Gaylaxicon

Logo of the 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 and occasionally Canada, often 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 and were instituted by the organisers of the conference. They are now managed by the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Council, an independent organization.

Origins

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 in Provincetown, Massachusetts in 1988, 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 traditional 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 given to works of science fiction, fantasy and horror that explore LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) topics in a positive way. Established in 1998, the awards were initially presented by the Gaylactic Network, with awards first awarded in 1999 at Gaylaxicon. In 2002 the awards were given their own organization, the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Foundation.^[3]

The results are generally announced and presented at Gaylaxicon, and are an important part of the convention, although they have also been presented at Worldcon in tha past.^[4][5] The most recent awards were presented in October 2008 at the Gaylaxicon in Washington, D.C. at a special banquet; Ginn Hale and Joshua Lewis won the awards for best novel and best short fiction respectively.^[6][7][8]

The major award categories are for best Novel, Short fiction, and Other works. The winners and short list of recommended nominees decided by a jury. Among the most recognized authors, Nicola Griffith has received the most awards overall with three wins. Griffith also jointly holds the record for most nominations with Melissa Scott, both having received five nominations. Works of any format produced before the awards were first given are eligible to be inducted into the "Hall of Fame". The list of award winners and Hall of Fame inductees has been described as a "who's who of science fiction" by GLBTQ.com.^[9]

Upcoming conventions

Past conventions

|- style="background:#fffff6" | style="text-align:center;"| 2014 | Atlanta | Georgia | Philip Bonneau (Artist/Photographer) | May 2–4 | ^[30] | style="text-align:center;"| |}

See also

• Homosexuality in speculative fiction—including science fiction
• LGBT themes in comics
• List of science fiction conventions
• Lambda Literary Awards winners and nominees for science fiction, fantasy and horror

References

External links

• The Gaylactic Network
• The 2004 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2005 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2006 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2007 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2008 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2009 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2010 Gaylaxicon site
• The 2011 Gaylaxicon site