Comics conference takes up queer theory
This weekend, California College of the Arts is opening its doors for a Queers & Comics Conference — the second of its kind and the first on the West Coast. And the event is not just another place for people to sell comics but rather, a real, deep-in-theory academic conference.
The panels include topics like “Working at the Intersections of Queer Theory and Comics Studies” and “Redefining Masculinity Through Queer Comics” and “Queer Artists of Color: Comics & Activism.” Organizers have also recruited Mariko Tamaki, the author of several awardwinning graphic novels, and Gengoroh Tagame, a Japanese artist who is seen as the most influential creator of gay manga in Japan, to headline the weekend.
Of course, it won’t all be serious. Organizers have opening parties planned starting Thursday, April 13, and various screenings and live comic readings throughout the weekend.
Queers & Comics Conference:
Primahood Opening Party. 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13. Free. Center of Sex and Culture, 1349 Mission St., S.F.; Drink and Draw Opening Party. 8-10 p.m. Thursday, April 13. Free. Strut, 470 Castro St., S.F. Panels start at 9 a.m. Friday, April 14, and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15; registration is $75. California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., S.F. www.queers andcomics.cca.edu