Florida Supercon: George Takei, David Yost and More to Appear

Florida Supercon has often featured comic book/ sci-fi/ anime guests and events that appeal to not only mainstream fans, but also to an LGBT audience. This year, Florida Supercon 2013 promises to exceed expectations.

The Eighth annual comic con event returns to the Miami Airport Convention Center on July 4-7, with George Takei, as one of the headliners.

Science fiction fans know Takei as Mr. Sulu from the original "Star Trek" television series, which aired from 1966- 1969. In recent years, Takei has become a social media favorite, particularly on Facebook, and he has written about this experience in "Oh Myyy! (There Goes the Internet)." However, some of his fans may not know that as a child during World War II, Takei was incarcerated in Japanese-American internment camps in the U.S. He has also starred in a musical, "Allegiance," which explores this often untold part of American history. A Broadway debut is anticipated for 2014.

In 2005, Takei publicly came out. Since then, he's become an LGBT activist, one who often uses humor to communicate his message - see Takei's recent Buzzfeed response to same-sex marriage protestors.

In a phone interview with SFGN, Takei reflected, "When I was a teenager, marriage equality was an unthinkable thing. Now it is inevitable. I'm very optimistic about the [upcoming] Supreme Court ruling."

When Takei spoke to SFGN, he had just finished filming as a guest star on SyFy's "Lost Girl," a supernatural television series that features characters with a fluid sense of sexual orientation.

He described his character as "elegantly evil, very boppish in dress, with awe-inspiring powers."

"I enjoyed chewing the scenery, and left my teeth marks all over the set."

Takei has traveled quite a path from "Star Trek" to "Lost Girl."

"Rejection is the thing you get the most as a young aspiring actor," he recounted. "Being gay [added] another reason to get rejected. So you stay closeted."

There were supportive heterosexual work colleagues such as Walter Koenig who played Pavel Chekov on "Star Trek." Takei recalled that one morning on the set, his co-star subtly gestured towards "a good-looking young male extra in a tight Star Trek costume." Koenig then smiled at Takei.

"It was a quiet way of letting you know, that they know," he shared.

Although Takei was not officially out to the public, he stayed connected to the gay community. He went to bars, and had gay friends. Twenty-five years ago, he met his husband, Brad Altman (who is now Brad Takei), in a gay running club.

"I was quietly out for a long time."

Yet in 2005, the California legislature passed a same sex marriage bill that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger later vetoed.

As Takei watched the eleven o'clock news, he saw "the young people on Santa Monica Boulevard who were angry and yelling."

"I thought 'I need to be engaged in that'...I need to be advocating for equality."

This motivated Takei to publicly come out.

Subsequent years have seen Takei's LGBT activism reach out to a wide range of audiences.

In a December 2012 issue of Archie Comics, Takei was written into a story involving Riverdale's first gay character, Kevin Keller.

"When I was a kid, I used to read Archie Comics," Takei said. "There was America to me. They were all white, certainly they were all straight. I wasn't even on the periphery of that. Now I'm on the cover...me as a gay Asian man on the cover. It is an undreamed of advance in American pop culture."

More surprisingly, "straight, white, male" fans have found a connection with Takei by following him on social media and listening to him when he appears on Howard Stern. "They tell me 'I like what you're saying, I like what you stand for, and if there's a pro-LGBT issue in my community, I will support it.'"

"That's how we bring about change-by getting them to understand the normality of our lives."

Hanging Tough and Coming Out

Florida Supercon also presents David Yost, who played Billy Cranston/ The Blue Ranger in "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers," "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" and "Power Rangers Zeo" during the 1990s.

However, Yost abruptly left "Power Rangers Zeo" before the end of its season. In 2010, he revealed to No Pink Spandex that his departure was due to a homophobic work environment.

As he stated in that interview, "I was continually being told I'm not worthy of where I am because I'm a gay person... And you can't be a superhero."

Yost spoke to SFGN over the phone and further elaborated on his ordeal.

"In the 90s, being gay was still not widely accepted," Yost said. "[The homophobia] did come from people at high levels. It was difficult for me because I didn't feel like I had any protection or anyone to go to. We didn't have a Human Resources person to get issues resolved... I was either going to take my life or [I needed to] get out of the environment I was in. I chose to leave."

However, Yost continued to struggle with his sexual orientation as he underwent "the pray the gay away thing," and later suffered a nervous breakdown.

Eventually, he came to the realization: "There's nothing wrong with who I am."

"I'm very much a happy gay person now but it wasn't overnight. It was a long process of learning to accept myself, and therapy. There's no magical remedy."

At comic cons, Yost meets many people who thank him for coming out.

