The countdown to ClexaCon has begun! You can already feel the excitement about the second annual queer women-centric convention. Taking place April 5th-9th in Las Vegas, ClexaCon will be hosting thousands of LGBTQ women and allies for the largest multi-fandom event of its kind. As someone who moderated panels for the event and hosts a podcast about the show, I can tell you it’s a weekend of a lifetime.
If you are a shipper, a fan of fandom, a lover of Wayhaught and Hollstein, and a supporter of queer women in general, you’ll want to check out what ClexaCon has to offer.
So how is ClexaCon different from other cons? “At most conventions, you’re hard-pressed to find actresses and content that are LGBT-friendly, let alone geared specifically toward LGBT audiences,” say the ClexaCon directors, Holly Winebarger, Danielle Jablonski and Ashley Arnold. “While there are a couple of LGBT conventions popping up, there have never been any conventions of this size geared specifically towards LGBT women. ClexaCon is the first large convention, that we know of, that is run by LGBT women for LGBT women. We will focus entirely on queer female characters and stories from film, TV, and online while highlighting LGBT actresses and content creators. This is the only con where we have the opportunity to celebrate the media we love for an entire weekend with a community of thousands of other like-minded people.”
If you attended last year, or checked out some of the show online, this year is even bigger and better, according to the directors. “We have more guests, more attendees and more fun planned!” they add. “This year we’ve added an extra day on either side of the main convention for additional events to provide a greater sense of community and to give everyone a chance to spend more time hanging out with new and old friends. We love creating a safe space for our attendees and look forward to welcoming everyone to Las Vegas for an amazing event!”
This year’s special guests include Chyler Leigh (Supergirl), Caity Lotz (Legends of Tomorrow), Erica Luttrell (Steven Universe) Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest, The L Word) and many more. Autographs and photo ops are available to purchase now and at the show, so come prepared.
There are a lot of things to get geeked about at ClexaCon, and here are ten events that deserve some extra attention.
1. One Day at a Time panel
This wildly popular Netflix show is represented at ClexaCon this year with special guests actress Isabella Gomez and Executive Producers and showrunners Gloria Calderon Kellett and Mike Royce. They will talk about the beloved show’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Want to go to ClexaCon but nervous to go alone? Then sign up for the Speed Friending event where you will get a chance to meet a bunch of other attendees just like yourself. Who knows, you may end up making a bestie for the show, and life. The event takes place on Thursday, the day before Clexa officially kicks off.
3. (I’m Queer and…) Intersectionality and Why it Matters Panel
Learn more about intersectionality and how it affects us with awesome panelists Valerie Complex, Reign G., Alexis Sanchez, Annie Segarra, and Stan Stanley. Learn more about the overlap between race, sexuality, gender, and more, and how understanding intersectionality can make us better allies and people.
Ever wished you could eat avocado toast with Natasha Negovanlis or have a croissant with Katherine Barrell? Well now’s your chance. This exclusive event will give you unprecedented access to your favorite actresses…and mimosas. Tickets go on sale on March 1st and are limited so you’ll want to be prepared to jump when you can.
5. A Safe Place: Self Defense for Women and LGBTQ+ Persons Workshop.
Megan Smith, a multiple Professional Karate Commission State and National Champion, will be hosting a workshop where you will learn basic self-defence techniques that are specifically catered to women and those on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
6. Ships and Giggles Comedy Night.
Who doesn’t love a funny lady? This year Clexacon is hosting their first comedy night featuring the hilarious out comics Kia Barnes, Gloria Bigelow and Bridget McManus. Get your laugh on after the panels on day one.
This year ClexaCon has partnered with Cyndi Lauper’s LGBTQ organization, True Colors, for their Cocktails for a Change event. The fancy-ish event will feature opportunities for attendees to mix and mingle with the celeb guests in attendance, and help raise money for a most excellent cause.
You can’t spend all your time in Sin City indoors! On Thursday and Monday, ClexaCon will be hosting poolside parties (look for the unicorn) where you can splash around and have a gay old time. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and your shades and get ready to cool it off at the hottest pool parties in town.
Film geeks unite. ClexaCon has partnered with Newfest to bring attendees some truly thrilling films and shorts. You’ll catch some films that you can only find on the festival circuit, and screenings attended by the stars and creators.
Wear your finest black and white to this raucous Saturday night party. The 21 and over soiree will feature music, dancing, and hundreds of other queer folks who are there to dance the night away. You can buy your tickets now, and don’t forget to wear your badge or wristband!
Now that you’re convinced, you need a place to stay? The Tropicana, where all the major ClexaCon events are taking place, is offering a special room rate. Nearby hotels also include the Luxor, Excalibur, and MGM Grand.
