Come to @OutlantaCon May 8-10

OutlantaCon in Atlanta GA

OutlantaCon

Outlantacon is an Atlanta-based event for the Queer Geek audience! Everyone is welcome, and even straight folks like me find a home there. You’ll find all the usual convention fare here–discussion panels, gaming, costuming, special events, etc. The difference is that it all has a queer ‘bent’ to it. Here you can enjoy all the convention trappings in an atmosphere where you’re free to be yourself! OutlantaCon also offers some pretty unique twists as well, like their own versions of the Match Game (a staple since 2007), Project Cosplay (2010), Nea’s Drag Race (2011), and the wildly popular Sock Puppet Theatre Presents.

OutlantaCon is my favorite con. It’s laid back, friendly, big enough to have plenty to do, but small enough to get a chance to speak to nearly everyone. The performers and other guests can mingle and get know each other as well as meet and talk to the fans. This con is unique. Where else can you pal around with the eight foot Queen of Outer Space, Moxie Magnus? You’d love her handbags!

And there are plenty of authors to hang out with too, including my friend Kiernan Kelly, who first told me about this convention. She and I have been there since the first year. In 2014, we were both awarded with lifetime honorary memberships for supporting them since the beginning. This year there is a full writers’ track, and a host of new authors.

The Con Suite, wherein all manner of snacks are served, has things like a Chocolate Party, and hosts book release parties. This spot is as much fun as the con itself, and is a nice place to get away, sit back, and chat — or run in, grab a bite to eat, and dash out the door to the next event. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and is located near plenty of places to eat.

OutlantaCon Guest List

Here’s the list with a short blurb about each person.

Ally Blue is acknowledged by the world at large (or at least by her heroes, who tend to suffer a lot) as the Popess of Gay Angst
Brent D Seth has authored his first novel, a science fiction comedy Short Fuse, now available through Leo Publishing
Darren Nowell is the amazing host of the Match Game at OutlantaCon, and cohosts the Legion of Substitute Podcasters
David Yost is an American actor most notably known for his role as Billy, the Blue Ranger on the international television series The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, and is involved with several charitable organizations such as the AIDS Project LA and their new HIV/AIDS donation guide that offers tips on donating credit card rewards to a number of HIV organizations directly, Project Angel Food, and The Trevor Project
Don Teems has appeared in over 50 TV and movie projects, including The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and more
Eden Winters has published a dozen novels, many of which have won Rainbow Awards or have gained finalist status in the Lambda Literary Awards
Ellie Collins is an actor (The Originals) as well as the author of an urban fantasy fiction series
James Crawford writes the Young Adult book series Leech
Java is best known for his long running stint as Dr. Frank N Furter with Atlanta’s own Rocky Horror Picture Show, Lips Down On Dixie
Kage Alan is the author of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Sexual Orientation, Andy Stevenson Vs. the Lord of the Loins, Gaylias: Operation Thunderspell, and other books (can you tell he writes humor?)
Kayelle Allen authors books about contemporary every day folk, role-playing immortal gamers, futuristic covert agents, and warriors who purr
Keith Bailey is an award winning photographer, makeup artist and film maker
Kiernan Kelly is the author of 13 books and over 80 short stories varying from paranormal to science fiction fantasy and contemporary romance
Lee Martindale has authored short stories which have appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines, including the Snows of Darkover anthology
Moxie Magnus is the eight foot tall queen of outer space, and serves as chief cosmetologist on the USS Enterprise. She performs throughout the US with her comedic styling and mad ukulele skills
Neon loves to entertain whether it be on the mic as an emcee or on the DJ decks spinning dance music that will get your blood pumping
Sarah Avraham resides in Atlanta where she operates her law practice that primarily serves alternative lifestyles
Shae Connor lives in Atlanta, where she’s a lackadaisical government worker for a living and writes sweet-hot romance under the cover of night
Vicktor “Vic” Alexander wrote his first story at the age of ten and hasn’t stopped writing since.

OutlantaCon 2015

Kayelle's Wall showing OutlantaCon guest badges — Kayelle’s Wall (click to see more)

This year, I decided to stay at the hotel (I’m a local) so I can take part in later events. If you’re coming to the convention, please look me up! You can follow the con on social media. There’s daily activity on Facebook and Twitter. The hotel is listed below. This isn’t the only con I attend, but it is the one I love most (eat your heart out, DragonCon).

The picture at the left shows some of the badges I’ve collected, and other goodies. Click to see a larger picture and more about what’s there.

Sign up for my newsletter on the right and you’ll get info and freebies when I release a new book. My latest is the Tarthian Empire Companion, a non-fiction guidebook about writing Science Fiction and creating a series bible.

Have you ever attended a scifi convention? How about one that’s geared toward the gay geek? Share your thoughts in the comments.