Panel Highlight: Diversity and inclusion in fandoms, RPGs, and beyond
GeekGirlCon attendees at a 2015 panel discussing diversity. (Photo by Sayed Alamy)
We’re living in a time with an incredible volume of movies, television, comics, books, and games. The options seem nearly endless, and while that’s exciting, it can also be disheartening when so much of that content still isn’t diverse and inclusive.
During several panels at GeekGirlCon, we will celebrate diversity in fandoms, constructively criticize the media that we love, and uplift creators making a difference in a discussion about greater representation.
GeekGirlCon writer Caitlin Foskey talked about how far pop culture has come and how far it still has to go in blog post highlighting our pop culture panels. Check that out here.
And in our three diversity and inclusion panels, we will not only look at movies, tv, and games, but focus in on other multi-billion dollar industries — like the one built on coming-of-age stories and other aspects of Young Adult fiction.
The Young, Latin, and Proud: Latinx Identity in YA Media panel will discuss how very few latinidad experiences are reflected in YA, and how even fewer voices are showcased. Moderated by Sylvia Artiga, this panel will explore books, television, and movies with self-identified Latinx creators, writers, and YA fans.
Amigxs, if you’ll be in Seattle for @GeekGirlCon, check out our panels on Sunday! -s pic.twitter.com/vDAF1xhh5r
— Latinx Nerds (@comosedicenerd) September 8, 2017
You can submit questions to panelists Tristan J. Tarwater, Tehlor Kay Mejia, M. García, Melissa Grey by tweeting @comosedicenerd, hashtag #GGC17.
Young, Latin, and Proud: Latinx Identity in YA Media: From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in room Korra.
From YA to anime, discussions surrounding issues of representation continues during the panel Here Come The “Bla-takus”: Being Black/POC in the Anime Fandom.
Moderator Misa Russell will discuss what it’s like being a black person/POC in fandom — especially in anime fandom — with panelists Camille Duale, Isabela Oliveira, GeekGirlCon staffers Rabecca Rocha and Kristine Hassell.
They’ll converse what it’s like to be the fan who likes the “foreign language” cartoons, experiences as black/POC cosplayers, and how anime and manga have influenced us.
Where Come The “Bla-takus”: Being Black/POC in the Anime Fandom: From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in room Furiosa.
Feeling inspired after attending these panels? GeekGirlCon writer JC Lau posted a blog highlighting a series of social justice discussions so you can take what you’re passionate about and transform it into effective activism. Read about those panels here.
But if you’re looking to set the tone in game play, you’ve rolled a natural 20, because we have just that in a diversity-and-inclusion panel moderated by GeekGirlCon’s Tabletop Games Coordinator.
In the panel Social Justice Paladins: Running an Intersectional TRPG, we’ll talk about how people and topics are represented, and how you can promote inclusivity and accessibility at your table.
Panelists include intersectional Game Masters cover steps for facilitating an inclusive gaming table and culture.
You can introduce positive representations to players who may be experiencing the TRPG community for the first time, or set the standard for returning players.
These intersectional Game Masters will cover steps for facilitating an inclusive gaming table and culture. You have the power to create the game and community you want to see.
Social Justice Paladins: Running an Intersectional TRPG: From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday in room Sammus.
About GeekGirlCon: At our two-day convention on September 30 and October 1, 2017, GeekGirlCon sets up an inclusive environment in the heart of downtown Seattle to celebrate every geek and honor the legacy of women contributing to science and technology; comics, arts, and literature; game play and game design; and beyond. Get your passes here!
[…] panels at #GGC17 with Panel Highlights. Previous Highlights have covered panels on Social Justice, Diversity and Inclusivity, GGC After Dark, Fandom, and Pop Culture. Today, I’m going to talk about some of the Gaming […]