Author: Travis Hayward
Southern California’s premier LGBTQ+ Comic Convention, QCon, occurred on Saturday, June 15th, at the Fiesta Hall in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park. Presented by Prism Comics, QCon serves as a celebration of LGBTQ+ writers, artists, and other creators within the community. The event brought together fans and creators to celebrate diversity, creativity, and representation within the comic industry.
The festivities kicked off with a highly anticipated panel featuring the stars of the hit Disney+ series X-Men ‘97. Moderated by Chris Riley and Kevin Winston of The X-Reads Podcast, the panel featured Christine Uhebe (Nina Da Costa), Holly Chou (Jubilee), JP Karliak (Morph), and Morla Gorrondona (Empress Lilandra). Each actor discussed the significance of the show and their respective characters, emphasizing X-Men’s longstanding role as an allegory for prejudice. X-Men resonates profoundly with the queer community because many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced prejudice, bigotry, and even disownment from their families for being different. The panelists highlighted how the show continues to provide a sense of representation and hope for those who see themselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs of the X-Men.
For me, the most prominent moment of the convention was a panel focused on trans and non-binary creators of comics. Hosted by Prism Comics’ own Tara Madison Avery, the panel featured Mei (author of Qi Shift), Sonya Saturday (author of The Greatest Thing You’ve Ever Seen In Your Life), and Tilly Bridges (writer; Monster High, Tilly’s Trans Tuesdays).
This panel explored the importance of proper representation of trans people in media. The creators shared personal insights on what being trans means to them and discussed the challenges they face in an industry often dominated by cisgender perspectives. They highlighted the need to move beyond portraying trans characters solely as victims, emphasizing that while trauma is part of many trans experiences, it is not the entirety of their existence. They also pointed out the common scenario where trans creators pitch their stories to cis (often white) executives who then offer feedback based on their limited understanding of trans experiences.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus was in attendance, providing a soothing musical backdrop that offered a relaxing relief from the overbearing Southern California sun. Their dulcet tones added a harmonious layer to the event, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
QCon 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together diverse voices from the LGBTQ+ community. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions on representation, creativity, and the unique challenges faced by queer creators in the comic industry. Events like QCon are crucial in pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity within all forms of media, ensuring that everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories they love.
Join the movement for greater diversity and representation in the comic industry! Follow Prism Comics and stay updated on future QCon events to support LGBTQ+ creators and celebrate the vibrant, creative community. Let’s continue to amplify these important voices together!
