Norwescon 35 panels, 1st pass
Here's what I've come up with for the Culture track. I cut some dead wood, reworked a few titles and descriptions, and added some new panels to shake things up a bit. Please feel free to tell me if my ass is showing, particularly on the new race and transgender panels.
Several are listed with the restriction 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location) - we're going to have Maxi's as additional convention space in the evenings this year, so there's a chance some of the already-age-restricted-because-I'm-not-g
Alternative Scene Etiquette
The etiquette for alternative culture events has become much more important in recent years. As the Goth, Con and Kink scenes seem to simultaneously blend and diverge, so can the rules that apply to appropriate social behaviors. Come learn from the experiences of those who've been there on how not to be a tourist.
BDSM 101
Interested in BDSM? Want to find out what it’s all about? What are these limits, boundaries, and play people keep talking about? We will endeavor to answer your questions - or if we can’t, we’ll point you to a resource that can. We will also discuss BDSM etiquette and resources for you to find out more. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Advanced BDSM
So you know the basics of BDSM, maybe you've engaged in play or had a kinky relationship. Where do you go next? And what exactly is edge play, anyway? We'll explain all that, and give suggestions on how to do the edgier things more safely and sanely. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Bullies Suck: Raising Compassionate Children (NEW)
Consider the case of ten-year-old Jasmine McClain and the scores of other children who have ended their own lives rather than endure another taunt from a bully. Even one life lost is too many. How can we raise our kids to be kind? How do we explain terms like sexual identity, gender dysmorphia, racism, misogyny, and oppression in terms young children can understand? How do we broach them with older children without being condescending? And when the timeworn strategy of "ignore bullies and they'll stop" doesn't work, how do we help keep our kid from being the next victim?
Comparative Religions: Past, Present, Future, and Fictional
Faith and belief -- both historical and author-invented -- have been major themes in popular fiction and fannish media for generations. We'll respectfully discuss how faith is applicable to fandom, and the parallels and differences of religions past and present that have shaped (or been shaped by) the worlds of our favorite genres.
Disability in Science Fiction & Real Life
Geordi LaForge lost his visor in the ST:TNG films, Jake got his legs back with his Avatar, but Prof. X still has his wheelchair and Vorkosigan's birth defects never gave normal an option. Are these character archetypes plausible representations of the realities of life with a disability, or do they detract from the distinct cultures that have developed within the visual-, hearing-, and mobility-impaired communities? And are villains like Unbreakable's Mr. Glass and the albino twins of The Matrix a sign of mainstream acceptance or just a new twist on the old carnival freakshow?
Evolution of Marriage
In science fiction and fantasy, marriage has seen many shapes and forms -- just as it has in the real world. Which SF/F authors have toyed with different forms of marriage and family in ways that you think could be helpful for us to consider in the real world? How has marriage changed throughout history? What impact do recent laws and legislation have? And what does sanctity have to do with anything, anyway?
Exploring Other Cultures (Without Being A Jerk)
There has long been the tendency in art and literature to borrow from other cultures and subcultures, but admiration can rapidly become obsession, othering, and cultural appropriation. Well-publicized RaceFail online discussions, usually centered around an ignorant remark by a well-known personality, are prime examples. We'll discuss privilege and oppression, why "intent isn't magic," more polite methods of asking questions (and who to ask them of), and how to give an honest apology without fanning the flames. Suggested pre-panel Googling: Derailing for Dummies, Racism 101, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Fandom In Daily Life
Are you weird, geeky, or a total nerd, and proud of it? Do you express your fannishness in daily life, or do you tone it down for your day job? Come participate in a discussion and share how you show your fannish colors.
Fannish Gardening
You may not be able to terraform Mars (yet), but there is still the backyard. Our panelists will share what they have done to give their exo-structural habitat a little more character and made it more conducive to the fannish lifestyle.
Fannish Home Décor
Tips on maintaining a fashionable, functional fannish household with ever-expanding collections of books, art, costumes, media, and other assorted stuff. How to showcase your geek aesthetic and not look like an audition for Hoarders.
Feminism in Fandom (was: Has Fandom Shattered Its Glass Ceiling?)
