Flame Con stands as the largest queer comic convention globally. This two-day event showcases a comprehensive expo dedicated to comics, arts, and entertainment, highlighting creators and notable guests from various segments of the LGBTQ community. This year’s event took place across three floors of the Sheraton Hotel in Times Square, featuring over 50 panels, workshops, and performances. Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that produces Flame Con and seeks to rally, promote, and empower the queer geek community. It also included an expanded Gaymer Lounge, hundreds of exhibitors, and a sold-out after-party hosted by Megami from RuPaul’s Drag Race at Industry Bar in New York City.
Attendees can engage in insightful discussion panels, enjoy exclusive performances, view screenings, participate in cosplay, and much more. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the celebration of the rich diversity and innovative contributions of the LGBTQ community to con and pop culture culture.
Flame Cons objective is to organize panels that focus on a variety of diverse and queer experiences, communities, and interests. The event includes panels that explore themes of intersectionality, liminality, and unconventional interpretations of popular culture as they relate to individuals of color, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, as well as those living with disabilities. The goal is to address a lack of representation or perspective, or to highlight a group or audience that is often overlooked or underrepresented.
Among the numerous panels, one titled ‘LGBTQ+ Artists and Writers talk Queer Literature’ focused on themes of queer survival, joy, and creativity across various mediums and genres. Michele Kirichanskaya, Bishakh Som, Sunny Funkhouser (also known as Sunny), Angel (also known as Gloomy), and Laura R. Samotin engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the challenges they encounter in publishing queer narratives within mainstream media. They emphasized the significance of queer stories and representation in the literary landscape, as well as their personal experiences in crafting these narratives. The authors also reflected on how writing queer storylines has facilitated their self-discovery and empowered fellow queer writers to prioritize the portrayal of queer characters and the celebration of queer joy.
Flame Con would not be the enchanting venue of magical queer art and narratives without the exhibitors. Some have participated in numerous conventions, while for others, this marks their inaugural experience behind the table, all contributing their talents and creations for the enjoyment of all attendees.
Macmillan Publishers participated as an exhibitor at this year’s event, expressing a strong conviction in the ability of books to foster connections among individuals, elevate diverse voices, instigate significant change, and leave a lasting impression. Senior Editor, Holly West, spoke with GLAAD, as one of five publishers present at FlameCon, they emphasize the importance of providing access to queer literature and have made efforts to present the widest possible range of representation.
Flame Con fosters the opportunity to learn something new through panels, workshops, and performances, cultivating an appreciation for the dedication involved in producing queer art.
Local artist Ben, recognized by the name @Dispater_NYC, participated as a guest in the previous year’s event and is now showcasing his artwork as an exhibitor at this year’s gathering. In a conversation with GLAAD, Ben reflects on his positive experience at Flame Con and emphasizes the significance of providing a platform for various subcultures within the queer community to unite, engage with one another, and celebrate their diverse experiences, thereby fostering enduring connections.
The essence of Flame Con is incomplete without the incredible cosplayers! The Cosplay Runway on Sunday invites all individuals who wish to showcase their cosplay to an audience of enthusiastic attendees, judges, and staff. This event encourages everyone involved in cosplay to participate in the Cosplay Runway.
Stardust Megu, a renowned cosplayer hailing from the Bronx, participated in this year’s event, serving as a judge for the creative cosplay fashion shows on both days. With 14 years of experience in the cosplay community, Stardust has transitioned from cosplaying to creating costumes, competing in various cosplay competitions, and judging events. As a plus-size cosplay designer, she initially felt apprehensive about entering the cosplay scene due to the limited representation available. However, after attending her first comic convention with friends, she found the motivation to pursue her passion and advocate for greater inclusivity within the cosplay industry. Stardust expressed her commitment to promoting diversity in cosplay, emphasizing that judges and guest cosplayers should reflect a wide range of identities. She believes that anyone, regardless of race, ability, or sexual orientation, should feel welcome to participate in cosplay, which should be an inclusive space for all individuals.
Each year, Flame Con strives to improve upon the experiences of prior years, with a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for a varied audience. The event aims to welcome a larger number of attendees, showcase a broader spectrum of artistic expressions, and amplify the celebration of queer fandom worldwide. Flame Con proudly commemorates a decade of organizing what has become the largest and longest-running convention dedicated to queer comics and pop culture globally.
For more information on Flame Con, click here.