Additionally, they discuss the queer horror authors who paved the way for more LGBTQ representation in horror (including Oscar Wilde, Clive Barker, and Billy Martin). The essay discusses how straight, cisgender characters have traditionally dominated the horror genre while queer characters are often sidelined. The Dead and the Dark is a whole mood: A small town full of secrets, a mysterious dark force killing teenagers, a swoony-worthy sapphic romance, and absolutely gorgeous, moody writing. The Dark has been waiting-and it won't stay hidden any longer.

To help you find what you’re looking for, I’ve split the list into adult and YA fiction.įor a more in-depth discussion on queer characters in horror, check out this essay written by Rioter S.F. Courtney Gould's thrilling YA debut The Dead and the Darkis about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can't remain hidden, and about finding home in places-and people-you didn't expect. These horror novels are all written by LGBTQ authors and are perfect for when you’re craving a frightening read. The Dark has been waiting for far too long, and it won't stay hidden any longer. While this is unfortunately often the case, I was delighted to discover that there are plenty of wonderfully written horror novels by and about queer people. Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in placesand peopleyou didn’t expect. For a while, I had a misconception that queer characters were delegated to side character or, worse, victim in most horror books. As a queer reader, I was a latecomer to the horror genre.

The Dark has been waiting for far too long, and it won’t stay hidden any longer. Few things compare to the adrenaline rush that comes with reading a horror novel. Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places-and people-you didn’t expect.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould