Zena Dixon on Finding Family, Community, and Freedom in the Horror Genre

There's something powerful about discovering what you love early and having the courage to carry it with you. For Zena Dixon, your horror bestie, affectionately known as The Real Queen of Horror, love for the genre showed up in the form of family movie nights that turned fear into connection. What started as a shared joy at home grew into a 14-year journey of championing horror in ways that feel informed and authentic.

Today, Zena is more than a critic or commentator. She's a trusted voice within the horror community, a familiar presence across respected platforms like Bloody Disgusting and Dread Central, and the host of the official Bloody Disgusting Podcast. In this conversation, she reflects on how horror became comfort, how representation changed the way she engages with the genre, and why making space for new voices, especially women of color, is just as important as celebrating the classics horror fans love.

Please enjoy our interview!

Growing up, did you have people around you who understood your love for horror, or were you the "horror kid" in your circle?

Zena: I was lucky to grow up in a household where my siblings loved horror too and really understood my obsession with the genre. The only one who never quite got into it and still doesn't is my dad. My mom, though, has been watching horror movies since she was a kid, and my love for the genre comes from her.

Between elementary and middle school, I didn't really know many people who loved horror the way I did. I was often the odd one out at school on Mondays, when everyone talked about what they watched over the weekend, I was usually the only one excitedly bringing up a horror movie. But I always had my family, who supported my love for genre films and encouraged me to lean into it.

As strange as it might sound, horror was a bonding experience for us. No matter where we were, we were watching a horror movie. Getting ready for school? Sometimes it was a horror movie instead of the news. On vacation? Horror movie. Even during difficult moments, like losing a loved one, we'd sit together and watch horror. It's always been more than entertainment for us. It's comfort, connection, and something we share.

What is the moment or movie that officially unlocked your inner horror lover? The one that made little Zena go, "Oh yeah…this is my world."

Zena: There are so many movies I could point to, but the one that always stands out is Kevin Tenney's Night of the Demons (1988). It still feels weirdly fresh to me. Picture this: it's the early '90s, I'm about four years old…yes, four, which in hindsight is absolutely unhinged and my mom rents Night of the Demons from the video store. The movie starts with animation, so tiny me is like, "Oh, cool, a cartoon." That assumption lasts about three and a half minutes…exactly as long as the opening.

I'm glued to the screen, clutching my blanket for dear life, surrounded by my siblings as we watch teens get possessed by demons on Halloween night. Totally age-appropriate stuff. And somehow, as terrifying as it was, it's one of my favorite memories. I was safe, surrounded by family, watching this completely unhinged, campy '80s horror movie that freaked all of us out at the time. It was chaotic, it was scary, and honestly? It was perfect.

You've contributed to some of the most respected horror platforms out there. Hosting the official Bloody Disgusting Podcast is huge! What's something listeners might not know goes into creating a show that feels fun, sharp, and deeply knowledgeable?

Zena: Keeping things fun and fresh is always the goal. Most of the real work actually happens before we ever hit record, researching, outlining, and figuring out just enough structure so it sounds smooth. It's a natural conversation…until we remember there's a time limit and we can't just ramble forever! (As a certified blabber, I try my best to stay on topic!) We spend a lot of time shaping ideas, cutting great stuff (sometimes painfully), and guessing what listeners will want more of.

How has being a woman of color shaped the way you see, critique, and celebrate the genre?

Zena: I've always loved horror, and it's amazing now to see more people who look like me, not just as the token or disposable character. Growing up, it was exhausting noticing who got the spotlight and whose stories were ignored. I notice the stereotypes and easy shortcuts, but I also recognize when something feels honest and new. When the genre gets it right, with authentic tone and representation, I get so excited. I don't just critique it. I celebrate it and hope to see it keep leveling up.

What has surprised you most about the horror community's response to your voice and perspective?

Zena: What's really surprised me is how welcoming and excited most people have been. I wasn't sure there was room for my perspective, but the horror community has been so open. People genuinely want to hear my take, and it's been amazing to see my voice spark conversations, highlight overlooked perspectives, and celebrate parts of the genre that often get ignored.

What's a story or interview from your career that stayed with you long after the assignment ended?

Zena: There have been so many interviews I'm proud of, but honestly, the casual moments stick with me the most. After the cameras stop rolling, getting to have a normal conversation with some of the people I grew up fangirling over is surreal. For them, it's just a chat, but for me, it's fuel, inspiration, and a reminder that I'm actually living my dream. Plus, it doesn't hurt that I get to geek out like a kid all over again.

If you could invite any three horror icons - dead or alive, on or off screen - to a dinner party, who's getting an invite and why?

Zena: Just three?! That's tough! I'd invite Tony Todd, Stuart Gordon, and Wes Craven. Tony Todd, I've met him a couple of times, and he was legendary. His presence shaped horror for decades. Stuart Gordon brought so much fun and creativity to cult horror, and I'd love to hear his behind-the-scenes stories. Wes Craven completely changed how we think about fear. For drinks or dessert, I'd add Akela Cooper and Jordan Peele, fresh voices pushing the genre forward. Honestly, just being in a room with all of them, talking monsters and storytelling, would be a dream.

I know I cheated with my answer, but I had to!

What horror films or shows are you most looking forward to in the coming year? Also, which new voices - directors, writers, actors - are on your radar right now?

Zena: My top five films I'm most excited for are They Will Kill You, Hokum, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Forbidden Fruits, and Evil Dead Burn. For horror series, I'm REALLY looking forward to From (season 4), Crystal Lake, Carrie, and Widow's Bay. I'm rooting for all the new voices bringing bold perspectives to the genre, writers experimenting with storytelling and representation, and actors showing incredible range. Seeing fresh talent keeps horror evolving, and I love when it surprises me and makes me think.

What advice would you give to young women of color who want to become critics, journalists, or creators in horror?

Zena: Don't be afraid to take up space. Your voice matters, and it's needed. Ask questions and dive into the parts of the genre that excite you. Remember that your unique experiences give you insight no one else has. Build your community and support others, especially other women of color in this field. Most importantly, keep creating and critiquing from a place of passion. If you love what you do, it'll show, and people will notice.

After 14 years of dissecting, celebrating, and championing horror, what keeps you coming back to horror, not just as a genre, but as a passion and a calling?

Zena: As cheesy as it may sound, horror never stops evolving, and honestly, that's why I never get tired of it. It always feels like there's more to discover. It reflects what we're afraid of, what's happening around us, and who we are, while still leaving room to explore heavy stuff and have fun with it. I love talking about it, celebrating it, and lifting up the voices shaping where it's headed. For me, horror is more than just movies and entertainment, it's curiosity, creativity, and community all in one.

Connect on Instagram @realqueenofhorror