diff --git a/12to11.c b/12to11.c
index f447e6a..8b275fe 100644
--- a/12to11.c
+++ b/12to11.c
@@ -171,6 +171,9 @@ XLMain (int argc, char **argv)
   /* Set the locale.  */
   setlocale (LC_ALL, "");
 
+  /* Initialize Xlib threads.  */
+  XInitThreads ();
+
   dpy = XOpenDisplay (NULL);
   wl_display = wl_display_create ();
 
@@ -188,9 +191,6 @@ XLMain (int argc, char **argv)
       exit (1);
     }
 
-  /* Initialize Xlib threads.  */
-  XInitThreads ();
-
   /* Call XGetDefault with some dummy values to have the resource
      database set up.  */
   XrmInitialize ();