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.
Flame Con, an annual volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit event hosted in New York City, celebrated its 9th year in 2023. The occasion featured captivating guests, enlightening panels, and a myriad of creators. As a first-time attendee, I was eager to partake in the experience of the World’s Largest Queer Comic Con firsthand.
A prominent highlight of this year’s event was the presence of Chuck Tingle, a two-time Hugo Award finalist, as the headlining guest. Tingle expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am so thankful to be invited to Flame Con to prove love is real and make hearts kiss this sky. The moments we create in the city of apples will make this timeline a better place, and you are an important part of that. I can’t wait to trot together with our heads held high and prove love is real for each and every unique way, this is what makes our timeline special buckaroo.”
Flame Con’s program offerings predominantly catered to geeky passions such as video and tabletop gaming, poetry recitals, and immersive discussions on comics and cosplay. Yet, it extended beyond entertainment, incorporating a range of sessions curated through a queer lens. Attendees could glean insights on starting a fitness routine tailored to their body, garner financial management wisdom, and explore how queerness interwove with Broadway’s history. Notably, several booths disseminated information about LGBTQIA support networks and distributed essential health and safety resources.
The exhibition area radiated excitement with a vibrant array of talent, featuring artists, writers, artisans, and more. While resisting the temptation to make a purchase at each stall proved challenging, I did acquire an assortment of stickers, pins, prints, t-shirts, and a meticulously handcrafted dice box.
The overall atmosphere of the convention exuded an aura of joyous celebration and a warm embrace. When juxtaposed with other gatherings I’ve attended, Flame Con showcased a more relaxed and intimate ambiance. For those navigating their place within the LGBTQIA community, this event offers an exceptional avenue to forge new friendships, cultivate an understanding of LGBTQIA issues, and bask in the enjoyment of shared interests.
You can learn more about Flame Con and the organizers Geeks Out at www.flamecon.org
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