My schedule for this year's Minicon (in Saint Louis Park, MN): http://mnstf.org/minicon56/
FRIDAY
8:30 PM
Gender & AI (Park 2)
Androids and AI in science fiction disrupt the idea of a gender binary: what purpose is there for an Android and/or AI to have gender? Could an Android/AI be trans, gender-fluid, and/or non-binary? How will that affect how we as a society see gender as a construct?
Justin Grays, Naomi Kritzer, Lyda Morehouse, Ian Young
SATURDAY
1:00 PM
Humor in genre fiction (Orchard)
A serious discussion of funny F/SF and horror.
Eleanor Arnason, Mike Aurelius, F. J. Bergman, Lyda Morehouse, Douglas Van Dyke Jr
2:30 PM
LGBTQ+ Representation in SF/F (Orchard)
Queer characters are showing up in both YA and adult F/SF. Where can you find queer characters? Are their authors getting it right? Which books/shows are the best? And, maybe, assuming that such representation merely a good start, what is the next step?
Justin Grays, David Lenander, Catherine Lundoff, Lyda Morehouse, David Paschal-Zimbel
SUNDAY
10:00 AM
The Power of Play (Park 1)
The concept of play includes many ideas such as stress relief, a path to creativity, connection with others (and our younger selves), and more. Science fiction and fantasy fans enjoy playing around mentally, after all. Silly hats, clothes, footwear, and toys are encouraged for panel members and attendees.
Jeanne Mealy, Lyda Morehouse, Laramie Sasseville, Crystal Therese