"I am honored to have an impact on their lives...I hear at least twenty different stories per con from gay people. Each one is meaningful."

When asked about the increased presence of LGBT characters and story lines throughout the comic con world, Yost responded: "It needs to make sense to the storyline... [but] it's helpful to see us represented as... superheroes, to make sure people see... we can be just as powerful as anyone else."

LGBT comic book writers and/or artists who are just starting out may be interested in attending Florida Supercon panels about independent comics and self-publishing. There will also be discussions about diversity in comics such as "Planet Black: Ethnic Portrayals In Science Fiction" and "Who Runs The World? Women and Minorities in Comics."

Writer Laura Diaz de Arce leads "Who Runs The World?" Along with illustrator Mary O'Neill, Diaz de Arce has co-created "Splitting Seams," a fairy tale of twin sisters who are sewn together. Her panel will mainly consider the image of women and minorities, but she will also discuss LGBT representation.

SFGN contacted Diaz de Arce on Facebook for her views about how comic books deal with LGBT characters and story lines.

"The comic industry has been more friendly to the LGBT community as far as characters," Diaz de Arce responded in a statement. "Kevin Keller and Clay [in Archie Comics]...drew lots of attention for their wedding... one of the better executions of a gay character, portraying them less as a stereotype and more as a human being."

Diaz de Arce also lauded the Marvel characters in "Runaways" - Karolina Dean, a "well-rounded and complex" lesbian character, and Dean's love, Xavin, "an interesting transgender [female] character."

However, Diaz de Arce is wary of how "mainstream comics have tried to exploit a gay audience...[with] shotgun gay weddings as an inauthentic money-grab."

She concluded that "it is best when a character's sexual orientation is authentic, fully conceived... and not some stunt."

Other LGBT events of interest include an expanded selection of cosplay activities, and the comedy theatre troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is back with shadow casts of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Burlesque shows, stunt fighting, costume contests, raves/ dances - whatever you need to get your LGBT geek on, you should be able to find it here.

Florida Supercon Guests with LGBT Themes / Interests

Check the complete schedule online for rooms and additional photo op/ autograph signing events

ERIN GRAY

Many an LBT woman in the 70s must have crushed on Buck Rogers' Erin Gray, who appears at a Q&A, and also leads a Tai Chi/ Chi Kung workshop.

Saturday, July 6 � 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A: ERIN GRAY

Sunday, July 7 � 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

TAI CHI & CHI KUNG WORKSHOP WITH ERIN GRAY

LAURIE HOLDEN

Did Michonne and Andrea have a lesbian relationship on The Walking Dead? Depends on your view of the subtext. However, the story did find a new LGBT fan base for the show. Laurie Holden (Andrea) appears at Florida Supercon.

Saturday, July 6 � 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

LAURIE HOLDEN on STAGE

DICHEN LACHMAN

In 2009, Dichen Lachman starred in Joss Whedon's short-lived series "Dollhouse." Although Lachman is not a lesbian, she earned a lasting accolade at AfterEllen.com-one of the "100 hottest women on screen" for that year.

Sunday, July 7 � 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

DICHEN LACHMAN Q&A

TRACI LORDS

Known for her dance music, her roles on "Roseanne" and John Waters' "Cry Baby," and her exploitation as an underage porn actress in the 80s, Lords is also a supporter of LGBT rights.

Sunday, July 7 � 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

TRACI LORDS Q&A

GEORGE TAKEI

Saturday, July 6 � 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Q&A

J. MICHAEL TATUM

Returning to Supercon is J. Michael Tatum, an anime voice actor, ADR director and script writer His extensive credits include "Ouran High School Host Club" and "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood."

Friday, July 5 � 3:15 p.m. - 4 p.m.

J. MICHAEL TATUM Q&A

Sunday, July 7 � 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

THE MEN OF ANIME: THE J MICHAEL TATUM, DARREL GUILBEAU, ERIC STUART & BLAKE SHEPHARD PANEL

DAVID YOST

Saturday, July 6 � 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

BLACK AND BLUE: MEET THE BLACK & BLUE POWER RANGERS

Join David Yost and Walter Jones,

Sunday, July 7 � 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY POWER RANGERS PANEL

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers with the original stars for a special moderated panel discussion and Q&A.
1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Jason David Frank
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Robert Axelrod, Barbara Goodson and Richard Horvitz
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Walter Jones and David Yost

If you go to Florida Supercon 2013

When: Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Sunday, July 7, 2013

Where: Miami Airport Convention Center, 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126

How Much: Single day tickets in Advance until July 2: Thursday ($25), Friday ($25), Saturday ($30) and Sunday ($25)

