Welcome to Geek Girl Talk, a (biased, subjective, opinionated) conversation about the pop culture we’re currently loving, hating, and obsessing over. For our first installment, we’re unpacking queer representation in Roswell, New Mexico.
Who We Are Vaguely and in Terms Only of the Media We Seek Out Most Often:
Teal (roman type!) Literally any teen TV show, YA, women’s and feminist media, everything Star Trek
Hanna (italics, baby!) Reality TV, memoirs, romance novels, anything British, any podcast ever
[Spoiler disclaimer: If you’re not caught up, this post won’t be too spoiler-y, as we just talk about general interpersonal stuff between the characters. We might recommend watching the first episode, though!]
Queer people being queer! [Image Description: Michael is holding Alex’s face between his hands. Their foreheads are touching and their eyes are closed. The whole scene is set in blueish lighting.] Source: Tumblr
While I’m not (yet) familiar with its source material, I do consider the original Roswell TV series to be an important piece of teen media—not to mention one that I specifically harbor a lot of fondness for. And so, the new CW adaptation, Roswell, New Mexico, is a series I’m both excited about and slightly skeptical of. That being said, I’ve found that this version does have a lot of things going for it. The characters are older by about a decade, the show addresses current social issues directly instead of relying solely on the ambiguous implications of the alien-human metaphor, and the blatant whitewashing of the original cast is being backtracked. In other words, there’s a lot to be hopeful about. If I’m being honest, though, what’s struck me the most about this retelling is what it’s doing in terms of queer representation, and with one of the alien protagonists, Michael, in specific. I won’t argue that it’s the most radical or robust depiction one could imagine, but something about the way they’re writing his bisexuality is affecting me personally and, by extension, shedding light on the way this particular facet of queer representation has been failing us even as popular media is beginning to do a better job of normalizing non-hetero characters and relationships overall.
The sad thing is that I probably wouldn’t have even started watching this show unless you’d told me about the queer representation and the way that this show is highlighting racism, immigration, and classism. But wow. I can’t say that this series has incredible acting or non-cheesy dialogue (an actual exchange between the central characters:“Your heart’s racing.” “It’s not racing because I’m scared of you.”), but what it does have is a pretty central, pretty satisfying queer storyline that is making me FEEL things. One of the first things I texted you, Teal, after I started watching the show was that every time Michael and Alex share a scene I audibly gasp. I’m a sucker for a good ship, but I never GASP at every scene. When they’re on screen, I’m basically giddy, and I think there are a few different reasons for that. But, just to backtrack for a moment, let’s get into the basic gist of Roswell, and Michael and Alex’s plotline in particular. Our main character, Liz Ortecho, left the small town of Roswell ten years ago following her sister’s tragic death in a car accident—an accident that left two other girls dead and might not be an accident at all… Since then, the Ortecho family has been targeted by the bigoted and bitter citizens of Roswell, who also happen to be alien-obsessed due to a rumored UFO crash decades ago. Now Liz is back in town, and trouble is a-brewin’! Along with Liz, we have Max, Isobel, and Michael, three alien siblings doing their best to live double lives as both a Nice Guy Sheriff, Preppy BDSM-Enthusiast, and Misanthropic Cowboy, respectively, and extraterrestrials with supernatural powers. The youngest alien sibling, Michael, has nursed a decade-long crush on his high-school-sweetheart-turned-decorated-war-vet, Alex (Caleb from Pretty Little Liars!). Suffice it to say, the two have C H E M I S T R Y. Teal, like I said, I have plenty of reasons for appreciating their dynamic, but what’s stood out to you?
I don’t know about you, but I could not be more ready for summer. As we move our hibernating, vitamin D-depleted bodies into sunnier days, be sure to check out some of our most highly-anticipated events coming up in the next few months!
