Queer Things to Do: Put on Your Slutty Gay Costume, Go See a Scary Show, Watch Shudder's New Queer Horror Series
As we near the end of a year that has already been chock-full of horror thanks to the general state of, well, nearly everything, lean in to the abject terror of our shared existence and really throttle that jack-o’-lantern for all it’s worth this Halloween season. So whether you’re in the mood for some costumed debauchery at a sexy dance party, some innocent childlike fun at a glow-in-the-dark street party or just envision a night streaming something great with some cider and a friend, this Halloween list is sure to deliver just the right treat (or trick—we don’t judge).
1. Attend a Halloween-Themed Show Featuring Boylesque
ypsiGLOW is back after a pandemic hiatus. Join up with other members of the public to take part in a luminary procession, view “GLOWing” artist installations, and enjoy roaming street performers and a dance party at this annual event. Ypsilanti’s famous drag troupe, Boylesque, will also be on hand at the event.
Boylesque founder Jadein Black invites the community to help the performance troupe raise money for local non-profits at three other Halloween events:
- Halloween Drag Show: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m. at Tap Room for Safe House
- Family Friendly Drag Brunch: Sunday, Oct. 30, noon at Sidetrack
- Drag Bingo & Show: Monday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Stick’s (with Michigan’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar” Orion Story)
“Making a positive difference in our community is what we love to do,” Black said.
ypsiGLOW takes place 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Get the full Boylesque Halloween schedule at jadeinblack.com/events.
2. Take Over the Eagle, Spooky Style
Thots & Prayers’ “Spooky Thots” promises to deliver all the sexy, costumed debauchery one Halloween party could possibly deliver. Guest DJs Mohammad and Joshua Ruiz will join up with Eagle resident DJ Jace M to provide a soundtrack that will take guests on a spooktacular journey through the wee hours of the night. DJ Jace promises a “spooky, slutty, sexy time.” When asked if he wanted to elaborate, he added with a laugh, “It’s the Eagle. I think it’s best to leave those devilish thots… to the thots.” Slutty costumes highly encouraged.
Spooky Thots runs from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Eagle inside Menjo’s at 928 W. McNichols Road in Detroit.
3. Enjoy a Scary Stage Performance
The Ringwald Theatre is getting in on the scary October entertainment with its production of Stephen King’s “Misery." The book-turned-film-turned-play is about a famous writer, Paul Sheldon, who winds up in a serious car accident in a remote area and the fan, Annie, obsessed with him. After Annie "rescues" him, she becomes enraged learning that her favorite character by the novelist, Misery, has been killed off in Paul’s next book.
Director Brandy Joe Plambeck says audiences can expect a “fun little twist” during the show, Ringwald-style, adding that while it’s “a straightforward (serious and spooky) version of the Stephen King story you may know and love, we infuse a bit of gender-reversal with one of the characters, and it adds a new layer to the production that we hope you thoroughly enjoy!”
“Misery” runs through Oct. 31. Masks required. Learn more and buy tickets at theringwald.com/productions/misery/.
4. Stream a Scream
Shudder’s new docu-series, “Queer for Fear,” is about to enter heavy rotation on a screen near you. Executive produced by Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies”) and Steak House (“Launchpad,” “The Mustang”), the series explores the role of queer people in the horror genre, from early influences like authors Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde all the way through to '80s, AIDS-obsessed vampire films. A news release about the series says “Queer for Fear” re-examines "genre stories through a queer lens, seeing them not as violent, murderous narratives, but as tales of survival that resonate thematically with queer audiences everywhere.”
Catch “Queer for Fear” on the Shudder streaming channel at shudder.com or as part of the AMC+ bundle.
5. Attend the Litty Committee Lesbian Halloween Party
Litty Committee’s first official lesbian Halloween party, “Boos and Baddies,” will feature DJ Three Thirteen, live body painting, strolling Halloween entertainers, fun drink specials and a cozy fall festival atmosphere at Bosco Lounge, an indoor/outdoor venue, in Ferndale. Costumes are recommended and event organizers expect this ticketed event to sell out, so buy tickets now.
“Boos and Baddies” runs from 8-11 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at Bosco Lounge in Ferndale. Get tickets at eventbrite.com by searching for “Boos and Baddies."
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