by Erica Friedman
NYCC 2018 is here and we’ve scoured the schedule looking for queer-friendly content for you, so you can plan that Big Gay schedule. Whether you’re looking for cosplay or comics, LGBTQ folks of all ages, their friends and allies, will find something of interest.
Thursday, October 4
GLAAD #SpiritDay Photo Booth Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
October 04, 2018, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Queer Lounge – Room 1E02 – Javits Center
· Take a photo for a good cause! Stop by anytime to the #SpiritDay photo booth sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. For each photo taken, GLAAD will receive $1 toward their mission to stop bullying in its tracks and support LGBTQ youth.
Queer Comics for Kids of All Ages
October 04, 2018, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM, NYPL 476 5th Ave – Berger Forum
· Join in the discussion about family-friendly, queer-positive graphic novels and manga that appeal to diverse readers — from 1-year-old lap learners to 100-years-young literature lovers. We’ll also tackle how to use both new and classic titles in a variety of settings (at home, at the library, in the classroom, with youth organizations, or with multigenerational groups) to bring readers of all ages, orientations, and genders together, while breaking down barriers and creating connections.
· Speakers: TBD
Entertainment is LGBTQ
October 04, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Room 1A21 – Javits Center
· BOOM! Studios and GLAAD present an in-depth roundtable discussion about LGBTQ representation in pop culture and the path forward to a brighter, more inclusive future, with special guests from all corners of the entertainment world.
· Speakers: Marguerite Bennett (Writer, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Phil Jimenez (Artist, Wonder Woman), Andy Mientus (CW’s The Flash; The Backstagers and The Ghost Light), Lilah Sturges (Writer, Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass), Vita Ayala (Marvel Knights) and Megan Townsend (Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis, GLAAD). Moderated by Steve Foxe (Paste Magazine).
Friday, October 5
Surviving As Womyn & Nonbinary People of Colour with Mental Illness in Cosplay
October 05, 2018, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl. Javits Center
· Being a person of colour in cosplay has had its own challenges for many. What happens when you’re queer, womyn or nonbinary, and have mental illness on top of that? In this panel, we discuss the stigma of mental illness as womyn and nonbinary people of colour within the cosplay community and how we combat the daily struggles. We offer a safe environment to discuss the challenges and help provide solutions that will help womyn and genderqueer folks survive in cosplay and in the world.
· Speakers: TBD
LGBTQ+ in Anime, Presented by Crunchyroll
October 05, 2018, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Anime Fest @ NYCC – Mirai Stage
· Diversity in anime can be lacking, but we all know that fans come in all shapes, sizes, and of course, every color of the rainbow. The LGBTQ community contributes to both industry and viewership, but recognition of this has been slow to catch up. What does it mean to be LGBTQ and an anime fan today? And what will it mean, tomorrow? This panel will focus on pride, with time to discuss criticisms, opportunities and predictions for how this demographic can affect the medium. Hosted by Crunchyroll with special guest panelists and attendee Q&A.
· Speakers: TBD
Outspoken: Queer Cartoonists Represent
October 05, 2018, 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Room 1C03 – Javits Center
· LGBTQ cartoonists show and discuss their comics, and analyze the importance of representation and diversity in today’s climate of incendiary political backlash. They explore how their work combats bigotry in ways that are both subtle and fierce. Working in a range of genres — sci-fi, fantasy, superhero, YA, literary fiction, satire, erotica and more — these LGBTQ cartoonists are reinventing comics.
· Speakers: Jennifer Camper (Juicy Mother), Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis,), Katy Fricas (cartoonist for the Guardian), Ivan Velez (Tales of the Closet), Carlo Quispe (Uranus Comics), Blue Delquanti (O Human Star! ), Annie Mok (See-Through Girls), Beldan Sezen (Snapshots of a Gierl), Jay Fuller (Boy in Pink Earmuffs)
Sunday, October 7
Black, Queer, & Nerdy Womxn
October 07, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Room 1B03 – Javits Center
· Living at the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation is it’s own special barrier in fandom culture. Reign, of Latinx Geeks, and Valerie Complex, a writer for Black Girl Nerds and Nerds of Color, will share experiences and best practices for content creators, cultural influencers, and black queer womxn who are also fans. Moderated by cosplayer and co-host of the podcast Cheers & Queers, Isake.
· Speakers: Isake Smith, Valerie Complex, Reign G
Pop Culture Pride: Cultivating Queerbrarianship at Your Library
October 04, 2018, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM, NYPL 476 5th Ave – Celeste Auditorium
· The emergence of out and proud librarians, the growth of LGBTQIA+ services, the demand for authentic queer voices across media, and the current political climate all place queerbrarianship at the nexus of pop culture and the mission of libraries to serve all. We’ll explore strategies to help queerbrarians and allies use pop culture to impact programming, collection development, publicity, community outreach, and staff support; and ensure that libraries move through acceptance to true inclusion.
· Speakers: Nola Thacker (Secret Santa), Valerie Acklin (Head of Reference and Young Adult Services at Bellmore Memorial Library)
LGBTQ+ in Children’s Graphic Novels
October 04, 2018, 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM, Room 1B03 – Javits Center
· Today’s most dynamic creators are in kid’s comics and they’re portraying queer characters in fresh ways.
· Speakers: Ethan M. Aldridge (Estranged), Natalie Riess (Space Battle Lunchtime), Mariko Tamaki and Brooklyn Allen (Lumberjanes: The Moon is Up) in their discussion of LGBTQ Graphic Novels for kids; from developing authentic stories, to comics as a safe space for all identities. Sponsored by the CBC’s Graphic Novel Committee.
Comments are closed.