I want to
tell the tale of LADY GEEKs uNITE
Welcome
lady geeks of all types, varieties, and perspectives! What is LADY GEEKs uNITE?
It’s the monthly, though not strictly so, meeting of the women and gender queer
that are interested in things called geek. Taking place at Happy Harbor Comics you can join us on the
first Thursday of every month. We would like you to know that we do welcome
all; men can attend as a guest of a lady! Before we get carried away I will
give you some backstory:
Once upon
a time… There was a fair lady named Kate Leth, a comic book retailer and
creator, she was inspired to open up her world of geek with other ladies like
herself. So, Kate set out to connect with the other women that worked in comic
shops and thus the group called The Valkyries was born. Through the wonders of
the Internet hundreds of women in, not only North America, but also the world
have joined The Valkyries. The group has created a space for the women working
in comic shops a place to praise comic we love, share ideas and thoughts about
the industry and retail, bitch about the problems we’ve encountered working in
comics, and help each other with tips and tricks of the comic book trade. The geek gatherings we call Comic Cons
or Expos The Valkyries have even moved the conversation offline and been able
to meet up.
The next
chapter of our story introduces The Valkyries inspired event: ladies nights!
The idea is to create a welcoming, safe, non-judgmental environment for women
and gender queer to come and enjoy comics and all things geek! Now there are
many comic shops that host ladies nights and they’re gaining steam. More and
more women are coming out and engaging with other women into comics, reading
new stories, and sharing their own stories. Why is this so exciting? On a
personal level I am excited because being into lots of things geek I have
faced, as many other have, a lot of barriers just trying to enjoy comics,
games, and more from those that either don’t believe there is a place for women
in geek culture or have unwarranted expectations of women in geek culture. Another
reason it’s exciting is in this very established and “set in it’s ways”
industry it’s refreshing to have new voices to continue to enrich geek culture
in positive ways.
 |
| Screening of Red Sand |
Our story
thus far has taken us from lively discussions about our favorite stories, what
comic book or newspaper comic strip got us into comics, conventions, and
experiences we’ve had engaging in geek culture. Our highest attended meeting was
the screening of Red Sand, the Mass Effect fan film, with special guest Mark
Meer, the voice of Commander Shepard and local improviser and actor. We had an
off-site meeting at Table Top Café for hours of lively board gaming madness.
Most recently, we have a special Q&A with four comic creators: J. Torres a
prolific writer for DC and driving force behind the Canadian comic project True Patriot, Scott Chantler creator of
the widely acclaimed Two Generals,
Adrian Alphona the artist on Marvel’s Runaways
and Ms. Marvel, and Scott Kowalchuk
artist of Down Set Fight! It was a
great forum for discussion and encouraging hearing these male creators speak
very enthusiastically about more women becoming involved in the comics industry
by being creators themselves, retailers, or just fans of the story telling
comics offer.
 |
| Special Guest Mark Meer |
So, if all
of that sounds AWESOME to YOU we look forward to seeing you soon for LADY GEEKs
uNITE! (we also have cake by Sarah:
Sylvia Douglas - Valkyrie and Lady Geek Wrangler
