Celebrate the release of It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror, a collection of essays by queer and trans writers on the films that deepened and illuminated their own experiences. This program brings together contributors Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties and the best-selling memoir In the Dream House, and Sarah Fonseca, writer, film programmer, and coeditor of the forthcoming book New Lesbian Pulp. Though historically misogynistic and often homophobic and transphobic, the genre of horror has inadvertently opened up feminist and subversive interpretations. The essays in this anthology mine classic tropes-such as the “final girl,” body possession, and secret identities-to convey the dynamic relationship between queerness and horror.

The program begins with readings by Machado and Fonseca from their respective essays. A conversation follows, moderated by Miss Malice, resident “femmecee” of the award-winning Brooklyn drag collective Switch n’ Play and organizer of the annual production VAMP, which draws inspiration from the many lesbian vampire-themed film adaptations of Carmilla. The event also includes a performance by Miss Malice and culminates in an audience Q&A and a book signing.

Masks are required in the Auditorium and will be available upon arrival. This program will include ASL interpretation. For access needs, please email us at access@brooklynmuseum.org.

Tickets are FREE with purchase of the book ($25.95). Members receive a 10% discount. Not a member? Join today!