The face of feminism has changed over the decades, from the suffrage struggles of the first wave, the women's liberation movement of the second wave, and the intersectionality of the third wave. Women are well-represented in local fandom, but a lot of fan media is still a boys' club. And then there are the comic book heroines with their improbable poses and battle lingerie... What does all this say about the future of feminism? And how do we inspire the next generation of girls to love the same genres we do?
Fighting Transphobia: A Primer For The Cisgendered (NEW)
An entry-level discussion on some of the facets of transgender identities. We'll discuss terminology, whether there's a difference between sex and gender, pronoun usage, and when it's best to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Suggested pre-panel Googling: Not Your Mother's Trans 101, Gender Binary, Silencing Tactics
Geek Careers
Lots of us work in high tech, and we've got panel after panel on developing your writing and artistic skills, but what other day jobs are out there that are (or can be made) fandom-friendly?
Goth on a Budget
Not just corsets, hair dye, and Nice Boots (tm), but also finding a style that's truly your own. How not to break the bank to look great, and why gothic style is about much, much more than just black clothes and pale foundation.
Growing Up Fen
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in convention fandom?
Hook 'Em When They're Young
Fandom has shaped many of our lives from an early age, and popular fiction has helped to grow a whole new generation of fans. Come talk with us about the best books and media of the past and present to get kids interested in science fiction and fantasy... without freaking their parents.
How the 'Net Changed the Dating Scene
Once upon a time, "People From The Internet" were on the same level as axe murderers and timeshare telemarketers, but one dating website claims that 1 in 5 new relationships now begins online. Come share your experiences with online dating, and discuss the best, worst, and most annoying relationship sites out there.
How To Get Laid At A Con (was: Gamers Need Love Too, Fandom Hookups, others I'm forgetting)
How to hook up and be safe, tips on enhancing your communication skills, safer sex advice, grooming tips, and etiquette suggestions of things to NEVER EVER do or say to keep you from being that creep others avoid. And who knows -- today's hook-up might be tomorrow's happily-ever-after. Funny stories and serious advice. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Intro to Seattle Sex Positive Culture
What does it mean to be sex positive? Where can you find sex positive environments? How can you get involved? Learn more about this movement and what it implies. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Invisible Disabilities
Not every disability is apparent at a glance, nor is anyone's personal health anyone else's business. From mental illness to chronic disease to a variety of syndromes and impairments too lengthy to list, we'll discuss the difficulties of living with chronic health conditions, the stigmas associated, what progress has (or hasn't) been made in reforming public perception, and strategies on getting other people to mind their own blasted business.
Polyamory 101
What is polyamory? Why would anyone want more than one partner? How does everyone interact so everyone’s needs are met and no one gets hurt? How do more conservative family members react to these plural relationships? Should you, shouldn’t you? What are the pros and cons?
Advanced Polyamory
You've decided that poly is the way to go, so now what? How do you go about blending households, finances, and lives? What about negotiating (and re-negotiating) boundaries? How do you plan for the long term, and do you need a lawyer? And what if you figure out it's just not working? Our panelists have a wide variety of experiences, observations, and suggestions to share.
Poly Parenting
And you thought blending households and finances was complicated... What happens when children come into the mix? How do you cope with three or more parenting styles under the same roof? How do you explain things at school? Can you legally protect your rights as a non-biological parent? And what happens if the ex uses your relationship as grounds in a custody battle? Our panel of polyamorous parents and legal professionals may be able to point you in the right direction.
Queer Voices in SF/F (was: LGBTQI in SF/F & Fandom)
Science fiction and fantasy authors often use the fringes of mainstream culture as plot material. How do authors portray gender and sexuality in their works, and how realistic are the works of those who write outside their own identities? Are the tales of early authors who played with gender still relevant? And have these worlds of SF&F changed the attitudes of fandom and made those in the QUILTBAG community feel welcome?
Race And Popular Media (NEW)
Back when our TV sets still had rabbit ears, shows like Star Trek, The Jeffersons, Chico & The Man, Good Times, Welcome Back Kotter, Sanford & Son, and The Cosby Show brought the ordinary, exceptional, and fantastical lives of people of color into American living rooms every night. But from the look of the primetime schedules of the big four networks, those days have passed. What happened? And why? And what can we as media consumers do to bring diversity back to the weeknight lineup?
