Gaylaxicon 2008

Photos Courtesy of Gaylaxicon 2008

Story by Olga Bas

Proving that in big cities there are conventions for every kind of person, on October 10 – 13 science fiction fans, geeks, aficionados, (and perhaps a few who are just plain curious) are traveling to  Washington D.C. for Gaylaxicon 2008.

Organized by Gaylactic Network, Gaylaxicon is an annual international gathering for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender fans of all media of the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.

It all kicks off with a Meet the Pros Opening Reception where the fans get to mingle with like-minded enthusiasts, and meet the 35+ invited guests, all of whom are science fiction writers, editors, or artists. The guests of honor include Geoff Ryman, author of Air and The King's Last Song, and Alicia Austin, an artist who has illustrated the works of Robert E. Howard and C.L. Moore. Others attending include artist Tristan Alexander, comics expert Denise Sudell, and the prolific Cecilia Tan and Don Sakers, both of write, edit, and publish science fiction.

Peppered throughout the four days are discussion panels, banquet, film screenings, Jeopardy games, and a party night complete with a masquerade ball. At the panels you can debate the trend of darker films such as The Dark Knight in the “Happy (N)Ever After” panel, or the merits of writer/director Joss Whedon, head writer and creator of television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly (and its film spin-off Serenity). There are panels for everyone’s taste: contemplate interesting topics such as “Kink in Sci-Fi/Fantasy,” followed by “Where is that Tentacle Going?” and the even “Is Sex A Viable Plot?” (was there ever a question?!). For those looking for less titillation and more information about the field ‘How to Break In,’ focusing on the ins and outs of the science fiction publishing business and how to get noticed.

Autograph sessions with the guests at Monday’s Author Signout/Mingle, a charity auction and an art show are all part of the bill. There will be dancing and a masquerade at Saturday’s Gaylactic Coming Out Party; the perfect opportunity to dress up as your favorite sci-fi or fantasy character, if you haven’t done so the moment you arrived. Sunday Night At The Movies will feature short films, clips, trailers, and the Star Trek Phase II episode, Blood and Fire. On Monday, events are wrapped up with a Closing Ceremony where, in true ceremonial style, the 2008 team will pass on the baton to the city of Minneapolis, the location of next year’s convention.

Photos Courtesy of Gaylaxicon 2008

Story by Olga Bas

Proving that in big cities there are conventions for every kind of person, on October 10 – 13 science fiction fans, geeks, aficionados, (and perhaps a few who are just plain curious) are traveling to  Washington D.C. for Gaylaxicon 2008.

Organized by Gaylactic Network, Gaylaxicon is an annual international gathering for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender fans of all media of the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.

It all kicks off with a Meet the Pros Opening Reception where the fans get to mingle with like-minded enthusiasts, and meet the 35+ invited guests, all of whom are science fiction writers, editors, or artists. The guests of honor include Geoff Ryman, author of Air and The King's Last Song, and Alicia Austin, an artist who has illustrated the works of Robert E. Howard and C.L. Moore. Others attending include artist Tristan Alexander, comics expert Denise Sudell, and the prolific Cecilia Tan and Don Sakers, both of write, edit, and publish science fiction.

Peppered throughout the four days are discussion panels, banquet, film screenings, Jeopardy games, and a party night complete with a masquerade ball. At the panels you can debate the trend of darker films such as The Dark Knight in the “Happy (N)Ever After” panel, or the merits of writer/director Joss Whedon, head writer and creator of television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly (and its film spin-off Serenity). There are panels for everyone’s taste: contemplate interesting topics such as “Kink in Sci-Fi/Fantasy,” followed by “Where is that Tentacle Going?” and the even “Is Sex A Viable Plot?” (was there ever a question?!). For those looking for less titillation and more information about the field ‘How to Break In,’ focusing on the ins and outs of the science fiction publishing business and how to get noticed.

Autograph sessions with the guests at Monday’s Author Signout/Mingle, a charity auction and an art show are all part of the bill. There will be dancing and a masquerade at Saturday’s Gaylactic Coming Out Party; the perfect opportunity to dress up as your favorite sci-fi or fantasy character, if you haven’t done so the moment you arrived. Sunday Night At The Movies will feature short films, clips, trailers, and the Star Trek Phase II episode, Blood and Fire. On Monday, events are wrapped up with a Closing Ceremony where, in true ceremonial style, the 2008 team will pass on the baton to the city of Minneapolis, the location of next year’s convention.