The iconic pool party scene from “Shrill.” Source: Giphy
The Northwest Folklife Festival is one of the largest community-powered festivals in the nation, bringing together over 5,000 performers, 500 volunteers, 40 food vendors, 150 local craft/import vendors, and upwards of 250,000 attendees. Since 1972, the festival has highlighted the brilliant cultural tapestry of our Pacific Northwest communities. We are proud to be for the people, by the people.
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! Come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon (http://www.geekgirlcon.com/) game nights with our friends at Wayward (http://www.waywardcoffee.com/)? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Shop, snack, and dance your way over 150 booths along with a summer beer festival with live music!
Previously, this festival has been held at the South Lake Union Saturday Market. Join us in a larger venue over two days. Music stage will be hosted inside the summer beer festival garden, so you must be 21+ to enter.
There is a required cash donation that benefits a local non-profit with a suggested donation of $3 per person, 2 for $5.
Up-close with the movers, shakers & boundary breakers who are pushing the LGBTQ+ movement forward. Join us at W Seattle for a Queer Me Out event, followed by Q&A for our amazing panelists, and drinks and a DJ in the Living Room. This is an Official PrideFest event and complimentary to the public (but register for a guaranteed seat)!
Who is Douglas? Well, apparently, Hannah Gadsby thinks he is the only one who can help her follow up on the trail blazed by her last show: Nanette. Hannah is all set to take the mysterious Douglas for a trot around America for her first ever US tour. Tasmania’s own Hannah Gadsby has come to the world’s attention through her multi-award winning stand up show Nanette which played to sold out houses across Australia, London, Edinburgh, New York and Los Angeles before launching on Netflix in June and stopping the comedy world in its tracks.
A gif of Hannah Gadbsy performing standup comedy. The text over the image says “This is…not normal.” Source: Giphy
500 E Pike St, Capitol Hill (Seattle) 98102, 98112, 98122
A partnership between PrideFest and the Capitol Hill Art Walk, June’s show features queer artists at various venues around Capitol Hill (usually numbering 15-20 altogether). An easy, gentle June stroll through some of the best art the queer community has to offer.
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! Come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon (http://www.geekgirlcon.com/) game nights with our friends at Wayward (http://www.waywardcoffee.com/)? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Booklover’s Burlesque is the Pacific Northwest’s sexiest literary salon which matches titillating, inspiring, and empowering book readings with burlesque performances all in one show!
Professional readers, actors, and/or local authors & writers read aloud a three to five minute piece of poetry, fiction (from any genre), memoir, non-fiction, etc, which is then followed by a burlesque performance inspired by the piece.
Volunteer Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
The time of the annual Cosplay Picnic is upon us. Hayly and Kat are back it again with another meet up! We hosted the Christmas one back in December, and everyone was so great and had a good time so we thought it’d be fun to put something together for the summer! What could be better than a cosplay picnic? You get to dress up as your favorite character, hang with friends, and stuff your face with food! Definitely an all around good time. As per usual, we’re gonna kick it potluck style! So bring a tasty food, eating utensils, or beverage of your choice! (While you don’t HAVE to bring an item to attend, it would be much appreciated) just be sure to label your food in case of any potential allergies.
PACCAR Theater 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
Free!
Once again giant puppets, stilt walkers, floats, skywriters, dancers, sashayers and musicians from all over will parade on the streets of Fremont in a kaleidoscope of joyous human expression. We’re preparing right now and are inviting our friends and neighbors to make the 2019 parade and following Gasworks Park Celebration the best ever! Who can participate? Anyone! We believe in cultivating the spirit of celebration where everyone is an artist. This people-powered celebration is not only for Fremont, but for our entire Seattle community!
Once again giant puppets, stilt walkers, floats, skywriters, dancers, sashayers and musicians from all over will parade on the streets of Fremont in a kaleidoscope of joyous human expression. We’re preparing right now and are inviting our friends and neighbors to make the 2019 parade and following Gasworks Park Celebration the best ever! Who can participate? Anyone! We believe in cultivating the spirit of celebration where everyone is an artist. This people-powered celebration is not only for Fremont, but for our entire Seattle community!
