MONSTERS &
MISFITS
QUEERNESS IN HALLOWEEN & HORROR
Monday, October 28, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM on Zoom
This presentation and discussion will delve into the intersections of queerness and horror, exploring how LGBTQ+ identities are represented in both Halloween culture and horror media. From misunderstood monsters to outcast misfits, the genre has long reflected themes of fear, transformation, and otherness—parallels that resonate deeply with the queer experience. We will examine iconic films, characters, and narratives that subvert traditional tropes, offering a fresh lens on how queerness shapes and redefines horror. Join us as we unpack the symbolism behind the monsters we fear and the misfits we champion, discovering how queerness haunts and liberates the world of Halloween and horror.
SPEAKERS
Steven Hobaica is a queer clinical psychologist and horror fanatic living on O'ahu. He works as a research scientist for the Trevor Project and runs a small private practice, with primarily LGBTQ+ clients. He also runs Honolulu Horror Nights, a local non-profit dedicated to screening art-house and international horror films. At these events, local art is spotlighted and attendees can build community, all within a queer affirming space. His passion for horror films began as a child, due to the genre constantly challenging norms and pushing boundaries. That, in combination with him being a huge thrill seeker, has made horror his go-to genre for the vast majority of his life. In the future. he hopes to continue to share his love of horror and Halloween with others, especially their connection with queerness and pushing back against societal norms.
Kaleiheana Stormcrow is a māhū Kanaka ʻŌiwi artist, cultural practitioner, botanist, wildlife biologist, and etho-ornithologist. They grew up in Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu and Maine. Kalei recently graduated with a Masters of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from UH Mānoa where they studied indigenous knowledge and detectability of Pueo. Their Bachelors of Science is from Oregon State University in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences with a focus on ecosystem dynamics. Kalei now works with some of our most endangered endemic manu (birds) at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Keauhou, Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island. Kalei lives in a house they built with their partner in Kapuʻeuhi (Mountain View) with their three dogs, and some chickens. They have a collection of endemic plants already growing, and are in the process of building a sustainable farm. In relation to the session topic, Kalei is obsessed with shapeshifters and the macabre!
Lowen Kainoa Rudolfo is an experienced producer and co-founder of the Hawaii Filmmakers Collective, an organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and showcasing independent filmmakers from Hawaii. With a deep passion for storytelling and cultural preservation, Lowen has played a vital role in elevating authentic Hawaiian narratives, ensuring they resonate with both local and global audiences.
As a respected figure in the Hawaiian film community, Lowen is committed to mentoring and empowering emerging filmmakers. Through his leadership at the Hawaii Filmmakers Collective, he continues to foster a creative environment that champions the stories and values of Hawaii, preserving the cultural richness of the islands through film.