Horror movies have long focused on mostly white, heterosexual characters. The exclusion of Black LGBT characters has omitted important voices and representation in what is otherwise an enjoyable genre for legions of fans. However, some movie studios and TV networks have included the occasional Black LGBT character in their horror programming. Modern audiences are demanding better representation, and it's easy to see why when we look at history.

How Have Black LGBT Characters Been Portrayed in Horror Cinema?

When Black LGBT characters have been included in horror films, they've historically been treated as disposable or as punchlines. Black characters, in general, are known for being among the first victims in any horror movie. The character is often portrayed as sentimental, endearing, or witty before being killed and giving the main—typically white and heterosexual—character the cause they need to defeat the evil. It's a subtler form of racism that has existed in mainstream horror for decades.

However, in recent years, the landscape has been changing for the better. Black LGBT characters aren't as rare in horror films as they once were, and nowadays, many Black characters survive all the way to the end. Jordan Peele, who's at the forefront of Black representation in the genre, has expressed plans for a sexuality-focused film with the working title of It's Inside Me.

What Are Some Notable Historical Examples?

The 1972 blaxploitation film Blacula contained one of the first instances of a Black LGBT character in the horror genre. Bobby McCay, played by Ted Harris, was something rare indeed for this era of filmmaking: an openly gay man. However, he was infused with many familiar stereotypes—he was effeminate and worked as an interior decorator—and when he was bitten by Blacula, Bobby became a vampire and lured men to their deaths.

A more recent and far more flattering portrayal of a Black LGBT character was Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood, a horror series produced by the TV network HBO and based on the novels by Charlaine Harris. Lafayette, played by the late Nelsan Ellis, was openly gay, unashamed, and full of intelligence and sass. Though he was killed off early in the books, Lafayette ended up being a major part of the entire TV series and a key player in the universe it created. In this way, Lafayette was a trailblazer who challenged the stereotypical representations of Black LGBT characters in the genre.

Whether you're a lover of horror, comedy, or drama, be sure to check out the iElevate + TV streaming service. Based in Atlanta, GA, this streaming TV network offers programming dedicated to Black LGBT voices. As they grow and build a dedicated fan base, their goal is to feature exciting options to satisfy the tastes of every viewer. Visit their website to view their catalog and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest programming news and information for this revolutionary television app.