Heather O. Petrocelli

Heather O. Petrocelli is an independent scholar and writer specializing in film studies, queer theory, and public history.3 Some key points about her:

Academic Work

Petrocelli is the author of "Queer for Fear: Horror Film and the Queer Spectator", published in September 2023 by University of Wales Press.1 This book is described as:

• The first major empirical study of queer horror spectators, examining their diversity and lived experiences
• An interdisciplinary analysis of the relationship between queer people and horror films
• Based on original survey data and in-depth oral histories

The book makes contributions to fields including queer studies, film studies, horror studies, trauma studies, and live cinema studies.12

Research Focus

Her research focuses on:

• The connection between the horror genre and the LGBTQ+ community
• Opinions, habits, and tastes of queer horror fans
• How and why queer people have a distinctive relationship to horror films
• Themes of trauma, camp, and live cinema events in relation to queer horror spectatorship2

Professional Background

• Works as an independent scholar and freelance writer/researcher3
• Specializes in interdisciplinary work across culture, arts, and media3
• Has been interviewed about her research on podcasts and horror websites45

Petrocelli's work has been praised for its rigorous empirical approach and for breaking new ground in understanding the queer horror audience.12