Schedule

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

panel

Rose/Pearl, Pearl/Garnet, Sapphire/Ruby…the list goes on. We will delve into the world of representation that Rebecca Sugar has created, and the impact the show has had on the queer community. Join us for a discussion that will broaden your Universe!

Kayla Sutton

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

Our panelists will celebrate WOC cosplayers by discussing what inspired them to start cosplay, what it’s like to BE a woman of color cosplayer, and what they felt like when they wore cosplay for the first time. Let’s create a space that encourages other POC to jump into cosplay!

Kristine Hassell, Sistah Geek, Risha K, Tansura Thomas

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

Seeing yourself in the media you consume is incredibly important–and that’s not so easy when you feel different. Whether we suffer from mental illness or in other ways identify as neuro-atypical, shining examples of characters dealing positively with our struggles can be few and far between. These days, though, it’s becoming more and more possible to find these representations in a place many us go to let off steam: video games.

Katy Morgan, Elizabeth Barlow, Katie Dobruse

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Journey to other worlds and explore the imagination of the next generation of science fiction and fantasy authors! Youth winners of MoPOP’s Write Out of This World: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Short Story Contest share their winning stories and offer advice for other young writers.

Della Abler, Kate Okerstrom, Trinity Hunter, Dakota Li, Amelia Jones, Elise Hebert, Ava Cline, Rowan Hurt

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

Although androids have long been part of sci-fi narratives, they are typically presented in two ways: pre-adolescent boys who must come of age or naïve, sexually-mature females who are taught about the world by a male protagonist. What stories will we see going forward? Westworld and BSG may come up.

Korra Q, Tony Martel, Tiffany Lamoreaux

Time:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

Ever wondered which fandoms and tropes are most popular in fanfic? Are you curious how comments affect an author’s writing skills, or how fans navigate the sexual content in fanworks? Join a panel of fandom analysts as we present our findings on these topics (and more!), showcase data visualizations, explain our methods, and take questions.

Ruby Davis, Destination Toast, Finn Again, Cecilia Aragon, John Frens

Time:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

How can we still love Disney films while finding them problematic? Join University of Washington Tacoma students as we break down the classic princesses, some popular hits like Zootopia and Moana, and even some Disney flicks you might not have heard of! Films will be analyzed through an intersectional lens.

Ariel Wetzel, Larissa Bokoni, Theo Calhoun, Kiona Jones, Joshua “Rocky” Marks, Ashley Primer

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

panel

What does it take to be the voice of a hero — or a villain, for that matter? Join an amazing discussion on the profession with voice actors Erica Luttrell (Steven Universe, DisHonored, Diablo III), Lucie Pohl (Overwatch), and Fryda Wolff (Mass Effect: Andromeda).

Erica Lutrell, Lucie Pohl, Fryda Wolff

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

Do you find that the graphic or digital worlds you love just don’t quite get you? Can’t identify with Ezio Auditore’s or Bruce Wayne’s playboy love life? Let’s talk about sex…uality in comic books and video games! There are gaps where there should be representation for relationships not seen by the (generally) default male gaze of many comic books or video games. We’ll look at who is trying to shrink those gaps and how we can tell more inclusive stories. Come share your favorites!

Megan Spurr, Stacey Weber, Hannah Craig, Joshua Neal

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

Tabletop games necessitate interaction with objects and people in a shared space, but we sometimes forget that not everyone can access games in the same way. Drawing on panelists’ experiences, we will discuss how to ensure all players, with or without disabilities, are welcome at the gaming table.

Lauren Bond, Casey Middaugh, Daniel Gray, Adam Davis

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Who are the women of Star Wars fandom, and what are their stories? These are questions in “Looking For Leia,” a documentary featured in The Mary Sue, Nerdist, and The Verge. Join producer/director Annalise Ophelian as she discusses the creative process, and see some behind-the-scenes footage.

Annalise Ophelian, Pat M. Yulo, Linda Hasen-Raj, Christina Cato, Maggie Nowakowska, Jamala Henderson

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

On this panel we will discuss how to end the gender gap in STEM and the importance of doing so. We will also talk about how to get young girls into STEM from the perspective of a teenage girl with an interest in STEM and a passion for education.

