10 Queerly Perfect Halloween Costumes for 2025

Celebrate queer joy with these creative costume ideas inspired by pop culture icons, political satire and Michigan sensibility

Chappel Roan, Troye Sivan and Orion Story. Courtesy photos

Published: October 13, 2025 | Last Updated: October 13, 2025

Halloween 2025 is here, and whether you're handing out treats (or tricks) or hitting the “Queer Christmas” party circuit, we're offering costume inspiration that blends queer culture, pop culture and a healthy dose of political awareness.

1. Chappell Roan (Any Era)

For the Midwest Princess in all of us

Is there anyone more perfect for a Michigan queer Halloween costume than our very own Midwest Princess? Go full “Pink Pony Club” with a cowgirl lewk, channel “Hot to Go!” vibes with a cheerleader outfit and spelling hands at the ready, or embrace the full drag-inspired glamour of her festival looks. After her Grammy win for new artist, she's cemented her place as our queer icon. Bonus points if you can nail that signature eye makeup.

2. Doechii's Alligator Era

For bisexual hip-hop heads with theater kid energy

After making history as only the third Black woman to win best rap album at the 2025 Grammys, bisexual rapper Doechii is the moment. Channel her “Alligator Bites Never Heal” aesthetic with bold styling that mixes jazz, R&B and theatrical flair. Think dramatic makeup, confident swagger and raw unfiltered energy that celebrates her queerness without apology — and don't forget to cart around a plush alligator for max effect!

3. Billie Eilish's Latest Era

For the queer artists redefining pop music

Billie continues to push boundaries and be unapologetically herself in 2025. Channel her latest aesthetic with oversized fits, bold colors and that signature "I don't care what you think" energy. As one of the most visible young queer women in pop music, she's shown a generation that you don't have to fit into anyone's box.

4. Nancy Mace, Bathroom Monitor

For those who appreciate absurdist political theater

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace spent significant energy in late 2024 and into 2025 obsessing over bathroom access at the Capitol, specifically targeting Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress. Go as the self-appointed bathroom monitor with business attire, a clipboard, maybe a hall pass on a lanyard and a sign reading "Biological Sex Inspector." Bonus points for carrying a bullhorn — she actually used one during protests.

5. Josh Schriver's ‘Make Gay Marriage Illegal Again’ Campaign

For Michigan queers with a dark sense of humor

Michigan's own Josh Schriver has spent 2024 and 2025 introducing resolutions to overturn marriage equality, calling for bans on birth control and gender-affirming care, and generally trying to drag us back to the dark ages. Go as his failed resolution tour with business attire and a poster board reading "HR 28: Resolution to Mind My Own Business (FAILED)." Turn this into a couple’s costume — your friend or partner can go as Sen. Jeremy Moss. All that person has to do is take the questions Schriver wouldn’t at his own press conference and laugh at his buffoonish attempts to strip away our rights.

6. Lesbian Period Drama Protagonist

For the cottage-core romantics and history buffs

Pick your era and your inspiration: Anne Lister from “Gentleman Jack” in her dapper 1800s menswear? A player from “A League of Their Own” in 1940s baseball glory? Emily Dickinson and Sue Gilbert in their real-life forbidden Victorian romance? The lesbian period drama continues its renaissance,, reminding us that queer people have always existed throughout history. Channel your inner repressed-but-smoldering energy, carry around a letter you're "not supposed to send" and gaze longingly at your also-costumed friend across the room. This works whether you're referencing a specific film or just the general vibe of "what if corsets but make it gay."

Suranne Jones as Anne Lister in "Gentleman Jack." Photo: HBO/BBC

7. Troye Sivan on Tour

For the queers who aren't afraid to show some skin

The shortest shorts you can find, a crop top and the energy of an Australian pop star who said gym bodies are for sharing. Troye's unapologetically queer and sexual performances have been a celebration of gay desire and joy. Add some body glitter, perfect your choreography and prepare for a night of dancing. This costume requires minimal clothing but maximum commitment.

8. Lady Gaga's Grammy Speech Energy

For activists who believe pop music can change the world

Channel Gaga's powerful 2025 Grammy moment when she declared, "Trans people deserve love," in front of millions of viewers. In a year when trans rights have been under constant attack, Gaga used her platform to remind the world that we see you, we love you and pop music is for everyone. Dress in one of her iconic looks, carry a sign with her quote and embody that fierce advocacy energy.

9. Pick Your ‘Drag Race’ Fave

For the queens who know their herstory

Go as your favorite queen from any season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Your choice probably says something about your personality or life choices, but we aren't here to judge — that's up to RuPaul. Whether you're serving glamazon realness, camp excellence or comedy gold, commit to the bit. Michigan's Orion Story is excellent inspo, but whoever you channel, perfect your death drop, practice your reading skills and remember: If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? Shantay, you stay.

10. Whatever Makes Your Inner Child Happy

For those of us who need some gentle joy right now

Look, 2025 has been a lot. Between political battles and daily stress, sometimes the most radical act is letting yourself be purely, sweetly happy. Go as your favorite childhood Halloween costume or a character from the video game you've been using to decompress. Personally, I'm torn between making my 4-year-old niece happy by going as Gabby from toddler-TV’s “Gabby's Dollhouse” or as my purple-haired Stardew Valley wife, Abigail. There's something surprisingly healing about choosing joy over irony.