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Gaylaxicon

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Logo of the planned 2009 Gaylaxicon in Minnesota

Gaylaxicon is an annual science fiction, fantasy and horror convention that focuses on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender topics. It takes place in various locations in the United States, usually on the east coast.

Started in 1988 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Gaylaxicon is organized by member organizations of the Gaylactic Network.[1] The Gaylaxian Science Fiction Society (GSFS) is the New England-based chapter of the Network, which organized the original convention and continues to be a driving force behind many of the Gaylaxicons.[2]

The Gaylactic Spectrum Awards are often awarded at Gaylaxicon, after a nomination and jury process managed by the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Council, an independent organization.

Origins

Started in 1988 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Gaylaxicon is organized by member organizations of the Gaylactic Network.[1] The Gaylaxian Science Fiction Society (GSFS) is the New England-based chapter of the Network, which organized the original convention and continues to be a driving force behind many of the Gaylaxicons.[2]

The convention has been described as having "all the standard con fare", such as panels, dances, films, receptions, celebrities and a costume contest (called a masquerade). There are also unique events that have become tradtional at Gaylaxicons, including a Chocolate Symposium and a SF Jeopardy! game called "Gaylactic Jeopardy." Several firsts include the Spectrum Awards given in 1999, a live cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2004, live dance music in 2008, and a 20th anniversary banquet in 2008. Gaylaxicon 2009 is advertised as having an Art Show, Autographs, Cabaret, Charity Auction, Costuming, Dealers Room, Discussion Panels, Gaming, Guests, Local Events, Parties, Readings, and a Video Program.

Spectrum awards

The Gaylactic Spectrum Awards are often awarded at Gaylaxicon, after a nomination and jury process managed by the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Council, an independent organization.

Timeline

Year Location: Town Location: State Guest(s) of Honor: Author Guest(s) of Honor: Other Note Refs.
1988
Provincetown
 
Massachusetts J.F. Rivkin 90 attendees [3]
1990
Tewksbury
 
Massachusetts Melissa Scott Hannah M.G. Shapero (artist) 130 attendees
1991
Tewksbury
 
Massachusetts Samuel R. Delany Hannah M.G. Shapero (artist) 245 attendees
1992
Philadelphia
 
Pennsylvania Tanya Huff Tristan Alexander (artist) 360 attendees
1994
Rockville
 
Maryland Jewelle Gomez Tom Howell (artist)
Forrest J Ackerman (special guest)
350 attendees
1995
Niagara Falls
 
New York Don Sakers Heather Bruton (artist) 180 attendees [4]
1996
Burlington
 
Massachusetts Ellen Kushner
Delia Sherman
Colleen Doran (artist) 342 attendees
1996
Burlington
 
Massachusetts 90 attendees
1998
Troy
 
Michigan Anne Harris Kurt Erichson (cartoonist)
Frank Gembeck, Jr. (artist)
60 attendees
1999
Troy
 
Michigan Diane Duane Nancy Janda (artist)
Jean-Pierre Dorleac (special guest)
303 attendees,
the 10th Gaylaxicon
[5]
2000
Arlington
 
Virginia Fiona Patton Nan Fredman (artist) 265 attendees [6]
2004
San Diego
 
California David Gerrold Joe Phillips (artist)
Virginia Hey (actor, Farscape)
285 attendees
2005
Boston
 
Massachusetts Lois McMaster Bujold Phil Jimenez (artist: Hidden Frontier)
250 attendees [7]
2006
Ontario
 
Ontario (Canada) Nalo Hopkinson Ellen Muth (actor)
Richard Arnold (media)
Michael Rowe (editor)
[8][9][10]
2007
Atlanta
 
Georgia Jim Grimsley Georges Jeanty (artist) Other guests:
David Gerrold
Joe Haldeman
Steve Berman
Toni Weisskopf
James Cawley
David B. Coe
[11][10]
2008
Bethesda
 
Maryland Geoff Ryman Alicia Austin (artist) [12][10]
2009
Minneapolis, MN
 
Minnesota Margaret Weis Andy Mangels
Lawrence Schimel
Terrance Griep
[13][14]

See also

References