Lillian M. Williamson, Susie Lee

Time:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

This panel will discuss what it’s like being a black person/POC in fandom, especially in anime fandom. We will talk about issues of representation, what it’s like to be the fan who likes the “foreign language” cartoons, our experiences as black/POC cosplayers, and how anime and manga have influenced us.

Rabecca Rocha, Camille Duale, Isabela Oliveira, Kristine Hassell

Time:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

20 years after Buffy the Vampire Slayer premiered, the entertainment industry still struggles to accept lessons it should’ve learned from its impact. Cause for optimism can be found in stories ranging from Wonder Woman to The Crown. We’ll evaluate the prospects for female characters today and in the years ahead.

B.J. Priester, Tricia Barr, Jennifer K. Stuller

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

panel

Wonder Woman has inspired women for over 75 years. We’ll discuss her origin, the values she espouses, and the real-life Wonder Women who have been inspired to live those values in the real world. Leave with tips on getting involved–and be a Wonder Person in your own life.

Sharon Magliano Feliciano

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

Learn how to a comic from scratch! We’ll tell the story of how we moved our cat comic from a fun idea to an ongoing reality and explain how we found artists, collaborated, learned about digital platforms, and built a crowdfunding/subscription-based model. If we can do this, so can you!

Margaret Chiavetta, Beth Morrell, Brooks Peck, Elizabeth Barlow, Al Lukehart

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Although Star Trek is highly regarded as very progressive and inclusive science fiction, the show often depicts and perpetuates negative stereotypes of minorities. We’ll discuss the problematic racial and cultural stereotypes seen in these three Star Trek series: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager.

Rian Roberson, Poliana Irizarry, El Sanchez, Elly Bangs

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

We’ll discuss the emerging technology and industry of 3D printing, its applications, and the practical (but overlooked) knowledge required to design for and print in 3D. MyOpen3D’s Alex Cheker and Tony Loiseleur design and build DIY open source 3D printer kits, and Will James of BillytheBrickCosplay 3D prints cosplay!

Tony Loiseleur, Alex Checker, Will James, Sophy Wong

Time:

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

Ready to max out your side hustle doing what you love? We’ll discuss making livable salaries using only your laptop and phone! Learn from a global social media marketer/blogger; the founder of GenTwenty, an online resource for millennials, by millennials; and other girlbosses in charge of their own careers!

Tori Dunlap, Nicole Booz

Time:

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

Join women writers from BlackNerdProblems.com as we discuss how we built a digital creative community that encourages each member’s unique endeavors. We’ll talk about the importance of open creative spaces and give tips on how women can actively, consciously support other women creatives, regardless of media.

Leslie Light, Lauren Bullock, Nicole Homer, Izetta Thomas, Carrie McClain

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

This talk outlines the basic tenets of magical misdirection and reveals its application within our modern culture. Maritess Zurbano is one of the few professional female magicians in history. As a Master Magician, Hypnotist, and Speaker, Zurbano began as a Las Vegas illusionist and performs worldwide. Her magical prose and performances open social justice conversation to a wider audience. www.WomanHypnotist.com

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

panel

We’ll sit down with comic writer and novelist G. Willow Wilson for a moderated discussion of her work and where she thinks comics are going.

G. Willow Wilson

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

Where do you start reading in a comic book series? What if you don’t like superheroes? In this roundtable discussion, comic shop owners, creators, and seasoned readers reveal how they started, the best books to start with, and how to navigate the intimidating world of the comic book shop, fan boys, and comic conventions.

Sharon Magliano Feliciano

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

Would you like a new way of building stories with your friends? Have you ever wanted to run a game of Dungeons and Dragons but don’t know how to get started? Our panel of Game Masters have run modules, written their own plot lines, built their own settings, and podcasted their adventures. They can get you ready to run your own game–no matter your experience level–and help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of starting a game.

Jalyn Euteneier, Dawn Vogel, Kristine Hassell, Sarah Rawlings

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Nerd and geek music continues its rise in popularity, but what binds this genre together? From rock to rap, folk to filk, the threads of fandom weave a nerdy musical quilt. Chat with some music stars at this musical panel about their inspirations, collaborations, and what makes this community so fascinating.

