The journey of coming out is one that often brings forth feelings of apprehension within the LGBTQIA community. Questions like “How should I approach this?” or “Will my loved ones accept me?” and even “What if they don’t?” can be daunting to tackle alone. While having a supportive community to offer guidance and encouragement is paramount, stepping into a new circle can also evoke its own set of fears—wondering how to establish connections and whether one will be embraced. This is where a common thread that brings people together, providing a shared language, becomes invaluable. Flame Con stands as a prime example of inclusivity and positivity, capable of empowering even the most reserved individuals.
We are in an age where representation is finally being fought for. We are starting to see a slow turn from white, male-centric stories to seeing stories lead by women and people of color. So I thought that it would be a good time to take a look back at the firsts for superhero representation in the world of comic books.Â
In 2018, singer-songwriter Todrick Hall released a concept and visual album entitled Forbidden. The album was paired with a 90-minute short film of the same name. Although all the tracks on the album are socially conscious, the song All-American speaks to me the most due to its commentary on racial division and LGBTQ+ rights.