A little over a week ago I had the pleasure of attending Clexacon. This comic con takes place in Las Vegas. What makes this con so special is, it’s an event where members of the LGBTQIA community can go and feel safe in an inclusive environment. The guests that attend this con are actors that play LGBT characters, or are LGBT themselves.
This event was started because of two reasons; the death of Lexa on The 100 and the LGBT community getting fed up with the “Bury your gays trope.” What a difference several years can make. Television stepped up their representation in a big way. It still has miles to go, but if this con was any indication it’s making big strides.
The Events
One of the best parts about the con is the location. Las Vegas is wild and crazy. I feel a lot of people when they attend cons are in this mode. Why not stay in a city that reps your mood? If you aren’t a fan of the big city life there are plenty events to keep you busy outside the con!
- The moment you arrive on Thursday you can attend badge pickup poolside. Here you pick up your badge, drink, and layout. Did I mention there is also a DJ?
- Friday evening take a load off. You just finished your first day at the con. Attend Ships and giggles. Get your laugh on.
- Saturday night was my favorite event. Imagine this; dancing, drinks, celebrities, and friends. The Ascension Party goes until 4am. Dance the night away.
After the con the attendees winded down and watched the Killing Eve and Game of Thrones premiere in the viewing room. I don’t know a single person who didn’t attend at least one of these events. There is something for everyone.
The Panels
Have you ever been to a con, sat down, listened to a panel, but never felt represented. Not here! You can go to panels dedicated to POC, trans, LGBT, ships, writing, and YouTube. Imagine sitting in a seat hearing the guests talk about things you always wanted to know, but other moderators were to afraid to go there!
I had the pleasure of attending several panels. A large chunk of them were ship panels: Avalance, Nysarra, ODAAT, Wayhaught, and The Runaways. The actors dived into details and scenarios of their characters, relationships, and the current LGBT culture in entertainment. Here are some highlights.
- Caity Lotz and Katrina Law had a panel about their characters Sara Lance and Nyssa Al’Ghul. This is what Caity had to say about their relationship. “We were like Juliet and Juliet.” They were an important part of each others lives, but destined to end.
- Jes Macallan and Caity Lotz also had a panel to chat about their characters Ava Sharpe and Sara Lance. Jes’ favorite Avalance scene was Ava’s Birthday scene. Let’s be honest that was everyone’s favorite scene.
- At the One Day at a Time panel Sheridan Pierce and Isabella Gomez discussed their characters, Elena and Syd. The scene they shot of Elena’s first time was a very hard scene for Isabella. It meant a lot to her that Sheridan checked in on her after every take.
The Wayhaught panel was bittersweet. Emily Andras, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, and Katherine Barrell, talked the importance of the show and why we should fight for a Season 4. Finally, The Runaways panel where Lyrica Okano, Virginia Gardner, Ariela Barer, and Clarissa Thibeaux talked about diversity.
The Atmosphere
When you aren’t at panels or events, you are walking the floor. Imagine being a member of the LGBT community at a con. You arrive on the floor and for perhaps the first time in your life you see artwork dedicated to LGBT couples. Travel around the hall and pick up some representation merchandise.
Talk to your peers about issues in entertainment and random bits. This con’s goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, safe, and have a good time. This is my second time going to the con. It continues to be my favorite one. I look forward to attending next year. Thank you Clexacon!
(Featured Image courtesy of PureFandom.)