Sex Tech & Getting Your Gadget On
Sex Droids. VR Pleasure Dens. Neural net fantasies. A wide (and long, and deep) variety of mechanical and synthetic devices. Do we really need human interaction any more? Are we just a few years away from Gigolo Joe? Or is high-tech stimulation just another way to whet our appetites? 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Size Acceptance Is For Everybody
In one corner is the medical establishment and popular media with their obsession with thinness at any cost. In the other corner is the size-acceptance movement and its grass-roots rebellion against the diet industry. We'll discuss the works of fat-positive authors, the origins of the BMI table, the definition of an epidemic, and why it isn't any more polite to tell a small person to eat a sandwich than it is to tell a large person they'd be so attractive if only they lost a few pounds.
Intro to Health At Every Size (NEW)
HAES is not about diets or losing weight - it's about exercising and eating well with the goal of health, not size. It's about learning: How to work out without hurting yourself, what foods your body wants and needs to keep you going, how to avoid sacrificing your mental health for an arbitrary definition of fitness, and how to be comfortable in your skin instead of living by a number on a scale. Come share your stories and discover how this health movement is the opposite of giving up.
Victorian Sex
Love the subtle bondage and discipline a corset implies? Does a hint of ankle or a flash of stocking come across as shocking? Want to incorporate the Victorian sensibilities of steampunk into your bedsport? Come learn about the not-so-straightlaced Victorians and what was really going on underneath all that clothing. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Young & Queer: Beyond The Trevor Project (was:Young & Queer in Society & Fandom)
Some attitudes have changed in the last decade or two, but how is it for those still struggling with their personal and sexual identities? How do we cope with widespread bullying from our peers and elders? What do we say when our personal identities don't fit into one box or another? We encourage young people with questions about their place in society and fandom to come to talk and share strength with each other and with older fen who’ve been through it themselves.
I'm looking for constructive criticism, not a mutual admiration society, so if I've done something fucked up and privilege-blind, my wording is awkward, or you think a description needs a refresh, please tell me. I'm not particularly thin-skinned, and I make no claims of being a perfect ally for social justice.
And if you have any suggestions for additional panels that fall under the Fannish Culture umbrella, please send them my way - interest waxes and wanes from year to year, and I can always use a few alternates. There are a couple of caveats, though: 1) Any significantly new anti-oppression topics should be entry-level educational panels for at least the first year; and 2) I really don't have any more room for poly panels.
Several are listed with the restriction 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location) - we're going to have Maxi's as additional convention space in the evenings this year, so there's a chance some of the already-age-restricted-because-I'm-not-g
Alternative Scene Etiquette
The etiquette for alternative culture events has become much more important in recent years. As the Goth, Con and Kink scenes seem to simultaneously blend and diverge, so can the rules that apply to appropriate social behaviors. Come learn from the experiences of those who've been there on how not to be a tourist.
BDSM 101
Interested in BDSM? Want to find out what it’s all about? What are these limits, boundaries, and play people keep talking about? We will endeavor to answer your questions - or if we can’t, we’ll point you to a resource that can. We will also discuss BDSM etiquette and resources for you to find out more. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Advanced BDSM
So you know the basics of BDSM, maybe you've engaged in play or had a kinky relationship. Where do you go next? And what exactly is edge play, anyway? We'll explain all that, and give suggestions on how to do the edgier things more safely and sanely. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Bullies Suck: Raising Compassionate Children (NEW)
Consider the case of ten-year-old Jasmine McClain and the scores of other children who have ended their own lives rather than endure another taunt from a bully. Even one life lost is too many. How can we raise our kids to be kind? How do we explain terms like sexual identity, gender dysmorphia, racism, misogyny, and oppression in terms young children can understand? How do we broach them with older children without being condescending? And when the timeworn strategy of "ignore bullies and they'll stop" doesn't work, how do we help keep our kid from being the next victim?
Comparative Religions: Past, Present, Future, and Fictional
Faith and belief -- both historical and author-invented -- have been major themes in popular fiction and fannish media for generations. We'll respectfully discuss how faith is applicable to fandom, and the parallels and differences of religions past and present that have shaped (or been shaped by) the worlds of our favorite genres.
Disability in Science Fiction & Real Life
Geordi LaForge lost his visor in the ST:TNG films, Jake got his legs back with his Avatar, but Prof. X still has his wheelchair and Vorkosigan's birth defects never gave normal an option. Are these character archetypes plausible representations of the realities of life with a disability, or do they detract from the distinct cultures that have developed within the visual-, hearing-, and mobility-impaired communities? And are villains like Unbreakable's Mr. Glass and the albino twins of The Matrix a sign of mainstream acceptance or just a new twist on the old carnival freakshow?
