[WiHM] Interview with Horror Writer, Podcast Host, and Twitch Streamer, Lucy
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What is your role in the horror community?
I’m a horror writer, podcaster and twitch streamer. I am the co-creator and co-host of Ghoulfriends Podcast, a spooky slumber party where we put two horror movies against each other each week depending on the theme. My particular field of interest with horror is from an academic analysis and looking at the genre through a queer lens.
What was the first thing you encountered that made you fall in love with horror?
The first time I fell in love with horror was through film. I studied Media at University and developed a deep love for the genres of Science Fiction and Film Noir, seeing how they crossed over with the genre of Horror and having studied final girls during my 4th year at uni, there was no looking back!
What does the horror community mean to you?
The horror community is my safe haven, it’s a tapestry for queer expression like no other. Horror has allowed me to look at my trauma and not feel so alone. Every experience I’ve had I can relate to a character in horror in some way, from being a victim of domestic abuse and made homeless as a teen to my struggles with PTSD and eating disorders, I always felt like no one understood or could relate to my story but the horror community and the stories shown on paper and on screen made me realize I wasn’t so alone in the world.
Particularly when it comes to queer horror, I was outed at a really young age and felt isolated right until my mid 20’s in my experience, coming out a second time during the pandemic even more so. However the queer horror community welcomed me with open arms and for the first time I really felt listened to and seen, that my voice and story actually meant something, and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.
The horror community has made me realize the world is a lot smaller than we think it is. I've developed lifelong friends through podcasting and writing from all around the world. I’ve never come across a community before that lifts and supports each other so much, quite like horror, we are our own dysfunctional little family and I’m so fortunate to be part of it.
Who are your favourite women in horror?
First and foremost all the incredible women behind the Hear Us Scream team, shoutout to our founder and horror mom Cat! This group of women truly inspires me everyday.
Karyn Kusama is also one of my favorite Directors in horror, the stories she tells particularly of women's issues in a patriarchal society have always been a draw for me. I also had the chance to interview Gemma Hurley last year, one of the writers behind the hit horror “Host” and she has to be one of the most well spoken, genuine and honest people I’ve met in the community. Gemma is so talented and I can’t wait to see what she does next, a true asset to British horror.
It’s an incredibly exciting time for queer and feminist horror as we are seeing our stories being told on and off screen actually by people within our communities. I’m incredibly excited to see Karlee Boon’s directorial debut with Night Shift.
If you could invite one woman from horror to dinner who would you invite and why?
This is so difficult. There are so many incredible women I could mention but I would have to say Cassandra Peterson, the mastermind behind Elvira. Having just read Yours, Cruelly for the Hear Us Scream book club I would love to learn more about her story.
Elvira has had a career that has spanned across many decades and has always had the ability to “stay with the times” but stay true to herself which I’ve always admired. A true queer horror icon.
Women in horror have been making progress, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to ensure that representation is correct and widespread . What is the importance of Women in Horror Month?
Women in Horror Month gives us the chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible women in all facets of horror from in front of the screen to behind the camera to in the writing rooms. Women have been an integral part of the genre since its origin yet there are still a lot of misogynistic preconceptions about the genre, usually from outside perspectives.
I also think the importance of this month is to showcase all types of women and the intersectional identities many of us have in the horror community; black women, trans women, lesbians, non-binary people who also identity with femininity, neurodivergent women, disabled women and so many more. We are very much at the beginning stages of what will be a continual journey to truly be not only represented but given equal opportunities in horror, but the future is looking promising.
In honour of celebrating Women in Horror, who do you believe readers should keep an eye on in terms of women in horror (creatives, content creators, podcasts, movies, television shows)?
All the women behind Hear Us Scream and their amazing side projects (please go check them out). I’m also continually inspired by my fellow podcasters in the community such as Ladies and Ligaments, Girl That’s Scary, Slay Away, Bloody Bedroom, the incredible panel discussions from the team behind Ghouls Magazine and so many more.
What do you have coming in 2022 that you can talk to us about?
Ghoulfriends is still quite young in its creation so myself and my co-host Lindsay will be continuing to grow the podcast brand, hopefully getting more amazing guests soon! I plan to continue to write for Hear Us Scream, particularly more academic focused editorials and I’m currently working on my first Scottish queer fiction novel “Thistles of Time” which I like to call a crossover between Life Is Strange, Afterlove and Stranger Things.
I’ve had the opportunity to guest on a lot of amazing podcasts this past year too and hope to continue! I’m looking to focus more on streaming this year and my biggest goal is to hopefully get published again this year talking about horror, video games, science fiction or all of the above!
