Announcement – The World's Largest Queer Comic Con

February 1, 2022January 31, 2022

Flame Con Returns to In-Person Convention August 2022

World’s Largest Queer Comic Con, Flame Con, Announces Its Return to Times Square

New York, New York – February 01, 2022 – Flame Con, created by the LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, is announcing its return to an in-person event on Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21. The convention moved online in August 2020 as a result of the pandemic and remained virtual as New York City began a partial-opening the following summer. After several years of record in-person attendance, Flame Con organizers look forward to gathering safely with fans and creators at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel this August.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have our community’s support and enthusiasm as we have navigated an unpredictable two years,” said Geeks OUT President, Nic Gitau. “Through this time of loss, we’ve seen people find new ways to maintain their joy and connections. I’m grateful Flame Con has played a part in keeping our community connected and I look forward to celebrating our creativity and resiliency at this year’s Flame Con.”

Throughout its 8 years, Flame Con has strived to be a safe and accessible event for all. Efforts to address this year’s health concerns are no different. In accordance with New York City guidelines, attendees ages 5 and older will be required to show proof of full vaccination upon entry. Everyone will be asked to remain masked while indoors. Organizers are also in close contact with staff at the Sheraton Times Square, staying up-to-date with the venue’s accommodations, including readily available hand sanitizer and the inclusion of CDC recommended MERV 13 filters in its air filtration system.

Amidst the new changes, Flame Con is excited to welcome back many of the Exhibitors who purchased tables for the postponed 2020 event. This year will feature over 200 creators exhibiting queer-positive comics, arts, crafts, clothes and entertainment.

“Flame Con is my favorite con I’ve ever attended or vended at. In the last two years, I have sorely missed the connection, support and camaraderie Flame Con provided to me since its inception,” says long-time exhibitor, Fyodor Pavlov. “The summer of 2015 was Flame Con’s very first year, and the year I started work on my deck, the Fyodor Pavlov Tarot. I am so thrilled to return in 2022 with the project completed, and bask in the joyfoul creativity of queer artists and the infectious enthusiasm of all who set foot on the Flame Con floor.”

Flame Con continues to be a 100% volunteer-run event, shaped by the fans who attend. That spirit of collaboration is what encouraged Whitney Leopard, Senior Editor at RH Graphic, to get involved as an Exhibitor Coordinator.

“Flame Con created a positive community experience, a safe place for people to enjoy comics and nerd culture. As someone who is part of the community, that means a lot to me,” said Whitney. “I feel that if you believe in something then it never hurts to try and get involved to show your support, after all, good things happen when people put their heads together. I saw a chance to volunteer for FlameCon and I’m truly grateful for the experience that I’ve had with this amazing team of people.”

Tickets for Flame Con are now available via Eventbrite, with full weekend and single day tickets for sale. The convention is open to all ages and will be free for all youth ages 21 and younger on Sunday, August 21.

For more information on Flame Con, please visit www.flamecon.org and for more information on Geeks OUT, please visit www.geeksout.org.

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About Geeks OUT

Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to rallying, empowering and promoting the queer geek community. Founded in 2010 with the goal of bringing a positive queer presence to local comic conventions, Geeks OUT now hosts events in five major cities, attends conventions across the nation and produces the world’s largest LGBTQ comic convention – Flame Con. Geeks OUT is also the publisher behind Power and the forthcoming Serving Pride: The Queer History Dinner Party Handbook. For more information please visit www.geeksout.org.

Contact: info@flamecon.org

January 24, 2020February 20, 2020

Flame Con reveals dates and special guests for 2020 convention, showcasing commitment to diversity

Read the article on SyFy.com

January 24, 2020January 24, 2020

Flame Con Returns to Times Square August 15-16 Announces Chuck Tingle and Tanya DePass as Special Guests

World’s Largest Queer Comic Con Reveals New Flamies, Special Guests and Ticket Sales

New York, New York – January 24, 2020 – Flame Con, created by LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, is announcing its sixth annual comic con on Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, with tickets available today through Eventbrite. Flame Con will also bring back its Youth Day on Sunday, August 16, allowing free entry for all youths 21 years of age and under.

Featuring hundreds of creators exhibiting queer-positive comics, arts, crafts, clothes and entertainment, Flame Con is excited for another year under newly appointed Flame Con Chair, Maya Bishop, who formerly served as the head of programming.

“I cannot express how thrilled I am to be the Flame Con chair this year,” said Bishop. “Now in our 6th year, we are looking at several new ways to improve upon this already amazing event. Providing new professional opportunities to queer creators, expanding on our unique and diverse programming lineups, and continuing efforts to make Flame Con not just accessible and inclusive, but welcoming to queer geeks everywhere.”

This year, Flame Con and Geeks OUT are proud to present two new Flamies created by Terry Blas (Dead Weight, You Say Latino), Cosplay Flamie and Tech Flamie featuring a rainbow sporting drone. Flame Con is also excited to announce two of its special guests, two-time Hugo Award finalist, Chuck Tingle and Tanya DePass, founder and Director of I Need Diverse Games.

