“I didn’t know how desperately I needed this podcast until I found it. I have spent my whole life feeling as if the promise of Halloween was left unfulfilled. The community of the autumnal holiday of Halloween was, in my mind pure magic, yet
I really didn’t know many others who wanted to revel in its glory with me. I also tried to find community in the horror fandom and although I have found some kinship there, I also found a toxically masculine and gatekeeping side to the SFX makeup/horror world that ultimately drove me away from my initial dream of pursuing that art as my career. I am happy on my, honestly more fulfilling academic path now, but it left me feeling that I had to appreciate this hobby of sfx/halloween alone. Once, I found Luce and the other lanterns a jack o lantern became alight in my heart! The sense of community that I now know…is immeasurable. I not only feel validated that the world is much spookier than I imagined but it is much more loving, accepting, and brave. The inclusive and honest lanterns bring the level of Halloween I have always longed for. Growing up I questioned my gender identity and sexual orientation. Horror and halloween allowed me to play with these queries. Queer-ies? I mostly now associate with my birth gender but am not afraid to express myself in a non binary way. I also discovered my pansexuality. I feel more myself because Halloween and Horror had my back when society didn’t. Halloween to me is about celebrating difference, facing fears, embracing the light and the dark in us all. And most importantly fostering a collective community in which all of this is done with love and safety. I didn’t know if that was possible before finding this podcast and now I am certain. Happy Halloween season to all my fellow lanterns the world over! And thank you Luce, for creating this space and working to keep it for the people and by the people. You are a true gem! Errr…a true reese’s piece-y! Much haunted love, Tamz.”
Yamztamz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/01/23