Now that the holiday season is almost here, I find myself thinking about everything Geeks OUT has accomplished this year. We attended conventions across the country almost every month – connecting with LGBTQ communities from Boston to Seattle and Chicago to San Antonio. We’ve continued to celebrate the work of diverse creators through our partnership with PAX’s Diversity Lounge and Pride Alley at Awesome Con. And, of course, you all joined us for a fifth year at Flame Con – our biggest and most successful one yet!

2019 has been a year full of growth and learning.

When Geeks OUT started 9 years ago, the goal of our small group was to bring a positive queer presence to a booth and a panel at New York Comic Con. And now, as the organization enters its tweenage years, I’m so thrilled to be joined by dozens of folks shaping that vision on a much larger scale. From the vendors, panelists and performers who share their talents, to the pink-caped volunteers who keep the show running smoothly, to the nearly 7,000 attendees who fill the venue that weekend, Flame Con represents the best of what our passionate and dedicated community can do. For me, it’s chosen family in action!

And, like any proud family member, I am excited to announce that our family is growing. This fall, we welcomed Maya Bishop and Michelle Rose Micor to the Geeks OUT Board. Maya has volunteered with us for the last two years, bringing an incredible focus to accessibility at Flame Con in her previous role as Programming Coordinator. We are all looking forward to building an even more inclusive event with her in her new role as Flame Con Chair. Michelle has also been a Coordinator with us for the last three years. She brings an enthusiastic spirit and media savviness into her new role as Marketing & Communications Co-Chair – talents we know will help us champion voices in queer fandom.

Of course, change also means saying good-bye. Geeks OUT Co-Founder, Joey Stern is departing this year. His work was integral to the early years of the organization and both Geeks OUT and Flame Con will be very different without him.

So, as I think about what’s ahead, I remain thankful for all the people making our success possible – including you!

Thank you and see you in 2020!