At an NYC Comic Con panel, host Peppermint asks Tammie Browne, Blackberri, and Magami about the pros and cons of shows like Drag Race and Dragula.

Nerds reflect on inclusivity at NYC Comic Con and George Tekai speaks on his life and activism.

In this episode of Outsider In, Ricky shares his experiences at his first New York Comic Con (2025), exploring themes of identity, representation, and community. From his childhood as a self-proclaimed nerd to his recent adventures at Comic-Con, Ricky delves into the intersections of race, queerness, and fandom. He highlights encounters with fellow outliers, including a conversation with children's author Dina Tate about representation in literature and cosplay, and a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of Black nerd culture. The episode also features insights from the Young, Gifted, and Whack panel, moderated by Wayne Brady, a drag queen panel hosted by Peppermint, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel hosted by Martin Scorsese, and a talk about civil rights with Star Trek legend and activist George Tekai. Ricky reflects on the power of storytelling and the importance of finding a sense of belonging in epic spaces.

Comic-Con, representation, Black nerd culture, blerd, drag queens, storytelling, identity, community, fandom, queerness, diversity, Star Wars, Star Trek, Avatar the Last Airbender

• Embrace your nerd within the nerds
• Representation in media is crucial for marginalized communities.
• Comic-Con is a space for diverse communities to connect.
• Storytelling unites and empowers us.

1. 00:00 Introduction and Ricky's Nerdy Beginnings
2. 03:29 Comic-Con Adventures Costumes and EncountersRepresentation and Identity in Fandom
3. 13:31 Young, Gifted, and Whack: Panel on Black Nerd Culture
4. 22:03 Drag Queens and the Intersection of Politics
5. 29:57 House of Ultra-Violet Presents: Gerard H. Gaskin
6. 32:35 Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
7. 34:46 Jedi Adventures
8. 39:56 It Rhymes w/ Tekai Graphic Novel Panel
9. 44:02 Reflections on Belonging and Community

• "Welcome to Outsider Inn, where outliers create the greater culture."
• "Comic-Con is the motherfucking place to be."
• "Representation matters in all forms of media."
• "Finding a sense of belonging among fellow outliers."
• "The power of storytelling unites us all."

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and insightful adventure at Comic-Con 2025!

Dianca London Potts joins host, Ricky Tucker, to explore the intricate relationship between horror, identity, and storytelling. They discuss how personal experiences shape their understanding of horror and the narratives that resonate with them. The dialogue delves into the significance of representation in cinema, particularly within the context of Black identity, and the importance of agency in creative work. They also reflect on the role of religion in horror, the influence of form and structure in storytelling, and the lessons that fear and grief can teach us about resilience and community.

takeaways

• Horror serves as a powerful medium for exploring identity.
• Storytelling can create a sense of belonging and community.
• Monsters and otherness are central themes in horror narratives.
• Representation in cinema is crucial for authentic storytelling.
• Agency in creative work allows for deeper connections to legacy.
• Genre can be complex and multifaceted, challenging traditional norms.
• Religion often intersects with horror, shaping narratives and themes.
• The structure of a story can evoke emotions that words cannot express.
• Fear and grief are teachers that build resilience.
• Exploring different forms of storytelling can lead to richer narratives.

Sound Bites

• "Horror has been like a huge gift."
• "Fear is a teacher and so is grief."
• "It builds resilience."

Writers ⁠Ricky Tucker⁠ and ⁠Omotara James⁠ explore the nuances of the literary world, touching on themes of community, acceptance, and the complexities of identity. They discuss the challenges and surprises of the Lambda Literary Awards, the importance of connection in the writing process, and the intersectionality of cultural identities. Omotara shares her journey through the publishing landscape, emphasizing the need for mentorship and practical guidance for emerging writers. The conversation culminates in reflections on the importance of joy in writing and the fluidity of life.

Takeaways

• The Lambda Literary Awards had a unique virtual ceremony this year.
• Omotara's unexpected win was a delightful surprise.
• Acceptance speeches should express gratitude and community connection.
• Community rediscovery can lead to unexpected delights post-book launch.
• Writing about personal experiences can create universal connections.
• Young writers should be encouraged to explore their process.
• Navigating the publishing landscape requires understanding and mentorship.
• Networking plays a crucial role in literary success.
• Access to literary culture should be reimagined for inclusivity.
• Writing should be a source of joy and exploration.

• Navigating the Lambda Literary Experience
• The Joy of Unexpected Wins

• "I took a nap."
• "It's a roller coaster."
• "It's not that serious."

Keywords

#horror #identity #storytelling #monsters #blackcinema, #agency #representation #religion #grief #creativework