A gif of a painted rainbow with pink hearts coming out of it and text below which reads “Happy Pride.” Source: Giphy
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! Come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon (http://www.geekgirlcon.com/) game nights with our friends at Wayward (http://www.waywardcoffee.com/)? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Trans Pride Seattle 2019 is Seattle’s Celebration of Two-Spirit, Trans, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary people in the heart of Capitol Hill produced by Gender Justice League.
Entering our 7th year – Trans Pride Seattle has become one of the countries largest celebrations of gender diverse people – focused especially on the communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Trans Pride Seattle bringing performers from around the country and Mexico to deliver ground breaking and amazing performances, musical talent, speeches, and comedy.
Trans Pride Seattle is an amazing opportunity to connect with community, make new friends, celebrate our collective strength and continue our communities resistance with riotous demands for equity and justice!
You will also find resources of more than 60 organizations local to Washington State at our tabling fair. Each year Trans Pride Seattle sees more than 15,000 people. It’s the perfect way to kick off Pride Weekend in Seattle.
The Dragon Fest event will feature cultural performances including Dragon and Lion dances, Traditional Korean drumming, martial arts demonstrations, the Chinese Girls Drill Team, and more. For Seattle’s foodies we are proud to bring back the Annual $3 Food Walk with over 40 restaurants offering a wide array of international $3 bites and a few bonus retail!
Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Based on the third installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, the thrilling tale is accompanied by the music played live by the Seattle Symphony as Harry soars across the big screen. From the moment Harry uses the Marauder’s Map to when the Patronus Charm bursts from his wand, you’ll be transported back into the world you love.
A gif of Professor Snake from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” The text over the gif says “Turn to page 394.” Source: Giphy
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! Come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon (http://www.geekgirlcon.com/) game nights with our friends at Wayward (http://www.waywardcoffee.com/)? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
During the summer months Seattle Shakespeare Company presents free, outdoor productions of classical plays performed in parks throughout the Puget Sound region. Grab a picnic, bring your family and join us for some free Shakespeare in the parks!
You’ve joined us for trivia… now join us for a magical scavenger hunt! This adventure will take you around major sites in Seattle with a wizarding flair, helping you find magic where you previously saw the mundane.
In my opinion, the coolest thing about GeekGirlCon is how much customization can go into everyone’s individual experience of the weekend (besides the epic congregation of a bunch of feminist nerds all in one place, that is). Whether that means spending most of your time gaming or cruising the Exhibitor Hall or deep-diving into our panel offerings, there’s truly no right way to GeekGirlCon. For a lot of folks, I know that a key part of really experiencing any con is by volunteering. At GeekGirlCon, we call our con-weekend volunteers Agents, and we seriously could not do without them, the perfect and irreplaceable extended family that they are.
If you’re interested in joining our ranks again or for the first time this year, here’s what you need to know before applying:
We do need Agents to be at least 16 years old.
This year, the con falls on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17. We ask that Agents are available to take two shifts (4-5 hours each) over the course of the weekend, though we’ll be able to work with you to make sure that you get to any programming you’re especially excited about!
As an Agent, you’ll be required to review some training materials and adhere to our Code of Conduct before hitting the floor.
And also, there are perks!
You’ll get a free pass to the con and access to our Agent Headquarters! And an Agent t-shirt, the best of all event-specific clothing!
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at con operations.
You’ll be connected with other Agents and year-round staff members; we’d love to meet you!
If you’re at all interested, here’s this year’s application. We’ll contact all those who applied after the applications close in September.
We asked you, our community, to GiveBIG last Wednesday—and you responded in a big way. You helped us make GiveBIG 2019 our most successful year EVER by raising the staggering amount of $16,358! From every fiber of our being, we thank you for supporting GeekGirlCon!
