LGBTQ+ representation is sadly absent from many television shows and movies. Instead, many forms of entertainment cater to heterosexual relationships or heterosexual romances.

Likewise, members of the LGBTQ+ community find it difficult to envision themselves in characters, plots, and overarching themes, because of this.

Many begin to think, “Where am I?” “Where is the representation?”

Luckily, in Mike Flanagan’s world of horror, LGBTQ+ representation exists in full force.

This representation is present in every one of Flanagan’s horror series; each one is brilliant and beautiful.

LGBTQ+ Representation in The Haunting of Hill House

LGBTQ+ representation in The Haunting of Hill House

While many recognize Flanagan for Oculus, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and Hush (just to name a few), he skyrocketed with his Haunting series.

Flanagan’s first series is The Haunting of Hill House. It’s a chilling one!

Shirley Jackson’s 1959 The Haunting of Hill House novel loosely inspired this spooky tale. While spooky, Hill House includes LGBTQ+ representation.

Theodora “Theo” Crain (Kate Siegel) is one of Hill House’s major characters. As well as being a major character, Theo is also Hill House’s lesbian character.

The representation viewers receive from Theo is beautiful and necessary. Theo is an out and proud lesbian. People see themselves in Theo and her queerness.

In addition, the show does not exploit her sexuality. Instead, the series celebrates Theo’s sexuality as normal and important. This is LGBTQ+ representation and a proper one at that.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

LGBTQ+ representation in The Haunting of Bly Manor

Flanagan’s next show is The Haunting of Bly Manor. This is the second show in the Haunting series. Although haunting is in the title, this series is a love story—a love story between two women.

All spooks and jump scares aside, two major characters are the LGBTQ+ representation viewers desire and have for so long. Enter Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti) and Jamie (Amelia Eve). These women are the epitome of love at first sight, meant to be, true soulmates, true love. The list goes on and on. So even though this love story does not have Dani and Jamie grow old together, their relationship is all the representation we need.

LGBTQ+ Representation in Midnight Mass

LGBTQ+ representation in Midnight Mass

Midnight Mass is Flanagan’s latest horror creation. Similar to his other spooky productions on Netflix, Midnight Mass has LGBTQ+ representation.

A major character in this series, Sarah Gunning (Annabeth Gish), is Crockett Island’s resident doctor. Not only is she an intelligent, badass doctor, but she’s also Midnight Mass’s lesbian character.

Viewers get to see Sarah on a date with a woman. During her date, Sarah explains living in a small, religious town with a monsignor who constantly watched her. The most important part of it all is that Sarah is not ashamed of her sexuality. It is evident she embraces every aspect of herself.

All in all, like the shows before it, Midnight Mass has proper LGBTQ+ representation.

If you want to read more about Midnight Mass, you can do so here.

Conclusion

The entertainment industry should be more inclusive. Viewers want to see themselves in characters, and they want to relate. They want to see their sexuality represented. Mike Flanagan is a professional at inclusion and horror. In each one of Flanagan’s shows, The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass, LGBTQ+ representation is alive, well, and beautiful as it should be.

If you want to read more about Netflix shows that have proper LGBTQ+ representation, you can do so here.