Hello, Horror Fiends,

I am excited to announce that one of my horror scholarship projects will be presented virtually through the Ann Radcliffe Academic Conference held during Stoker Con this summer!

My presentation is titled, “Gender, Sexuality, and the Queer Experience as Demonstrated Through Leatherface,” and will be available through the conference website virtually – even after the conference ends.

About the Presentation

Through queer, systems, and social learning theories, LGBTQIA+ mental health consultant and specialist – Sage Nestler, MSW – will explore the character of Leatherface throughout the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise.

Focusing on micro and macro levels, Leatherface’s gender representation will be examined through the lens of his direct familial and social influences. Sage Nestler, MSW will examine the family structure within Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leatherface’s coercion into the activities of the family, paired with social isolation, and the impact this has on his gender and sexuality.

As a horror scholar pairing their social work and mental health background with their lived experience regarding gender and sexuality, mental illness, and as a disabled person, Sage Nestler, MSW will provide insight into Leatherface’s character beyond the fear the films inspire. Leatherface as an unintended, but implied, queer horror icon will be connected to many of the influences that queer folx face throughout our lives and upbringings. Knowledge of trauma and mental health will be applied to Leatherface’s character, and how both factors may play a part in his self-concept, gender, and sexuality.

Bringing in education and background on how our social world plays a part in how queer folx view ourselves, Sage Nestler, MSW will scrutinize the development of self-concept.

Intersectionality will be incorporated, and how queer folx from different backgrounds and upbringings – much like Leatherface – experience a heightened inner conflict between who we are and who others want us to be.

Encapsulating their work in mental health and macro social work with academic study and film criticism, Sage Nestler, MSW will tie Leatherface and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre to the experiences of queer folx today.

Leatherface is my favorite horror icon, and one who is largely misunderstood. I am honored to have my study on him through the lens of social work, mental health, and queer theory presented in this conference.

I will post updates as soon as I receive more information!

Twilight Sage Moon (T.S. Moon)