Perfect Storm of Gay Geek Marching Through Atlanta

When we think of Atlanta, a glam drag scene, CNN, and Southern hospitality come to mind. But the Giant Peach is also home to one of the biggest gay geek gatherings of the year: Outlantacon. This year's event, happening May 2-4 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center, will also double as the Gaylaxicon event, an international sci-fi, fantasy and horror convention for LGBT fans. We asked Outlantacon's Edward deGruy to provide a little background on his event:

"Outlantacon is an Atlanta-based event for the Queer Geek audience. You'll find all the usual convention fare here — discussion panels, gaming, costuming, special events, etc. — the difference is that it all has a queer 'bent' to it. Here you can enjoy all the convention trappings in an atmosphere where you're free to be yourself. We also offer some pretty unique twists as well, like our own versions of Match Game (a staple since 2007), Project Cosplay (introduced in 2010), and Nea's Drag Race (a new addition in 2011).

After having attended Gaylaxicons for years, a group of individuals in Atlanta said, "We have the second largest gay population in the U.S. here in Atlanta. Why can't we do a convention like Gaylaxicon every year?" 

So these conventioneers set out to follow the model of a regular sci-fi covention, but with targeted programming toward people interested in queer content. Since that first small mini-con in 2008, Outlantacon has grown to a full three-day convention during the first weekend of May every year. Past guests have been Andy Mangels, Amber Benson, Steve Berman, Moxie Magnus, Kiernan Kelly,  Lee Martindale, and many more. This year will be bigger and better than ever with our hosting Gaylaxicon again this year.  Joining us this year will be Philip Bonneau: acclaimed photographer of the Uhura, Kirk and Spock photograph that was rebroadcast by George Takei." 

Stay tuned for more news on Outlantacon and Gaylaxicon.