Evolution of Marriage
In science fiction and fantasy, marriage has seen many shapes and forms -- just as it has in the real world. Which SF/F authors have toyed with different forms of marriage and family in ways that you think could be helpful for us to consider in the real world? How has marriage changed throughout history? What impact do recent laws and legislation have? And what does sanctity have to do with anything, anyway?
Exploring Other Cultures (Without Being A Jerk)
There has long been the tendency in art and literature to borrow from other cultures and subcultures, but admiration can rapidly become obsession, othering, and cultural appropriation. Well-publicized RaceFail online discussions, usually centered around an ignorant remark by a well-known personality, are prime examples. We'll discuss privilege and oppression, why "intent isn't magic," more polite methods of asking questions (and who to ask them of), and how to give an honest apology without fanning the flames. Suggested pre-panel Googling: Derailing for Dummies, Racism 101, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Fandom In Daily Life
Are you weird, geeky, or a total nerd, and proud of it? Do you express your fannishness in daily life, or do you tone it down for your day job? Come participate in a discussion and share how you show your fannish colors.
Fannish Gardening
You may not be able to terraform Mars (yet), but there is still the backyard. Our panelists will share what they have done to give their exo-structural habitat a little more character and made it more conducive to the fannish lifestyle.
Fannish Home Décor
Tips on maintaining a fashionable, functional fannish household with ever-expanding collections of books, art, costumes, media, and other assorted stuff. How to showcase your geek aesthetic and not look like an audition for Hoarders.
Feminism in Fandom (was: Has Fandom Shattered Its Glass Ceiling?)
The face of feminism has changed over the decades, from the suffrage struggles of the first wave, the women's liberation movement of the second wave, and the intersectionality of the third wave. Women are well-represented in local fandom, but a lot of fan media is still a boys' club. And then there are the comic book heroines with their improbable poses and battle lingerie... What does all this say about the future of feminism? And how do we inspire the next generation of girls to love the same genres we do?
Fighting Transphobia: A Primer For The Cisgendered (NEW)
An entry-level discussion on some of the facets of transgender identities. We'll discuss terminology, whether there's a difference between sex and gender, pronoun usage, and when it's best to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Suggested pre-panel Googling: Not Your Mother's Trans 101, Gender Binary, Silencing Tactics
Geek Careers
Lots of us work in high tech, and we've got panel after panel on developing your writing and artistic skills, but what other day jobs are out there that are (or can be made) fandom-friendly?
Goth on a Budget
Not just corsets, hair dye, and Nice Boots (tm), but also finding a style that's truly your own. How not to break the bank to look great, and why gothic style is about much, much more than just black clothes and pale foundation.
Growing Up Fen
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in convention fandom?
Hook 'Em When They're Young
Fandom has shaped many of our lives from an early age, and popular fiction has helped to grow a whole new generation of fans. Come talk with us about the best books and media of the past and present to get kids interested in science fiction and fantasy... without freaking their parents.
How the 'Net Changed the Dating Scene
Once upon a time, "People From The Internet" were on the same level as axe murderers and timeshare telemarketers, but one dating website claims that 1 in 5 new relationships now begins online. Come share your experiences with online dating, and discuss the best, worst, and most annoying relationship sites out there.
How To Get Laid At A Con (was: Gamers Need Love Too, Fandom Hookups, others I'm forgetting)
How to hook up and be safe, tips on enhancing your communication skills, safer sex advice, grooming tips, and etiquette suggestions of things to NEVER EVER do or say to keep you from being that creep others avoid. And who knows -- today's hook-up might be tomorrow's happily-ever-after. Funny stories and serious advice. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Intro to Seattle Sex Positive Culture
What does it mean to be sex positive? Where can you find sex positive environments? How can you get involved? Learn more about this movement and what it implies. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Invisible Disabilities
Not every disability is apparent at a glance, nor is anyone's personal health anyone else's business. From mental illness to chronic disease to a variety of syndromes and impairments too lengthy to list, we'll discuss the difficulties of living with chronic health conditions, the stigmas associated, what progress has (or hasn't) been made in reforming public perception, and strategies on getting other people to mind their own blasted business.
