New York City’s Sheraton Times Square Hotel transformed into a rainbow-hued geek paradise on August 17-18, 2024, as Flame Con celebrated its 10th anniversary. The world’s largest LGBTQ+ comic convention drew thousands of fans, creators, and cosplayers for a weekend of inclusive geekery, proving that queer representation in pop culture isn’t just important but it’s downright electrifying.
From Spark to Inferno: The Evolution of Flame Con
What began in 2015 as a spark of an idea has roared into a cultural inferno. Flame Con NYC, organized by the non-profit Geeks OUT, has grown from a modest one-day event with 2,200 attendees to a two-day extravaganza spanning three floors. The 2024 edition featured:
- Over 50 panels, workshops, and performances
- An expanded Gaymer Lounge
- Hundreds of exhibitors
- A sold-out after-party
This year’s event saw record-breaking attendance, with estimates surpassing 8,000 fans from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum and their allies.
“It’s hard to imagine that we’ve celebrated 10 years of putting together what is now the largest and longest-running queer comics and pop culture convention in the world,” marveled one of the organizers. “What started with ‘wouldn’t it be cool’ has grown into something truly magical.”
Celebrating Queer Creators
Flame Con 2024 boasted an impressive roster of guests that had fans buzzing:
- Shannon Watters, co-creator of the beloved “Lumberjanes” series
- Terry Blas, known for his work on “Steven Universe” and “Rick and Morty” comics
- Emily Drabinski, the 2023-24 President of the American Library Association
- Princess Weekes, writer and video essayist
A standout panel, “Queering the Superhero Narrative,” sparked heated debates on the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream comics. “It’s not just about having queer characters anymore,” Watters remarked during the session. “It’s about telling authentic, nuanced stories that resonate with our lived experiences.”
A Hub of Creativity
The expanded exhibition hall buzzed with activity as hundreds of vendors and artists showcased their wares. Indie comic creators and established names alike presented a diverse array of styles and stories, turning the space into a treasure trove of queer creativity.
One standout success was indie comic creator Jaz Malone’s debut graphic novel, “Spectrum City,” which featured a group of queer superheroes protecting a futuristic metropolis. “Flame Con gave me the platform to share my story with people who see themselves in my characters,” Malone said, beaming with pride. The enthusiastic response to “Spectrum City” demonstrated the hunger for authentic queer narratives.
Industry Presence
Established publishers weren’t left out of the excitement. Representatives from Dark Horse Comics, Yen Press, and Mad Cave Studios were on hand to scout new talent and announce upcoming LGBTQ+-focused titles. This presence of major industry players underscored Flame Con’s growing influence in shaping the future of comics and graphic novels.
Nurturing New Talent
Flame Con 2024 also introduced a mentorship program aimed at fostering the next generation of LGBTQ+ creators. This initiative ensures that the flame of queer creativity continues to burn bright in the years to come, providing aspiring artists and writers with valuable guidance and support.
A Diverse Celebration
The diversity within the LGBTQ+ community itself was on full display, with artists and cosplayers representing a wide range of identities, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. This intersectionality was not just celebrated but actively encouraged, leading to collaborations and conversations that pushed the boundaries of queer representation even further.
Flame Con’s Impact on Pop Culture
Flame Con’s influence on mainstream geek culture was palpable throughout the weekend. Several major publishers announced new titles featuring LGBTQ+ leads, and a panel on “The State of Queer Comics” highlighted the industry’s progress in inclusive storytelling.
Princess Weekes moderated a powerful discussion on intersectionality in comics. “Events like Flame Con remind the industry that we’re not a monolith,” Weekes emphasized. “Our stories are diverse, complex, and worthy of being told on the biggest stages.”
Emily Drabinski’s session on queer literature in libraries drew a packed house. “Access to diverse stories is a fundamental right,” she asserted. “Conventions like Flame Con remind us of the power of representation in all forms of media.”
The Expanded Gaymer Lounge
The Gaymer Lounge, a fan-favorite feature, expanded this year to include more space for both tabletop and video gaming. Indie game developers showcased their latest LGBTQ+-themed titles, while retro gaming stations allowed attendees to revisit classics with a queer twist.
Attendee Testimonials
The enthusiasm of attendees was infectious. Sarah Chen, a first-time Flame Con goer, struggled to contain her excitement: “I’ve never felt so seen and celebrated at a con before. It’s like coming home to a family you didn’t know you had.”
“I am so thankful to be invited to Flame Con to prove love is real and make hearts kiss this sky,” said Tingle. “The moments we create in the city of apples will make this timeline a better place and you are an important part of that. I can’t wait to trot together with our heads held high and prove love is real for each and every unique way, this is what makes our timeline special buckaroo.”
The Official After-Party
As the convention floor closed each night, the celebration continued at FIREBALL, the official Flame Con after-party. Hosted by the fabulous Megami, the 21+ event featured geek-themed drag, burlesque, and boylesque performances that had attendees cheering late into the night.
Supporting the Cause
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Geeks OUT depends on community support to continue its mission. Attendees were encouraged to donate via GiveLively, with every dollar raised helping to fund future events and initiatives.
The Future of Flame Con
As Flame Con wrapped up its milestone year, organizers hinted at even bigger plans:
- Potential satellite events in other cities to spread the flame of inclusivity
- Virtual components to reach a global audience unable to attend in person
- A new mentorship program to nurture the next generation of LGBTQ+ comics creators
- Expanded partnerships with major publishers and gaming companies
“We’re not just planning for next year,” a Geeks OUT spokesperson revealed. “We’re laying the groundwork for the next decade of queer geek culture.”
A Burning Legacy
As the con doors closed and the last of the glitter was swept away, one thing remained clear: Flame Con isn’t just a convention—it’s a movement. For two days each summer, it transforms New York City into the queerest, geekiest place on Earth, proving that when it comes to celebrating diversity in pop culture, Flame Con is where fire meets fabulousness.
The impact of Flame Con extends far beyond its two-day run so get the updates from amNY now!
