Who Goes Bump in the Night: An Interview with Kay Lynch, Salem Horror Festival Founder and George A. Romero Foundation Partner

Horror has always been a home for the outcasts—a safe haven for those who might not be accepted for who they are elsewhere. But just as much as horror attracts likeminded individuals, is the incredibly important work of cultivating community and making a space for queer horror fans to celebrate their entire spectrum of being. Enter Kay Lynch, a queer woman and founder of the Salem Horror Festival, Romero Foundation partner, and one of the leading voices in the genre today.

We recently spoke with Kay about what initially drew her to horror, what inspired her to start the Salem Horror Festival, and how the genre holds space for queer identities.

What initially drew you to horror?
At first, it was the Saturday afternoon horror movies broadcast from our local cable affiliate, and then late night programs like TNT Monstervision. As a kid, I was initially drawn to the weirdness of films like House and Ghoulies. There was an element of feeling like I was getting away with something naughty. I quickly discovered there was a certain tone and atmosphere that I connected to deeply; the existential dread and feeling othered by society. Once I saw Carrie, that was it. I became a horror fan for life.

What sparked you to begin Salem Horror Fest?
I always thought it was absurd that Salem didn’t already have a horror fest but it wasn’t until the 2016 election that I decided to make it a reality. Like so many others, I was sad and angry that we as a country had stooped to such a pathetic and dangerous low. We’ve had hundreds of years of history, art, and culture to know that when the same ingredients of hate, ignorance, and lust for power are mixed together, the fascist state is reborn.

I needed to do something productive with my rage. While a background in marketing and events wasn’t really going to save the world, I knew I had access to an international platform in Salem, a city that had been ground zero for a lot of the same threats we face today. With that as a backdrop, I decided to do what horror has always been known to do: reflect cultural anxieties and offer metaphorical context and catharsis for the most vulnerable among us.

Author Hailey Piper recently beautifully said, "Make horror gay AF." Has horror been an influence on your identity as a queer woman?
Absolutely. “We are the weirdos, mister.” Horror taught me there is a certain power that comes from being targeted and treated like an outcast of society. We represent everything they fear. Of course, I’d rather live in a world that made me feel safe and welcome but I’ve grown to love all the ways in which I’m different. While conservatives seek to eradicate us, I do believe that they will have their comeuppance. And I will find great pleasure in their suffering.

Is horror a genre where queer kids can feel safe being themselves? Can it also be an escape for adults?
Certainly horror - and all cinema - can be a reprieve from a depressing world and toxic environment, but for me, leaning into the dark themes is where I gain the most benefit. It’s painful to directly confront reality but horror allows to unpack things one step removed. It turns everything into a metaphor that is often more easily digestible. In a lot of ways, horror validates my experience and perception of the world. It makes me feel less alone. I can point to films like Carnival of Souls and Cat People and say to my therapist, “This is what it feels like.”

What are your future plans for Salem Horror Fest?
Our mission is to elevate diverse voices and celebrate independent cinema. It’s been a great honor to partner with GARF to initiate the George A. Romero Fellowship as a way to support rising filmmakers by connecting them with more seasoned industry pros who’ve muscled through a lot of the same challenges themselves. I hope Salem Horror Fest will be known as an accelerator of talent and gateway to opportunity. We’re actively searching for filmmakers who embody the same innovative vision and DIY punk rock spirit that George had while he was unknowingly making the most important horror film of all time.

What are your favorite queer horror movies?
Gosh, there are so many. My personal favs are Cat People, Knife+Heart, Bride of Frankenstein, ParaNorman, and the Fear Street trilogy.

Our last two jury winners, The Strings and So Vam, are queer, as is our 2020 audience winner, Death Drop Gorgeous. I’ve started this list of horror queer indies that I hope can be used as a helpful resource of discovery. It’s very much an ongoing project so I hope people will help me build it out further.

Thank you for this opportunity. To all my queer family reading this, Happy Pride! You are beautiful. Your life is important. You are needed. We are the Nightbreed, and together, we’ll get through this. Much love.

Kay Lynch is the Director of Salem Horror Fest and the Event Producer for GARF. Follow Salem Horror Fest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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The George A. Romero Foundation (The GARF) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to honoring George’s life, art, and cultural impact by restoring and preserving his portfolio and legacy, and supporting the dreams and imaginations of independent filmmakers, artists, and writers inspired by George.