“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.”

Tickets for Flame Con are on sale today via Eventbrite with options for a Full Weekend or Single Day ticket. New this year will be scheduled block releases for exhibitors, allowing three opportunities to register for tables. In addition, exhibitors will also be able to select their table space instead of a random assignment. More information on this year’s registration process can be found on our Exhibitors page.

For more information on Flame Con, please visit www.flamecon.org and for more information on Geeks OUT, please visit www.geeksout.org.

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About Geeks OUT

December 13, 2018January 24, 2020

SYFY Exclusive: Flame Con 2019

Flame Con Returns to New York City in 2019! Read SYFY’s coverage here.

January 23, 2018January 25, 2018

World’s Largest Queer Comic Con Announces Fourth Annual Flame Con

Flame Con, created by the LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, is announcing its fourth annual expo on Saturday and Sunday, August 18-19. After a record year of 6,000 attendees in 2017, Flame Con will be relocating to a new venue at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel to accommodate a larger exhibitor floor, panel rooms, special hotel stay rates and more. Tickets for the con and registration for exhibitors and vendors are now open.

NYC’s First Queer Comic Con Returns August 18 at New Venue

Brooklyn, New York – January 25, 2018 – Flame Con, created by the LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, is announcing its fourth annual expo on Saturday and Sunday, August 18-19. After a record year of 6,000 attendees in 2017, Flame Con will be relocating to a new venue at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel to accommodate a larger exhibitor floor, panel rooms, special hotel stay rates and more. Tickets for the con and registration for exhibitors and vendors are now open.

“I am beyond thrilled to be bringing Flame Con back for our fourth year,” said Steve Gianaca, Vice President of Geeks OUT and Flame Con Chair. “Geek culture through a queer lens has always been our premise and, with the continuous support from the LGBTQ community, we are constantly growing. I cannot wait for our attendees to experience the same ethos of fun and inclusion in our new venue.”

SparQ Fund is also returning this year helping make this year’s con more accessible by funding ADA compliant ramps. Last year’s SparQ Fund hosted artists Ethan Parker and Amy Reeder, who supported collaborative art workshops for over 100 attendees, featuring their art throughout the convention floor. Through the SparQ Fund, Flame Con aims to provide the entire LGBTQ community with the opportunity to experience meaningful, provocative art that reflects themselves. The SparQ Fund will be sponsored by Hive Works again this year, joining another returning sponsor, Webtoon who will once again be hosting our annual vendor brunch.

Last year’s con featured over 200 queer-oriented vendors alongside the likes of feature creators Kate Leth (Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat!) Dan Parent (Life with Kevin), Steve Orlando (Supergirl) and more. The con also played host to celebrity special guests Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham) and Vincent Rodriguez III (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). This year, Flame Con is happy to be welcoming back some of last year’s featured guests such as Sina Grace (Burn the Orphanage, Li’l Depressed Boy)

“Flame Con was hands-down one of the best convention experiences of my life,” said Sina Grace, comics writer and artist. “I begged the gracious and wonderful crew at Geeks OUT to have me back, and I’m beyond thrilled to celebrate comics with the most inclusive and loving bunch of people I’ve ever met.”

In addition to Grace, Flame Con looks forward to hosting the creative talents of Tee Franklin (Bingo Love), illustrator Jen Bartel and more. Featuring hundreds of creators exhibiting queer-positive comics, arts, crafts, clothes and entertainment, Flame Con is open to all ages and will be free for all youth on Sunday, August 19.

Tickets to Flame Con are available through Eventbrite and will feature Daily, Weekend and Weekend VIP passes which includes access to the official 2018 Flame Con party. Tickets can be purchased at www.flamecon.eventbrite.com.

Registration for vendors and exhibitors is also open and can register at www.flamecontables.eventbrite.com.

For more information on Flame Con, please visit www.flamecon.org and for more information on Geeks OUT, please visit www.geeksout.org.

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About Flame Con
Flame Con is the first New York City-based and world’s largest queer comic con. Created by LGBTQ non-profit organization Geeks OUT, the fan expo is entering its fourth year. Each year, the convention hosts a wide range of special guests within the LGBTQ community giving fans opportunities to interact with them during panels and on the exhibitor floor, featuring some of the most popular cosplayers, queer artists, vendors and more. For more information, please visit www.flamecon.org.

About Geeks OUT
Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to rallying, empowering and promoting the queer geek community. Founded in 2010 with the goal of bringing a positive queer presence to local comic conventions, Geeks OUT now hosts events in five major cities, attends conventions across the nation and produces the world’s largest LGBTQ comic convention – Flame Con. Geeks OUT is also the publisher behind Power and the forthcoming Serving Pride: The Queer History Dinner Party Handbook. For more information please visit www.geeksout.org.

Media Contact: Michelle Rose Micor, (312) 618-4792, michelle@geeksout.org

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