United States: Concerned families and taxpayers are expressing disbelief and outrage over the University of Michigan’s latest Halloween attraction: an X-rated “lesbian feminist” haunted house. The event, which is part of a broader, publicly funded Gender Euphoria symposium, has left many wondering how such explicit and provocative content is being showcased at a state university supported by taxpayer dollars.
The event, titled Killjoy’s Kastle, is set to run on Halloween weekend and promises to “unpack, reject, or critically recover” lesbian-feminist histories through a series of shockingly graphic and sexually charged exhibits. Past iterations have included naked props, explicit performances, and actresses dressed as “political indoctrinators” and “lesbian avengers.” According to reports from The College Fix, some performers have even gone so far as to flash their genitalia at visitors or encourage them to drink what they call “witch piss,” according to reports.
For many, the event’s purpose—to explore lesbian-feminist histories for the “queer present”—feels like a blatant misuse of public funds. The University’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, which organized the event, describes it as a space for critical dialogue about contemporary queer politics. However, the graphic content and shock value seem out of place at an institution that prides itself on inclusivity and higher learning.
Families and critics argue that this kind of performance art is not only inappropriate but also a stark example of moral decay being pushed under the guise of academic freedom. During past exhibits, visitors have walked through setups like the “Crypt of Dead Lesbians’ Organization” and the “Non-Binary Goddexx,” a disturbing scene that features what the organizers call “fluid ejaculation.” Signs in these rooms have displayed phrases that are highly explicit, making many question how this event aligns with the university’s educational mission.
The Toronto-based artists behind the exhibit, Deirdre Logue and Allyson Mitchell, call it a “nightmarish vision of feminist terror,” but for concerned parents and community members, the nightmare is that such performances are being funded in part by taxpayer dollars. University of Michigan Professor Holly Hughes, who is helping lead the symposium, argues that queer art has a role in addressing today’s “overlapping states of emergency” and offers hope in difficult times. Yet, the explicit nature of the art and performances has raised serious concerns, as per reports.
The semester-long symposium, supported by multiple university departments, also includes other events like artist talks, drag performances, and long-table discussions. But for many, the haunted house serves as a shocking reminder of the direction public universities are taking, using funds that come from families across the state. The question remains: Is this what higher education should be promoting?