As our staff is 100% volunteer, each dollar you donated directly impacts GeekGirlCon’s development and longevity. Because of your generosity, we’re able to
continue offering year-round programming;
create a welcoming, safe environment for people of all backgrounds, races, sexualities, genders, abilities, etc.;
improve and expand our equity work;
host our annual convention; and
share your world with the world!
Thank you for entrusting us with your donations. We’ll use it to pull off the best GeekGirlCon yet!
Panels are one of my all time favorite aspects of the con. It’s a chance to indulge in conversation about my favorite fandoms and stay aware of the current happenings in my industry. It gives me the opportunity to hear stories that I otherwise may not get the chance to—or even meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t. Panels are not only a great way to learn, but they’re a great way to connect.
In anticipation for GeekGirlCon ’19, I asked my team to write small pitches for panels that they’d like to see at GeekGirlCon. Since our deadline for panel submissions is coming up at the end of the month, you never know what might inspire your next great idea!
Caitlin
Title // Putting the A in LGBTQIA+
Description // What is the asexuality spectrum? What is it like being asexual and/or aromantic? How do these identities fit into the LGBTQ community? Do aces have sex? This panel of asexuals and aromantics would provide a frank discussion of these lesser-known identities and what it’s like to be aro/ace in an allosexual world.
Title // A Talk with Ijeoma Oluo
Description // From her writings on race to her opinions on makeup brands and application, Ijeoma Oluo embodies so much of the GGC spirit. I would love to bring her in as a featured contributor, if we could make it happen.
Hanna
Title // The Good, the Bad, and the 13 Reasons Why: Depictions of Mental Health in Media
Description // From Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to Lady Dynamite to (yes) 13 Reasons Why, television shows often seek to portray characters struggling with their mental health, but the degree to which these depictions are successful varies wildly. Join our panelists for a discussion of both the most polarizing and the most effective depictions of mental illness on TV, as well as an exploration of themes of stigma, romanticization, and relatability.
Title // Choose Your Own Adventure: The Creative Possibilities of Fanfiction
Description // Whether you’re a veteran writer with hundreds of fics under your belt (or published to your Archive of Our Own account); are just beginning to dabble in the world of AUs, headcanons, and ships; or are a complete novice, you’re welcome at this panel exploring the world of fanfiction! As proud fanfiction writers and readers, we’ll be discussing the freedom, creativity, and radical possibilities inherent in fanfiction as a genre, and how “choosing your own adventure” by writing fanfic has the power to expand, enhance, and subvert the media we love.
Kalyna
Title // 🎶Zankoku…🎶 (ahem) the Power of Anime Openings and Endings
Description // Have you ever watched an anime simply because it had great opening animation? Do you know only the first 1:25-2 minutes of a catchy Jpop tune? This panel is for you! Discuss the history of anime openings and endings, how they’ve changed throughout the years, and (of course) watch a few clips of our favorites.
Title // Reboots, Remakes, and Nostalgia
Description // Twilight Zone. Fruits Basket. Aladdin. Hellboy. Men in Black. Final Fantasy X. What do all of these cultural icons have in common? They’re all getting remade for today’s audiences. Join us as we explore the deja-vu filled world of reboots. Are we in an age of remakes, or have we seen this pattern before? How does the process of remaking a movie differ from porting a video game, or a new storyline in comics? In the end, what audience do these reboots target — new audiences, or nostalgic fans?
GiveBig is an annual day of giving in Seattle. Hosted this year by 501 Commons, GiveBig supports local nonprofit organizations. GeekGirlCon is participating again this year to help raise funds for the 2019 convention on November 16 & 17.
We wouldn’t be able to host the convention each year without your support. We are a community, and we are all extremely passionate about GeekGirlCon’s mission to create a welcoming, safe environment for people of all backgrounds, colors, sexualities, and genders. Everyone should be able to tell their story, and we want to hear yours.