Polyamory 101
What is polyamory? Why would anyone want more than one partner? How does everyone interact so everyone’s needs are met and no one gets hurt? How do more conservative family members react to these plural relationships? Should you, shouldn’t you? What are the pros and cons?
Advanced Polyamory
You've decided that poly is the way to go, so now what? How do you go about blending households, finances, and lives? What about negotiating (and re-negotiating) boundaries? How do you plan for the long term, and do you need a lawyer? And what if you figure out it's just not working? Our panelists have a wide variety of experiences, observations, and suggestions to share.
Poly Parenting
And you thought blending households and finances was complicated... What happens when children come into the mix? How do you cope with three or more parenting styles under the same roof? How do you explain things at school? Can you legally protect your rights as a non-biological parent? And what happens if the ex uses your relationship as grounds in a custody battle? Our panel of polyamorous parents and legal professionals may be able to point you in the right direction.
Queer Voices in SF/F (was: LGBTQI in SF/F & Fandom)
Science fiction and fantasy authors often use the fringes of mainstream culture as plot material. How do authors portray gender and sexuality in their works, and how realistic are the works of those who write outside their own identities? Are the tales of early authors who played with gender still relevant? And have these worlds of SF&F changed the attitudes of fandom and made those in the QUILTBAG community feel welcome?
Race And Popular Media (NEW)
Back when our TV sets still had rabbit ears, shows like Star Trek, The Jeffersons, Chico & The Man, Good Times, Welcome Back Kotter, Sanford & Son, and The Cosby Show brought the ordinary, exceptional, and fantastical lives of people of color into American living rooms every night. But from the look of the primetime schedules of the big four networks, those days have passed. What happened? And why? And what can we as media consumers do to bring diversity back to the weeknight lineup?
Sex Tech & Getting Your Gadget On
Sex Droids. VR Pleasure Dens. Neural net fantasies. A wide (and long, and deep) variety of mechanical and synthetic devices. Do we really need human interaction any more? Are we just a few years away from Gigolo Joe? Or is high-tech stimulation just another way to whet our appetites? 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Size Acceptance Is For Everybody
In one corner is the medical establishment and popular media with their obsession with thinness at any cost. In the other corner is the size-acceptance movement and its grass-roots rebellion against the diet industry. We'll discuss the works of fat-positive authors, the origins of the BMI table, the definition of an epidemic, and why it isn't any more polite to tell a small person to eat a sandwich than it is to tell a large person they'd be so attractive if only they lost a few pounds.
Intro to Health At Every Size (NEW)
HAES is not about diets or losing weight - it's about exercising and eating well with the goal of health, not size. It's about learning: How to work out without hurting yourself, what foods your body wants and needs to keep you going, how to avoid sacrificing your mental health for an arbitrary definition of fitness, and how to be comfortable in your skin instead of living by a number on a scale. Come share your stories and discover how this health movement is the opposite of giving up.
Victorian Sex
Love the subtle bondage and discipline a corset implies? Does a hint of ankle or a flash of stocking come across as shocking? Want to incorporate the Victorian sensibilities of steampunk into your bedsport? Come learn about the not-so-straightlaced Victorians and what was really going on underneath all that clothing. 18+ or 21+ WITH ID (pending location)
Young & Queer: Beyond The Trevor Project (was:Young & Queer in Society & Fandom)
Some attitudes have changed in the last decade or two, but how is it for those still struggling with their personal and sexual identities? How do we cope with widespread bullying from our peers and elders? What do we say when our personal identities don't fit into one box or another? We encourage young people with questions about their place in society and fandom to come to talk and share strength with each other and with older fen who’ve been through it themselves.
I'm looking for constructive criticism, not a mutual admiration society, so if I've done something fucked up and privilege-blind, my wording is awkward, or you think a description needs a refresh, please tell me. I'm not particularly thin-skinned, and I make no claims of being a perfect ally for social justice.
And if you have any suggestions for additional panels that fall under the Fannish Culture umbrella, please send them my way - interest waxes and wanes from year to year, and I can always use a few alternates. There are a couple of caveats, though: 1) Any significantly new anti-oppression topics should be entry-level educational panels for at least the first year; and 2) I really don't have any more room for poly panels.