Christian Lipski, Aubrey Turner, Hollyanna McCollom, Sunnie Larsen, Shubzilla

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

Arduinos: small, programmable microcontrollers used to drive LEDs, sensors, motors, and more. But what if you don’t know how to code? Learn techniques for using open-source code from tutorials and tweaks to benefit your own project! We’ll include a demo of several different cosplay projects made from one source tutorial.

Sophy Wong, Tony DiCola

Time:

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

Sports are for everyone, but they aren’t all created equally. Join our panelists from Cheer Seattle, Emerald City Admirals Quidditch, and Rat City Rollergirls as they discuss their experiences in sport, gender representation and equity, and accessibility. Learn about volunteer cheerleading, quidditch, and roller derby, and how they empower women, break traditional barriers for sports, and challenge stereotypes about what it means to be an athlete.

JC Lau, Marina Martinez, Rabecca Rocha

Time:

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

Area librarians recommend inclusive science fiction and fantasy, with an emphasis on portrayals of queer and POC characters and authors. Hear about new books where queer characters get happy endings, women can be warlords, dark skin doesn’t signify evil, and the diversity of contemporary life is reflected in imaginary worlds.

Jackie Parker, Emily Calkins, Zola Mumford, Kate Sellers, Misha Stone

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

From evil queens and witches, to sinister seductresses, to calculating political players, these women have played key roles in the stories we’ve come to love. We’ll look back at the archetypal villainesses in fairy tales and fast-forward to the present where villainesses are often more complicated.

Carolyn Noe, Fox Smith, Symantha Reagor, Andrew Buckley, Evan J. Peterson

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

Do you want to try gaming, but don’t know where to start? You’re in good company! We’ll bust through intimidation and give the lowdown on why embracing your inner gamer can be good for your career and mental health (no joke!), how to start, and how to navigate geek culture.

Ally Bishop, Camela Thompson

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

When your hearts are running low, stories can help fill you back up. A panel of fannish librarians make and facilitate live personalized reading and viewing recommendations: stories of resistance, joy, and care. We’ll mine nontraditional publishing pathways — fanfiction, online and self-published fiction, webcomics, TV, movies, and more — focusing on stories and creators that center women, queer, trans-, and nonbinary people, people of color, neurodiversity, and other identities.

Kate Sellers, Claire Scott, Piper Lewis, Sunny Kim

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

Research reports that children find science intimidating. A child who has a working science vocabulary and an understanding of the science involved in their fandom (and real life) is a child who will succeed with a better understanding of science going forward into high school and beyond. But not every parent/teacher is confident with science terms or experiments. We offer the how’s & why’s of easy, hands-on science and demonstrate how science terms can be introduced early for real life-long understanding.

Kari Ramadorai, Maple Jackson, Ali Yeates

Time:

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

Join GeekGirlCon staff, board, and agents for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on the convention, what we’ve learned over the years, and what opportunities exist for you to get involved as staff, on the Board of Directors, or as a 2018 volunteer. Our community needs you!

Maddy Vonhoff, I-Wei Feng, Katrina Lehto

Time:

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

The Feminist Frequency team will premiere an episode from season 1 of their new series, The FREQ Show: a witty, topical, fast-paced look at the ways in which our society shapes–and is shaped by– media images of difference regarding race, class, gender, sexuality, and national origin, or ability.

Anita Sarkeesian, Ebony Aster, Ashley Fellows, Carolyn Petit

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

panel

Join us for a moderated chat with Erica Luttrell about working on Steven Universe, DisHonored, iZombie, and more!

Erica Lutrell

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

Sex can be complicated, emotional, messy, embarrassing and sometimes hard to talk about – aka the perfect storm for misinformation. Luckily, Planned Parenthood has compiled a panel of some of the raddest, smartest, awesomest sex nerds to answer all the questions you’ve been gathering the courage to Google. Come for the open, welcoming panel and leave with a ton of info! And don’t worry, you can ask questions anonymously!

Liz Andrade, Forever Moon, Tobi Hill-Meyer, Andie Lyons, Dawn Serra, Cy Enseñat

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

Three artists, 56 years of experience! Please join our panel of 3 prolific female artists whose work has touched a diverse range of game projects and other media. Our panelists cover an array of art disciplines, from concept art and animation, to 3D modeling/texturing (plus some crafty side projects as well). The discussion will center around the game industry and how their experiences have shaped the artists they are today. The last half of this panel will be open for Q&A, inquisitive minds and aspiring artists are encouraged!

