January 14, 2023. NEW YORK, NY /24-7press release/ — After triumphantly returning to an in-person convention, Flame Con, founded by LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, announces another year on Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13, 2023 at the Sheraton Time Square Hotel as the convention’s 8th annual show . Organizers look forward to another year of safely meeting fans and creators. The show will feature hundreds of creators exhibiting queer-positive comics, arts, crafts, clothing and entertainment. Flame Con is open to all ages and free to all under 21s on Sunday 13th August.
“Last year was filled with a kind of nervous anticipation as we learned from and adapted to more challenges than previous years. But thanks to the incredible work and dedication of our organizing committee, exhibitors and visitors, we’ve revived that special magic that Flame Con is known for,” noted Nic Gitau, President of Geeks OUT. “And now – full speed ahead for 2023! Too when a vocal minority tries to marginalize LGBTQ people, Flame Con is back in the heart of New York City, celebrating the solidarity, creativity and unabashed joy of our community.”
Two new Flamies join the growing Flame Con Flamie family created by Terry Blas (Reptile: Brink of Extinction). We are proud to introduce Tween Flamie and Drag King Flamie.
“Adding a young flamie to the group is a fun way to remind people that Flame Con is all-ages welcome and even has a youth-centric day,” says Terry Blas. “It’s something I wish I had when I was young and I’m so glad it exists now and that I get to be a part of it. Having a Drag King Flamie was long overdue. Now with the Queen, Flame Con has its own drag royalty!”
Last year Flame Con welcomed over 200 queer-oriented vendors alongside artists such as Danny Lore (Lunar Room), Nadia Shammas (Ms. Marvel) and Jarrett Melendez (Chef’s Kiss). In 2023, Flame Con is pleased to announce our headlining guest; two-time Hugo Award finalist Chuck Tingle.
“I’m so thankful to have been invited to Flame Con to prove love is real and makes hearts kiss this sky,” Tingle said. “The moments we create in the City of Apples will make this timeline a better place, and you are an important part of it. Can’t wait to trot together with our heads held high and prove that love is real every single way, it makes our timeline a special buckaroo.”
Tickets for Flame Con and the Afterparty Fireball go on sale on Thursday 12th January 2023 via Eventbrite with options for all weekend or one day tickets via the link on the Flame Con website. Similar to 2022, exhibitor table releases will be in blocks of three, with the ability to register for tables starting Tuesday 7th February. Registrations for community tables will open on January 12 for organizations specializing in outreach, advocacy, public health, etc. Please visit the exhibitors page of the Flame Con website for the registration process for exhibitors.
In our dedicated effort to keep our fans, vendors and guests safe and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, we will continue to follow CDC recommendations by requiring proof of full passport upon entry or negative proof for all persons 5 years and older Vaccination against COVID-19 require COVID-19 PCR test performed within 72 hours. The masking also remains.
For more information on Flame Con, visit www.flamecon.organd for more details about Geeks OUT please visit www.geeksout.org.
Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the gathering, empowering, and advancement of the queer geek community. Geeks OUT was founded in 2010 with the aim of bringing a positive queer presence to local comic book conventions. Today, Geeks OUT partners with conventions and hosts events across the country and produces the world’s largest LGBTQ comic book convention – Flame Con. Geeks OUT is also the editor of Power: A Comics Anthology and Serving Pride: The Queer History Dinner Party Handbook.
For more information, please visit www.geeksout.org.
Media contact: [email protected]
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