They Scare Because They Care

September 16, 2018 6:59 PM

"Haunters Against Hate had its genesis in some very negative speech from a group who reviews haunted attractions in the Ohio Valley area referencing the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting tragedy in the summer of 2016. They decided to take a stand in opposition to such speech; and more importantly, in support of LGBTQ actors, staff, friends and family. Haunters Against Hate stands by, always watching for hate speech or discrimination against anyone on basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and responding appropriately: Because hate is the scariest thing of all."

A friend came across the group watching a video about a haunters convention showcasing new frights and attraction props. There's a decent list of places already participating.

posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit (8 comments total)

As a home haunter very involved in the L.A. Haunt community, I'm loving this. Of course, we have a lot of queer and gender non-conforming/trans haunters in our group. We also participate in Haunters against Hunger. We don't charge for our haunt, but we ask neighbors to bring non-perishable foods as a donation. Generally, most of our neighbors are so grateful for the work we put into it every year, they bring a lot of donations and I'm able to fill my car with groceries every year.
posted by Sophie1 at 7:14 PM on September 16, 2018 [6 favorites]

I love the contact page for sliding in an appearance from gay icon, the Babadook.
posted by nicebookrack at 8:47 PM on September 16, 2018 [4 favorites]

Everybody knows that October is just Spooky Pride!

I think this is a great initiative with a really natural level of crossover interest. Even though I'm too much of a scaredycat to go to haunts I love all the artistry that goes into them. I hope this spills over into other halloweeny things like zombie marches and costume contests, to really generate a lot of momentum to fundraise for lots of important small LGBTQ causes all over.
posted by Mizu at 1:26 AM on September 17, 2018 [7 favorites]

Also too much of a scaredycat to go to haunts (very vivid visual imagination) but I think I need to order one of their shirts. Halloween is my favorite holiday and there is no place for hate in this fun time. I do a little kid-friendly yard decoration every year, and love to dress up.
posted by mermayd at 5:55 AM on September 17, 2018

Boo! to hate speech!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:21 AM on September 17, 2018 [3 favorites]

That kind of talk betrays a mind that is not creative enough to really know what horror is.
posted by East14thTaco at 10:52 AM on September 17, 2018

Haunter is one of my favorite Pokemon. Such a good cheerful fellow.
posted by yueliang at 12:10 PM on September 17, 2018

Many of those founding haunts are in my neck of the woods! Good to know!
posted by magstheaxe at 12:30 PM on September 17, 2018