Jessica Brunelle, Ocala Scott-Bellows, Katy Hargrove, Amy Drobeck-Jones

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Cosplaying is fun, but what happens after the con? Join us as we discuss the phenomenon that is DisneyBounding–no, it isn’t just for Disney fans! We’ll examine what bounding is, some tips to get started, and much more! Learn why we show appreciation of our favorite fandoms through fashion!

Becky Watkins, Stephanie Thoen, Anna Hayden, Anna Burch, Ellie Robinson

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

Meet The Bug Chicks, entomologists using bugs to talk about social issues like prejudice, racism, sexism, and feelings of isolation–and simultaneously teach about insects, spiders, and their relatives. They make videos and talk with young people all over the world, inspiring bravery and open-mindedness. Find your inner bugdork!

Kristie Riddick, Jessica Honaker

Time:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

In this panel, women who identify as fangirls explore the shame that still exists around fandom for women, especially adult women, as well as the benefits of being a fan. The support of the fan community, in encouraging creativity, individuality, and genuine self expression, is discussed. In addition, the ways in which fandom facilitates identity exploration and development is explored. Includes screening of the latest episode from upcoming web series ‘Squee!’ The Fangirl Documentary Project (10-12mins).

Hansi Oppenheimer, Jessica Mason, Christine Killmer, Misty Fig, Tricia Barr

Time:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

In the current political climate, recall Leslie Knope’s words: “This is an outrage! Who do I call?” Parks and Recreation is a beloved comedy, but it’s also a great model for political activism. Using our favorite characters, we’ll examine actions you can take, and highlight ways to balance friends, waffles, and work.

Carolyn Noe, Fox Smith, Symantha Reagor, Andrew Buckley, Evan J. Peterson

Time:

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location:

Korra

Type:

panel

The women in horror community has grown much like the geek girl one has, but what does it mean? We’ll discuss a history of how women are presented in horror, the whys and hows of the genre’s growing appeal, and how this vocal demographic is changing the industry from the inside.

Morgue Anne, Jades, Isabella L. Price

Time:

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

panel

With the ongoing attempts to legislate women’s bodies, both the Handmaid’s Tale and B*tch Planet are more relevant than we might like them to be. This panel will discuss them as analogs for what is going on in both the US and the world right now.

Mickey Schulz, Berlynn Wohl, Pleiades McRae

Time:

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location:

Storm

Type:

panel

Shoujo manga usually focuses on female protagonists, and has a lot to offer, but often romanticizes unhealthy and even abusive relationships. How can we ensure readers retain healthy relationship ideals without censoring their choices? We discuss unhealthy dynamics depicted in shoujo manga, their consequences, and how to combat the romanticization of abuse in fiction.

Caitlin Moore

Time:

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

panel

Yaoi is one of the largest sub-genres in anime and is very popular amongst female fans, who support an industry of books, movies, audio dramas, games, and merchandise. But with equality not yet reached in Japan for members of the LGBT community what is the relation between the popularity of yaoi and the political rights of queer people in Japan? This panel seeks to explore these issues through the history of yaoi, its rise in popularity and the juxtaposition of the fight for queer rights.

Isabella L. Price

Time:

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

panel

In this live episode of the Podice Rippers podcast, we’ll discuss positive romantic and sexual encounters in our favorite geek works. We’ll cover the bridge fanfiction creates between representation and reality, the feminism of romance and erotica, and the ways the entertainment and publishing industries shape romance, pornography, and erotica.

Natalie Warner, Lainey Seaton

Time:

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

panel

Creators from marginalized communities build resistance narratives in comics, such as black, queer women in love in Wakanda, and mythic creatures healing postwar trauma in Monstress. Comics professionals from many intersecting communities will highlight resistance through representation, opening a comic book shop, curating content, hosting podcasts, and teaching classes. Other topics include: resistance through self-care, joy and love in the ways we navigate our own communities in comics and beyond.

Rachelle Cruz, P. Kristen Enos, Johnnie Jae, Taylor Crockett