History probably gives us some insight. Halloween is rooted in religion, but those origins are a convoluted mixture of Christian observances and pagan rituals.
The LGBTQ community’s relationship with religion has historically been, and continues to be, tenuous; maybe we recognize ourselves to that aspect of the October 31 celebration. Halloween is generally considered a decadent holiday so much so that Christian bloggers suggest alternatives like, we kid you not, a Reformation Day Party. (One such blogger inexplicably suggests a Noah’s Ark Party as an alternative to trick-or-treating. Now that just screams: “I need gay friends!”)
But we relate to Halloween’s rebellious nature because living our true lives has been an act of rebellion. While it could be debated whether we choose to be gay, it is undeniable that we choose not to live in the closet. We have told the heteronormative world to take its mask and shove it where the sun don’t shine (unless they’re on the nude bit of Canaveral Seashore). And here we are on this high holy homo holiday, defiantly dancing in exaggerated versions of those masks.
Our long-held love of camp no doubt plays an integral role in our love of Halloween. “Camp is our way of digesting straight culture and making it our own,” writes The Daily Dot’s Samantha Allen. Allen points to drag queens as one example of leveling the playing field. There is, however, the dark flip side of camp when straight people mock us. “But Halloween changes everything,” writes Allen. “The straight people shed their inhibitions, dress up in ridiculous outfits, and join us queer folk in the gleeful dissection of popular culture that we find so sustaining.”
In other words: On October 31, everyone is a little bit gay.
We could be accused of favoritism because we’re particularly fond of this swath of Florida which is our coverage area, but we declare it to be the World Capital of Halloween. All bias aside, it’s a simple truth. These days people are traveling from across the country and around the globe for our All Hallows offerings. In the links below, we give you tips on things you should do, things you can wear, what to do at home if crowds ain’t your thing, and more.
Don your mask, you gay ghoulies, and—safely, responsibly, please—revel, particularly because you’ll pack that mask away on November 1.
Fangtastically Frugal Fashion: We asked area experts to concoct costumes $100 or under, so you’ll be able to save your bucks for cocktails and pumpkin flavored beer!
10 Must Boos: You have your costume picked out, your makeup perfect and all the right accessories, now what? You can’t just sit around the house all by yourself looking that good. Here are 10 Halloween events you can show off your new threads at.
Scare Up Some Prizes: Halloween can be a profitable night, in addition to being fun. Even if you’re not looking to compete, the big prizes are a good indication of where some of the most creative costumes can be viewed. Here some of the prizes we knew about at press time.
10 Family-Friendly Must Boos: You know who loves Halloween? Your babysitter. Which means you may have to take the little ones out with you for some spooky fun. Here are 10 Family Friendly events sure to be scary good for both kids and parents alike.
Fright-filled Film Fest: Trick-or-Treating with the kiddies and a costume party at your favorite club aren’t the only ways to spend Halloween night. For some, a bucket of Orville Redenbacher’s finest and a good scary flick are all one needs to ring in this terror-filled holiday.
10 Worst Costumes: We asked 10 notable people in our readership what their worst Halloween costume was and why.
Let’s Get This Party Startled!: Some DIY tips to make you the life of your own undead party.
