Horror fiction can, paradoxically, win space for new and liberating political and social thinking about disability
Hall, Melinda. Horrible Heroes: Liberating Alternative Visions of Disability in Horror. Stetson University. p. 2
Why Disability Matters in Horror
Horror has always been fascinated by bodies that don’t fit the “norm”—but too often, those bodies are reduced to monsters, metaphors, or tragedies. These portrayals shape how we see difference in the real world, repeating stereotypes instead of challenging them.
Through my research and writing, I ask a different question: What if horror stopped using disability as a shortcut for fear and instead made space for disabled characters to be at the heart of the story?
My work explores how cosmic and Lovecraftian horror can centre disabled perspectives, bringing in all the awe, strangeness, and dread of the genre, while portraying disabled bodies and voices with honesty, agency, and nuance. Because the scariest thing shouldn’t be disability itself, it should be what happens when we refuse to see beyond the stereotype.
Article Highlights
Beyond Fear: Cosmic Horror as a Framework for Disability Narratives
The blog “Beyond Fear: Cosmic Horror as a Framework for Disability Narratives” explores how cosmic horror addresses themes of bodily difference and societal anxieties. It highlights the genre’s ability to challenge conventional narratives of tragedy and normalcy, offering a unique perspective on disability within the context of humanity’s existential fears.
From Spellcheck to Storyteller
The author serves as a Trustee at Equal Lives, a disability rights organization, where they advocate for equality. They recently discussed the risks of confusing generative AI with established editing AI, emphasizing its impact on the neurodiverse community, who depend on these tools for accessibility and productivity.
From Madwomen to Monsters: Unpacking Mental Disorders in Horror Writing
This content discusses the historical portrayal of mental disorders in horror literature. It explores early depictions rooted in lack of understanding, Victorian-era characterization as societal fears, mid-century shifts linking mental illness with monstrosity, and contemporary efforts to challenge stereotypes. It also examines the impact of these tropes on societal perceptions and emphasizes the need for…
Join the Conversation
I’m always looking to listen, learn, and do better.
If you’ve noticed a disability trope in horror that frustrates you, or if you have an experience or perspective you’d like to see represented with more honesty and depth, I’d love to hear from you.
Your insights help shape the stories I tell and the research I do.
You can share your thoughts with me through the message function below, or connect with me on social media.
Together, we can imagine horror that doesn’t just scare, it makes space.
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KATIE MARIE 