Diversicon
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Diversicon is an annual speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy, or SF) convention held in July or August in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota area. Diversicon provides programming and social opportunities to encourage the multicultural, multimedia exploration and celebration of SF by those within and outside of the traditional SF community. Diversicon includes both live and posthumous guests. It is sponsored by SF Minnesota.
Diversicon is an annual speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy, or SF) convention held in July or August in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota area. Diversicon provides programming and social opportunities to encourage the multicultural, multimedia exploration and celebration of SF by those within and outside of the traditional SF community. Diversicon includes both live and posthumous guests. It is sponsored by SF Minnesota.
Programming
Diversicon's programming—typically three simultaneous tracks—focuses on literature but also includes items related to film, TV, comics, art, science, and other subjects. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and slipstream/magic realism genres are all represented. Programming topics are solicited from preregistered attendees. Programming items often focus on authors and/or fictional characters from underrepresented groups; how work deals with themes of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability, and other definitions of "difference"; and how contemporary issues around diversity influence the reading and writing of SF. Most programming items are panel discussions. In addition, guests of honor are interviewed and participate in Q&A with the audience. Other formats include roundtable discussions, film screenings, informational presentations/workshops, and concerts. The convention includes an Art Show; displaying artists are encouraged to attend and be available to discuss their work with attendees. It also includes a Dealers' Room where various jewelry, books, magazines, clothing/accessories, and other items are for sale. The ConSuite is a room with comfortable, informal seating and light food and drink. Parties are held each evening. In addition, there is an auction of speculative fiction books, collectibles, and other items to raise money for SF Minnesota. Doug Friauf (July 8, 1955 – April 25, 2007) —A longtime avid SF fan, film and book reviewer, Shockwave Radio Theater performer, and "Minneapolis fandom's rolling ambassador" to the international SF community, Doug Friauf died due to complications from muscular dystrophy.* Rodger Gerberding—artist, longtime art director for Tales of the Unanticipated, and disabled artists activist Diversicon 3 (19951) L. A. Taylor, a.k.a. Laurie Aylama Taylor Sparer (September 3, 1939 – May 29, 1996) —Canadian author and world traveler Joan Slonczewski—author and professor of biology Earl C. Joseph—technical computing expert, coiner of terms computer architecture and smart machines, holder of three patents, and professional futurist Diversicon 2 (1994) Paul Park—trailblazing author of "humanist" SF and teacher Bruce Hyde—actor, including role of Lt. Kevin Riley in the original Star Trek, and chair of the Theater, Film Studies, and Dance department at St. Cloud State University Sybil M. Smith—African-American fan with a special interest in slash; 2007 president of SF Minnesota Diversicon 1 (1993) Eleanor Arnason—feminist author; winner of the James Tiptree, Jr. Award, Mythopoeic Fantasy, and Minnesota Book Awards A. C. Crispin—bestselling author, teacher, and past vice president of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and founder of SFWA's Committee on Writing Scams; recipient of the 2004 Service to SFWA Award Ruth Berman—author, editor, teacher, and translator and founding member of The Rivendell Group and the [https://www.mnstf.org/ Minnesota Science Fiction Society (Minn-StF); winner of the Rhysling Award
See also
Carl Brandon Society GalactiCon Gaylaxicon James Tiptree, Jr. Award WisCon
References
External links
Diversicon Web site Diversicon 16 Media Guide (PDF document) press release (July 14, 2008) press release (April 30, 2008)
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1360448184 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.