Impact of LGBTQ Comics Creators and Readers panel – LBCC 2018

While I was at Long Beach Comic Con 2018 on September 9th, I attended the Impact of LGBTQ Comic Creators and Readers panel.

The Impact of LGBTQ Comic Creators and Readers panel was hosted by Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon with panelists Teresa Jusino from Pomonok Entertainment, Jennifer Lopez (not the platinum selling musician) the host of the Comadres y Comics podcast, Ted Abenheim, President of Prism Comics, and Amanda Donahue, artist for The Margins graphic novel, as they discussed the importance of LGBTQ inclusivity and representation in the comic book industry.

The Impact of LGBTQ Comic Creators and Readers panel started with an introduction from each of the panelists about how they got into the comic books and how they started in the industry. After the introductions were done, the panelists each talked about how they felt about LGBTQ inclusivity in the entertainment industry, including the lack of trans characters in comics, the “kill your gays” trope (which has been covered a few times by The Geekiary when it occurred on THE 100, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, and VOLTRON), and more.

During the panel, which you can see in its entirety below, Ted Abenheim discussed the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant, which helps creators with both publishing and promoting LGBT comics. Previous winners of the Grant include Tee Franklin (who wrote the hit graphic novel BINGO LOVE), Elizabeth Beier and Catherine Esguerra, Dave Davenport, and more.

Towards the end of the panel, Barbra asked each of the panelists about their favorite current LGBTQ comics right now. Jennifer started it off discussing the OMG, CHECK PLEASE webcomic (and now available in print from First Second). Teresa then discussed the one she’s obsessed with currently, PAPERGIRLS from Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, which has a budding queer relationship. Ted talked about SNAGGLEPUSS and his love for it, as well as UNNATURAL from Mirka Andolfo, which deals with a “society where love is forbidden”. Lastly, Amanda talked about one of her favorite podcasts/radio play titled WOODEN OVERCOATS, about competing funeral directors on an island off the coast of England (she explained she’s been busy with a new graphic novel titled THE MARGINS that just came out so she’s a bit behind her in comic book reading). Amanda also talked about Netflix’s BOJACK HORSEMAN, which introduced an asexual character.

The panel wrapped up with a Q&A from the audience, which was a great way to end this terrific panel.

We’d like to once again thank Barbra Dillon for hosting this panel, and allowing us to film it for those who could not be in attendance.

Author: Dan Berry

Dan is a veteran of various pop culture events (13 different ones in 2018), with his first having been San Diego Comic-Con in the early 90s.  He’s attended everyone since 2000. In addition, he has covered the San Diego International Film Festival for a few years, as well as other Hollywood events, and movie screenings.

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