Since being recognized as one of Windy City Times’s 30 Under 30 in 2019, actor-writer Jose Nateras has relocated to Los Angeles, published a queer horror novella (Testament), and recently saw his debut film script Departing Seniors produced and distributed. Filmed in Chicago in summer 2022, Departing Seniors is an homage to horror classics like Scream and Final Destination, centered on a resilient, queer Latin high school protagonist. The film premiered at Fright Fest UK and has garnered international attention for its fresh take on horror.

Exploring Queer Appeal in Horror: A Q&A with Jose Nateras

Reporter: Why do you think the queer community is drawn to horror?

Jose Nateras: Horror’s heightened style and campy villains resonate with queer audiences. The genre explores taboos, which often allowed LGBTQ+ people to see themselves when mainstream representation was limited.

Reporter: What movies inspired Departing Seniors?

JN: A mix! From Scream, Final Destination, Heathers, Jennifer’s Body, and Clueless to John Hughes’s Chicago-set high school comedies. I wanted Departing Seniors to reflect that blend of dark humor and horror.

Reporter: Is the main character Javier inspired by your own experiences?

JN: Yes, Javier is somewhat based on me and the version of myself I wished I’d been in high school. While he’s out and confident, which I wasn’t, his style and resilience mirror my own experiences. Other characters also reflect parts of me.

Reporter: How essential was it to film in Chicago?

JN: Filming in Chicago was vital. My producing partner Dashawna Wright and I aimed to shoot here, capturing the essence of the Northwest suburbs, like John Hughes did.

Reporter: There’s more diversity in horror, but what’s still missing?

JN: We need more diverse leadership at the top and support for smaller-budget films. Studios often stick to “safe bets,” but creating space for new voices is essential.

Reporter: What feedback from the LGBTQIA community has been most meaningful?

JN: It’s touching when people say they felt seen in Departing Seniors. Many relate to Javier and Bianca’s friendship, which, for me, is the heart of the film.

More Queer Horror Filmmakers to Watch

In addition to Nateras, several LGBTQ+ filmmakers have made waves in indie horror:

• Jason Paul Collum: Known for October Moon and Screaming in High Heels, Collum’s films explore coming out and homophobia.

• Chris Moore: Moore’s Children of Sin and When the Trash Man Knocks focus on queer characters, merging camp and horror.

• Troy Escamilla: A slasher film fan, his work includes Teacher Shortage and Mrs. Claus, casting horror icons in key roles.

• Nick Pospisol: His production company Grisly Gaze produced Family for Christmas, a parody of Hallmark films, and Vague Sentiments, a hit at queer film festivals.

This Halloween season, these creatives are bringing fresh perspectives to the horror genre, merging scares with queer themes and unique voices