LGBT Guide to C2E2 2014

The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) returns once again this weekend to McCormick Place. Beyond the showfloor chockfull of fanboys and fangirls in cosplay (like my...friend...from last year) and panels packed with comic creators and writers, the offerings for LGBT fans continues to grow. While I'm running around capturing the most up-to-date breaking news in all things geek this weekend, I will also be trying to hit as many of the LGBT (and LGBT-friendly) events listed below:

FRIDAY

The Nerdologues Present: Your Stories – C2E2 Edition!

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm (C2E2 LIVE! Stage)

With: Chris Geiger, Claire Friedman, Kevin Reader, Steve Persch, Beth Smith, Dwight Haesler , Eric Garneau, Joe Gennaro, Michael Jando

The Nerdologues is a sketch comedy ensemble from Chicago. Sketch comedy, you know, like funny ha-ha. Sort of like Monty Python or Saturday Night Live. Except, they tend to base their jokes on true stories from nerds' lives and pop culture. In addition to sketch comedy, they host other live events, create videos and podcasts. In this show, they will be recording a live podcast that includes stories, songs, sketches and special guests!

End Bullying! Responding to Cruelty in our Culture

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Room S403)

With: Carrie Goldman, Chase Masterson, Jessica Gall

Join this life-changing discussion on how to overcome bullying, and learn strategies to create witnesses and allies out of bystanders. Panelists include Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition Founder Chase Masterson (Doctor Who: Big Finish) and Anti-Defamation League bullying expert Jessica Gall. Special topics include geek bullying, LGBT bullying, cyber-bullying and analyzing how media and entertainment affect our attitudes toward bullying and aggression. Moderated by Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition Founder & Author (and mother of Katie the Star Wars Girl) Carrie Goldman (Harper Collins' Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear).

Opening the Clubhouse Doors: Creating More Inclusive Geek Communities

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Room S401cd)

With: Jeffrey Smith, Karlyn Meyer, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Mary Robinette Kowal, Michi Trota, Scott Snyder

As visibility of Fans, creators and organizers from marginalized communities increases, geek communities are having more discussions about diversity, tokenism and re-examining just how "welcoming" geek spaces are. This moderated panel will discuss what "diversity" in geek culture means, what it looks like and why it's necessary. Sponsored in part by the Chicago Nerd Social Club.

Saturday

Gay Character and Creators Panel

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm (Room S401cd)

With: Chad Sell, Gail Simone, Steve Disme, Rachel Deering, Rogan Josh, Russell Dauterman

Brought to you by Geeks OUT: Gail Simone joins Chad Sell, Russell Dauterman, Rachel Deering and Rogan Josh to talk about what makes a good gay character and why diversity is important in comics. All hosted by Steve Disme of Comic Book Queers.

Glass Ceilings, Missing Stairs & Gatekeepers: Geeks Still Deal with Sexism

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm (Room S401ab)

With: Carlye Frank, Dawn Xiana Moon, Erin Tipton, Kate Lansky, Laura Koroski, Susheela Bhat, Michi Trota

We've established that yes, women can be geeks, so what gives? Why is con harassment still a problem? What other barriers are women facing in geek spaces? Isn't talking about it just perpetuating the problem? Find out why talking about sexism and fighting for geeky gender equality is still needed. Sponsored in part by the Chicago Nerd Social Club.

Genre Feminism

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Room S403)

With: Lauren Jankowski, Claire Llewellyn, Julie Ufema, Sandra Almazan

Genre still suffers from a lack of diversity. In film, television and literature we are bombarded with stories told through the straight white male gaze. Rampant sexism and harassment are still commonplace in genre spaces. Women's work is still viewed through a gendered lens, whereas work by men is believed to appeal to everyone. The VIDA count, Women in Horror Recognition Month, Lexi Alexander's article on sexism in the film industry and the work of Broad Universe are the first steps towards gender equality in genre. How do we continue this momentum? How can we make genre spaces safer for everyone? Let's have a discussion about the ways to combat sexism (and the other -isms) and make genre a more welcoming place.

Geeks OUT: Mutant High Prom 2014

9pm (Spin Nightclub Chicago)

Chicago's most epic queer geek party Chicago returns! In honor of C2E2, Geeks OUT will be throwing the second annual Mutant High Prom! Billy's grab a Teddy, Willow's grab a Tara, and come dance, drink, and mingle the night away.

For more info or to RSVP, click here.

Sunday

MASTICATE!: Geek Bar's Food and Beverage

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Room S401ab)

With: Daniel Gerzina, David Zoltan, Laura Green, Tom Kern

Come join Geek Bar Chicago's own Kung Food Master, Chef Tom Kern, and Queen of Drinky Things, Laura Green, as they speak about what geeks everywhere can expect from the food and beverage programs at Geek Bar when it opens. They will be joined by Geek Bar's Fleet Admiral, David Zoltan, and hosted by Daniel Gerzina, Editor of Eater Chicago, who will lead the discussion. Learn about the geekstropub conception of the dishes, the Companions menu of sharable small plates, the vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/soy-free options and more. Hear about the amazing themed craft cocktails, the beer selection strategy and the cool science going into the drinks. The floor will be opened for questions.

Diverse Means for Diverse Worlds Moderated by Racebending.com

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm (Room S402)

With: Gabrial Canada, Gail Simone, Gene Ha, Jay Fuller, Marjorie Liu, Ramon K. Perez, Turtel Onli

Racebending.com moderates a discussion with a diverse array of panelists with a focus on crafting fictional worlds where diversity mirrors the real one.

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You can follow my adventures all weekend long on Twitter or Instagram!