So many people lately seem to love to "hate" what's been dubbed "gay Halloween." Why? What even is gay Halloween? And why is there a New York Times article about it?

Yes, if you're online at all, you've probably heard the statement ad nauseam, "I hate gay Halloween. What do you mean you're X?" It was first documented in 2022, when a Twitter user posted, "Oh, this? I'm the scarf Mira Sorvino folded at the end of Romy and Michele."

But gay Halloween has always been a thing. In the gay community, niche references run abound, whether it's Cher's "Mom, I am a rich man" or Wendy Williams' "The Killer." These specific references are unique to the LGBTQ+ community, so it would just make sense if their Halloween costumes reflected that. Plus, everyone loves a niche and lowkey odd serve, especially when it's creative and done tastefully.

Gay Halloween is a hilarious trend that has become a competition to out-niche your friends — and the gays are not strangers to spending their time and wages to make elaborate costumes.

Get a load of these 24 costumes that will make you love gay Halloween and expand your repertoire of pop culture references. Maybe one will strike you as your next serve.