hell, and no one understands this better than Salem Horror Fest. In the five years since its inception, the festival has become one of the most unmissable events of the year. Now they’re back with a petition to start their very own Fear Street convention. Sign it here.  

Salem Horror has become synonymous with queer fear by hosting exciting events like Frightgowns, and panels with Elvira and John Waters. As they approach their fifth festival, they’ve got something new up their sleeve. Now SHF is looking to start their very own Fear Street fan convention in support of LGBTQ+ youth. They’ve posted a petition seeking 19,666 signatures. When they achieve their goal, they’re officially organizing the convention.

Did we mention that ALL proceeds will be going to benefit an LGBTQ+ youth organization? We love to see it! 

Here’s what Salem Horror has to say about the state of queer visibility in horror, and why they choose to support queer youth:

 FEAR STREET 2022

FAN CONVENTION IN SALEM MA TO SUPPORT LGBTQ+ YOUTH

Horror has always been Queer. In both literature and cinema, the creation of monstrous myths and their othering has been told time and time again. While Queer themes have always been present, too often are they buried and relegated to subtext only to be interpreted as code. Rarely are Queer characters ever allowed to be the protagonist in their own stories. Even today, we are still desperate for representation.  

The new FEAR STREET trilogy on Netflix gave the middle finger to coded cinema and presented a teen horror opus that placed a lesbian romance at its center. While revealing the evils of consolidated power and bigotry and the intentional damage they inflict on minority groups, our heroes reached through generations of trauma to take down the forces that oppress them. And it was fun as Hell.

Shadyside may be located in Ohio, but its heart belongs in Salem. If this petition reaches 19,666 signatures, Salem Horror Fest will host a fan convention dedicated to the Netflix series and books by R.L. Stine with all its proceeds going to support a LGBTQ+ youth organization. 

This event is intended for fans by fans. We will screen the films, sell the books, and host panels, podcasts, parties and whatever else the community demands. Thank you to Netflix, Leigh Janiak, and Phil Graziadei for giving us a Queer Horror story that finally screams out loud. You honored the lessons of 1692 magnificently and Salem, Massachusetts would like to pay back the favor

Salem Horror Fest

Salem Horror Fest Part 5

Fan of the Salem Horror Fest? Let me know on Twitter via @joshkorngut! You should also tell us what you think in the comments below! You can also talk to us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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