[WiHM] Interview with Writer, Editor, and Trans Historian, Ten Backe
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What is your role in the horror community?
I am an autistic, disabled, nonbinary trans woman. I’m a columnist, writer, editor, trans historian, and horror lover. I would say I specialize in analyzing trans representation in horror.
What was the first thing you encountered that made you fall in love with horror?
When I was a kid I collected Spawn figures and drew gory images that I’m sure had more than one person worried. I remember seeing The Ring (2002) when I was like 8 years old and it scared me to death! Something about that feeling stuck with me forever. When I was a little older I watched Dead Alive (1992) for the first time and absolutely fell in love with practical effects. From there I dove into Slashers and Giallo and eventually became all around horror obsessed!
What does the horror community mean to you?
Anyone who loves horror knows the confused or worried faces you get when you share a film with outsiders. The horror community is a place where we can all come together and celebrate what we love without worrying about being judged for it. For me specifically, it’s a place where my fellow queers and I can uplift each others work. Being able to share our love of something as a community is incredible, and I'm grateful to be a part of it, no matter how small.
Who are your favourite women in horror?
Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mia Goth, and Jenna Ortega come to mind first and are all killing it in mainstream modern horror right now.
If you could invite one woman from horror to dinner who would you invite and why?
I would have to pick Daria Nicolodi. She still inspires me to this day. We lost someone really special when she passed, and I wish more people could see how inspirational and talented she was.
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?
We have come a long way, I would never diminish that. However, the horror landscape still seems to be dominated by primarily men. As you know, women are such a large part of the fan base and are so incredibly talented both behind the camera and on screen. Despite it all, misogyny still reigns. We must continue to elevate women's voices. Women in Horror Month is here to show the community what we are capable of. If we scream loud enough, they have to hear us.
In honour of celebrating Women in Horror, who do you believe readers should keep an eye on in terms of women in horror?
Writer/Producer - Louise Weard
Writer/Historian - G.G. Graham
Producer/Writer - Kay Lynch
Writer/Podcaster - Harmony Colangelo
And so so many more! I wish I could list them all haha.
What do you have coming in 2022 that you can talk to us about?
My bi-monthly column Trans Agenda will be continuing over on SlayAwayWithUs.com. I’m also very excited to officially announce my upcoming giallo themed podcast with RC Jara, Violence On Velvet! Outside of horror, I have new music coming this summer. Lastly, I am working on a pictorial book of trans history that I hope to be released early next year.