By donating to GeekGirlCon, you are supporting this mission. You are enabling us to create that space, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community.
You can follow along on social media and return to this post for live updates. We’ll also be livestreaming every hour throughout the day starting at 8 a.m. PST on Facebook.
Current Total From 30 Donors: $14,203 of $10,000 Goal
Thank you for Giving BIG and showing continued support for GeekGirlCon!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for live updates throughout the day. You can give your gift online today. If you are interested in becoming anindividual or corporate sponsor for GeekGirlCon, check out our sponsor benefits and reach out to us at sponsorship@geekgirlcon.com.
We’re less than 24 hours away from GiveBIG, Seattle’s annual
day of giving! Hosted by 501 Commons, GivBIG is an online fundraising marathon
that supports local nonprofits, including GeekGirlCon.
Two girls wearing headphones play a video game while seated at a table at GeekGirlCon. Source: GGC Flickr.
You’ll have all day tomorrow, May 8, to give live, and we’ll be streaming updates throughout the
day to record our milestones and stories about GGC. However, if you don’t want
to wait, you can also schedule
your tax-deductible gifts today.
Why support GeekGirlCon? Built on the belief that everyone deserves
a safe space to be their true selves, GGC is a labor of love from start to
finish. Our 100% volunteer staff works hard year-round to pull off both our
annual con and other events throughout the year, and we rely on your support to
create these opportunities for underrepresented groups to come together and
celebrate the things they love.
So, schedule your donation early, if that’s your jam, and check back in tomorrow to see how we’re doing and hear more about the things our staff and community love about GGC.
We are officially less than one week away from GiveBIG! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 8th, or schedule your gift ahead of time here!
For those of you who aren’t familiar, GiveBIG is an annual day of giving, hosted by 501 commons, that benefits local nonprofits like GeekGirlCon. The support generated by GiveBIG helps us at GeekGirlCon create the most inclusive, accessible convention possible, bringing you (our incredible supporters and community members!) more exceptional panelists, exhibitors, featured contributors, workshops, meetups, and so much more each year.
For all of us at GeekGirlCon, this kind of support is personal. As volunteers, we each have our own unique story of why we give and what GeekGirlCon means to us. Read on to hear our stories, and be sure to add your own. This GiveBIG, let us know what the GeekGirlCon community means to you and share your support for our mission.
Alyssa Jones | Director of Interactive Programming
I support GeekGirlCon because…
It’s important to support ALL WOMEN!
Geeks come in every shape, color, orientation, ability, and gender identity
There aren’t enough safe spaces for marginalized geek
And cause it’s a DAMN FUN WEEKEND
Kalyna Durbak | Copywriter
I support GeekGirlCon because I wish such an organization existed when I was younger. GeekGirlCon sends a message to the world that everyone of ALL ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, sizes, abilities, ethnicities, nationalities, races, creeds, religions, familial statuses, physical and mental abilities, alien species, earth species, education levels, science specializations, fandoms, etc., deserve a safe place to be a geek—no minimal “Geek Cred” required!
Allison Borngesser | Senior Designer
Because it’s important to hold space for geeks of marginalized spaces, so they can find community, share their stories and feel seen and heard. Watching all our attendees having a good time, learning, and interacting is the most rewarding feeling when putting in volunteer time and working behind the scenes.
Bonnie Barcellos | Human Resources Manager
I was not encouraged to enjoy geeky things as a child because I was a girl. My parents are amazing, loving people but they held strong views of what girls should do/like and what boys should do/like. I have a memory of my dad and brothers watching a movie – I popped in the room, was told I wouldn’t like it because it was a boys’ movie, and so I left. That movie was Star Wars. Luckily I rebelled as a teen and inhaled fantasy & sci-books, discovered the amazingness of Star Wars and so many other films, and never looked back. GGC celebrates inclusivity and the love of all things geek in such a wonderful way. We provide a safe space for people to unabashedly be who they are, learn new things, and meet awesome people with similar interests.
