Check Out These Ten Panels At This Weekend’s GeekGirlCon
We just wish we could go. :(
We can’t be at this year’s GeekGirlCon in Seattle—there’s the small matter of New York Comic Con happening, and well, we are New York-based—so that just means we need you to go there and rep the Mary Sue spirit. The answer to “What should I try and see at GeekGirlCon” is “all of it,” but if you’d like some highlights, here are ten GGC panels we think it would be a mistake to miss. You can check out their entire lineup here.
SATURDAY
A Talk with Anita Sarkeesian
RM303
10:00 AM-10:50 AM
Join Feminist Frequency‘s Anita Sarkeesian to discuss games, feminism, and everything in between. Moderated by Ink Stained Amazon, Jen Stuller.
‘Nuff said.
A Woman’s Place is on the Bridge: Trek Women in Charge
RM303
2:00 PM-2:50 PM
When Star Trek: Voyager first aired in 1995 with Captain Janeway in command, many fans thought having a woman in charge was long overdue. But even today, fan comments on Janeway are divided and include gendered critiques of her hair, voice, and personality. What can we learn from Star Trek and its commanding characters like Janeway, Doctor Pulaski, Kira Nerys, and “Number One” about women in positions of authority and how our society judges them against their male counterparts?
The Mary Sue contributor Jarrah Hodge of the blog Gender Focus is on this panel, so yeah, maybe we’re a little biased, but we know she has good things to say about feminism and Trek.
Why Isn’t Bilbo a Girl? Talking to Kids About Media Representation
RM303
11:00 AM-11:50 AM
Comics, games, and films tend to go the “less is more” route when it comes to representation. Often we only see one character of a racial, gender, or sexual minority. Even worse, some people aren’t represented in media at all. Kids grow up asking, “Where are the characters like me?” Let’s have a thoughtful discussion regarding how we address this issue with kidswith an emphasis on constructive, positive, and educational answers for the kids who ask.
If you’re at NYCC and want a panel on representation, we have you covered.
Notable Women in Science
RM301
10:00 AM-10:50 AM
Can you name a female scientist? Straight from the Double X Science blog, this panel highlights a number of women in the sciences historically and working today. The stories of these amazing women will be shared with attendees. We’ll discuss the barriers these women faced in their lives becoming scientists, and whether these difficulties have improved or changed. Bring the story of your favorite scientist to share!
The Unicorn Files: Debunking the Myth of the Female Geek, One Geek at a Time
LL3
2:00 PM-2:50 PM
Photo project The Unicorn Files aims to debunk the “fake geek girl” absurdity by showing that female geeks exist, and are a wide and diverse group. The history and importance of the project will be discussed, as well as its future. Panelists include geeks who have modeled for the project, giving their take on women in geek culture and sharing their personal experiences of being photographed. A must see!
Zombies, Butts, and Teen Female Sexual Agency: A Study of Tina Belcher
LL3
7:00 PM-7:50 PM
Tina Belcher of Bob’s Burgers is one of the most feminist depictions of a teenage girl in pop culture. She writes “erotic friend fiction,” has awkward, confusing dreams involving zombies and buttsand Tina always stays true to herself. Her kooky (but loving) family consistently defends and supports her. We’ll discuss what makes this portrayal so relatable, why it’s so important, and the ways we can carry Tina’s example over to other depictions of teenage girls’ agency.
SUNDAY
The Carol Corps and the Evolving Face of Fandom
RM303
10:00 AM-10:50 AM
The Carol Corps are fans of Marvel’s Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), but they have come to represent something much bigger than one superheroine: the future of comic book fandom. This discussion will include how the face of fandom is evolving, how it is affecting the business, and what we can do to support inclusivity. Our panelists include the editor of Pretty Deadly and the 9-year-old founder of the Carol Corps Cat Commandos!
Geek Elders Speak: How Media Fandom Empowered Women in the 60s, 70s, and 80s
RM303
11:00 AM-11:50 AM
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, before the Internet, media for Star Trek and Star Wars fanzine fandom gave all the girl nerds something to bring them together, and helped them break out of their cocoons. Fandom gave them the boost they needed to take chances and become authors, merchandising pros, independent artists, and self-respecting women instead of just protected daughters and wives. Come hear from women who experienced it firsthand!
Gaylaxy Quest: Exploring Queer Fantasy and Science Fiction
RM303
2:00 PM-2:50 PM
Join us and a panel of LGBTQ speculative fiction authors as we explore how stories can both be out of this world AND out and proud! Each author takes characters on exciting, imaginative journeys, all while highlighting LGBTQ characters and relationships. Co-hosted by Gay City Health Project, Queer Geek, and Gay Romance Northwest. Watch for these amazing authors signing in our media area as well!
GAYLAXY QUEST. Now this is a panel that looks like it’s going to live up to the amazingness of its title.
That’s just a tiny sample—check out their site for the complete list of panels. And have fun no matter what con you’re attending this weekend! (Or even if you’re not attending one at all. Take a nap in honor of the rest of us, OK?)
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