Single day tickets at the show: Thursday ($30), Friday ($30), Saturday ($30) and Sunday ($30)

Four day full event tickets: $65 until July 2. $70 at the show

Three day (Fri/Sat/Sun) tickets: $55 until July 2. $60 at the show

Two day (Sat/Sun) tickets: $45 in advance. $50 at the show

Children 9 years and under are Free with paid parent or guardian

Tickets can be purchased at http://floridasupercon.com/buy-tickets

For more information:
http://floridasupercon.com

954-399-1330

[email protected]

ONLINE ONLY

FLORIDA SUPERCON EVENTS WITH LGBT THEMES/ INTERESTS

Check the complete schedule online for rooms and additional events

Thursday, July 4 � 11:00am - 8:00pm

COSPLAY INFORMATION BOOTH & COSPLAY PHOTO BOOTHS

Thursday, July 4 � 12:00pm - 1:00pm

FROM COSPLAYER TO COSTUMER: TAKE YOUR COSTUMES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Thursday, July 4 � 1:15pm - 2:15pm

COSPLAYING FOR THE CAMERA: COSPLAY & PHOTOGRAPHY 101 w/ KIKI KANNON

Thursday, July 4 � 2:30pm - 3:30pm

INDEPENDENT COMICS in 2013

Thursday, July 4 � 2:30pm - 3:30pm

COSPLAY MAKE UP: COMPLETE YOUR LOOK

Thursday, July 4 � 3:45pm - 4:45pm

WHO RUNS THE WORLD? WOMEN & MINORITIES IN COMICS

Thursday, July 4 � 3:45pm - 4:45pm

COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT

Thursday, July 4 � 7:30pm - 8:30pm

NO SNOGGING IN THE TARDIS: SEX AND SEXUALITY IN THE WORLD OF DR. WHO

Thursday, July 4 � 9:30pm - 10:30pm

DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-A-LONG BLOG : LIVE SHADOW CAST

Thursday, July 4 � 11:00pm - 11:45pm

FSC SUPERGIRLS OF SUPERCON COSTUME CONTEST

Friday, July 5 � 10:00am - 7:30pm

COSPLAY INFORMATION BOOTH & COSPLAY PHOTO BOOTHS

Friday, July 5 � 3:00pm - 4:00pm

SEXY=/=SEX : GAMING & COSPLAY MISCONCEPTIONS

Friday, July 5 � 3:30pm - 4:30pm

THE ART OF COSPLAY & THE CAMERA

Friday, July 5 � 6:00pm - 7:00pm

PLANET BLACK: ETHNIC PORTRAYALS IN SCIENCE FICTION

Friday, July 5 � 6:30pm - 7:45pm

FSC MASQUERADE COSTUME & PERFORMANCE COMPETITION

Friday, July 5 � 9:15pm - 11:45pm

FSC MASQUERADE BALL - AN EVENING AT THE END OF TIME & SPACE

Saturday, July 6 � 12:30am - 2:30am

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SHADOW CAST

Saturday, July 6 � 10:00am - 11:30am

COSTUME CONTEST PRE-JUDGING: SESSION #1

Saturday, July 6 � 10:00am - 7:30pm

COSPLAY INFORMATION BOOTH & COSPLAY PHOTO BOOTHS

Saturday, July 6 � 12:45pm - 1:45pm

THE ART OF SHADOW CASTING w/ PINEAPPLE SHAPED LAMPS

Saturday, July 6 � 3:00pm - 5:00pm

COSTUME CONTEST PRE-JUDGING: SESSION #2

Saturday, July 6 � 6:30pm - 7:30pm

BURLESQUE 101: MEET THE GIRLS OF CUPCAKE BURLESQUE

Saturday, July 6 � 8:00pm - 9:30pm

FSC COSTUME COMPETITION

Sunday, July 7 � 12:15am - 1:15am

CUPCAKE BURLESQUE: COMIC STRIP "ACTION & ATTRACTION"

Sunday, July 7 � 12:15am - 3:00am

FSC RAVE / DANCE

Sunday, July 7 � 10:00am - 6:30pm

COSPLAY INFORMATION BOOTH & COSPLAY PHOTO BOOTHS

Sunday, July 7 � 11:00am - 12:00pm

COMIC BOOK SELF PUBLISHING

Sunday, July 7 � 3:30pm - 4:30pm

STUNT FIGHTING 101

Sunday, July 7 � 4:45pm - 5:45pm

FSC RUNWAY COSTUME CONTEST

Sunday, July 7 � 11:45pm - 1:30am

BUFFY: ONCE MORE WITH FEELING - LIVE SHADOW CAST

Monday, July 8 � 12:00am - 3:00am

FSC RAVE / DANCE