World's Largest Queer Comic Con, Flame Con, Announces Its Return to Times Square

    NEW YORK, NY, January 14, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After the triumphant return to an in-person convention, Flame Con, created by the LGBTQ non-profit Geeks OUT, announces another year at the Sheraton Time Square Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13 2023. Last year marked the convention's 8th annual show. Organizers look forward to another year of safely meeting with fans and creators. The show will feature hundreds of creators exhibiting queer-positive comics, arts, crafts, clothing, and entertainment. Flame Con is open to all ages and free for all youth 21 years of age and under on Sunday, August 13.

"Last year was filled with a kind of nervous anticipation as we learned from and adapted to more challenges than we had in previous years. But, thanks to the incredible work and dedication of our organizing committee, exhibitors, and attendees, we revived that special magic that Flame Con is known for," remarked Geeks OUT President, Nic Gitau. "And now - full steam ahead on 2023! Though a vocal minority may be trying to push LGBTQ folks to the margins of society, Flame Con is back right in the heart of New York City celebrating the solidarity, creativity, and unabashed joy of our community."

Two new Flamies are joining the growing Flame Con Flamie family, created by Terry Blas (Reptil: Brink of Extinction.) We are proud to introduce Tween Flamie and Drag King Flamie.

"Adding a young Flamie to the group is a fun way to remind people that Flame Con welcomes all ages and even has a youth-centered day," says Terry Blas. " It's something I would have loved to have had when I was young and I'm so glad it exists now and that I get to be a part of it. Having a Drag King Flamie was long overdue. Now with the queen, Flame Con has its own Drag Royalty!"

Last year, Flame Con welcomed over 200 queer-oriented vendors alongside creators such as Danny Lore (Lunar Room), Nadia Shammas (Ms. Marvel), and Jarrett Melendez (Chef's Kiss), amongst others. In 2023, Flame Con is excited to announce our headlining guest; two-time Hugo Award finalist, Chuck Tingle.

"I am so thankful to be invited to Flame Con to prove love is real and make hearts kiss this sky," said Tingle. "The moments we create in the city of apples will make this timeline a better place and you are an important part of that. I can't wait to trot together with our heads held high and prove love is real for each and every unique way, this is what makes our timeline special buckaroo."

Tickets for Flame Con, and the afterparty Fireball, go on sale Thursday, January 12, 2023, through Eventbrite with options for Full Weekend or Single Day tickets through the link on the Flame Con website. Similar to 2022 exhibitor table releases will be in blocks of three, with opportunities to register for tables beginning Tuesday, February 7. Community table applications will open on January 12th for organizations specializing in outreach, advocacy, public health, etc. More information on the exhibitor registration process can be found on the Exhibitors page on the Flame Con website.

In a dedicated effort to keep our fans, vendors, and guests safe and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses we will continue to adhere to CDC recommendations by requiring proof of full vaccination for anyone ages 5 and older against COVID-19 upon entry or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours. Masking will also remain in place.

For more information on Flame Con, please visit www.flamecon.org, and for more details about Geeks OUT, please visit www.geeksout.org.

Geeks OUT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to rallying, empowering and promoting the queer geek community. Founded in 2010 with the goal of bringing a positive queer presence to local comic conventions, Geeks OUT now partners with conventions and hosts events across the nation, as well as produces the world's largest LGBTQ comic convention – Flame Con. Geeks OUT is also the publisher behind Power: A Comics Anthology and Serving Pride: The Queer History Dinner Party Handbook.

For more information please visit www.geeksout.org.

Media Contact: [email protected]

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