I also love our focus on STEM careers for women. Again, that wasn’t an option provided to me. I’m happy in my current career – but if I had gotten more exposure/encouragement in math and science, I would have pursued a career as an economist. I want to provide information and opportunities to women that I didn’t have. GGC does that so well, and it’s an important part of our mission.
Teal Christensen | Copywriter
Something I believe in very strongly is that while virtual spaces can be wildly important, especially to folks of marginalized identities, huge and important parts of our lives still have to happen irl. In order for that reality to be safe and accessible and equitable, we have to do the work to hold space for ourselves and our communities in the physical world. That’s what I think of as the work of GeekGirlCon, and that’s why I support it.
Thank you for supporting GeekGirlCon during GiveBIG, and adding your story to our community of supporters!
Distinguished blog readers, children of all ages — ENGAGE is proud to present The Gauntlet 2019! Gather round Mox Boarding House Bellevue on May 19th to marvel as Team GeekGirlCon dazzles the audience with their extraordinary gaming skills!
This year’s Gauntlet poster. The logo features two stylized black and white circus actors on a red background, with the words “The Gauntlet Cirque! May 19th 2019 Mox Bellevue” in the center. Image from: https://thegauntlet2019.causevox.com/
The Gauntlet is an invitation-only 8+ hour tournament, consisting of tabletop games from a variety of genres, plus trivia. This year, 16 teams will compete for the shiny Gauntlet trophy.
Our team is excited to play games and raise funds to benefit El Centro de la Raza (The Center for People of All Races), which serves as a voice for the Latinx and immigrant communities in Seattle and King County. Since 1972, El Centro de la Raza has built unity across racial and economic sectors, empowered the most vulnerable and marginalized populations and strives to provide justice to all peoples. From education and youth-focused programs to community building and development, they offer services to aid the Seattle community and beyond throughout all stages of life.
If you can’t make it to the event itself, consider making a donation to our team! Your donations will benefit El Centro de la Raza in their efforts to bring after school programming for low-income middle school children. Giving through our donation page will also unlock power-ups to aid our team in the Gauntlet. We’d love to win that shiny Gauntlet trophy!
The Gauntlet Tournament’s trophy, which features a metal gauntlet (fist up) on a pedestal. The base has the phrase “The Gauntlet: A call to engage” inscribed, as well as three previous winners and the year they won (Team Paizo, 2014; Team Removed From Play, 2018; Team Wizards of the Coast, 2016). Image from https://thegauntlet2019.causevox.com/
For the last few years GeekGirlCon has participated in GiveBIG, an annual day of giving in Seattle. Hosted this year by 501 Commons, GiveBIG is a single-day online fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. Starting today, April 23rd, you can schedule your gift to GeekGirlCon before GiveBIG happens in two weeks on May 8th!
As a volunteer-run organization, everyone at GeekGirlCon is extremely passionate about our mission: to create a safe and encouraging space for all people regardless of color, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our staff embodies this message and we strive make sure that our community is welcoming to all. Everyone at GeekGirlCon has a unique perspective, and we all support this organization because we believe that the world can do better. From STEM to gaming, the arts and popular culture, no one should go without their story being told. Whether you’re a fan, creator, scientist, or a gamer, we can all come together to celebrate our common interests while also celebrating what makes us unique. No two geeks are alike, after all.
But, beyond the dedication of our staff we couldn’t host the convention each year without your support. Individual donations by our community and sponsors give us the ability to organize the best possible event that we can. Your support allows us to bring more panels, events, Featured Contributors, exhibitors, and so much more to the con each year.
This November, we’ll be hosting our biggest convention to date and we simply could not do this without you.
Over the next couple of weeks stay tuned as we ramp up for the big day. We want to tell you our story—and we want to hear yours, too! Why do you support GeekGirlCon?
