Why Blerdcon Is The New Destination For Black Horror Fans
I attended my first Blerdcon this year, and it did not disappoint. I expected to have a good time alongside all the other Blerds (Black+Nerd = Blerd) while geeking out over some of my favorite media. However, I soon discovered that the Black horror community was at the con in full force this year. Even on the way to the opening events, which included an interview with Rachel True hosted by Xero Gravity, it was hard to ignore all the cosplayers dressed as some of our favorite scary movie baddies. Even in the live horror podcast session and the Black Horror History panel I was a part of with my friends, we noticed both events were packed with horror fans.
While Blerdcon ended days ago, most of us are still buzzing from being at an event celebrating Blerds instead of excluding them. I have been able to attend a few fests and cons over the years, but this is the first time I was not one of few Black people (if not the only one) in attendance. I figured I was not the only one who lived her best life last weekend and is still riding this high. So I asked some of our favorite Black horror content creators at the con a few questions.
Also Read: Blerdcon CEO Hilton George On Why We Need Events Like This [Interview]
Aimee Davis
Aimee Davis is one of our favorite cosplayers and voice actors. You can follow her at @Aaimz on Twitter and aaimztako on Instagram. She also interviewed the voice-acting legend Cree Summer at Blerdcon.
DC: What was your favorite part of the Blerdcon experience?
AD: It was all the like-minded fellow black nerds because it felt like a safe space to walk around in a bonnet or have our hair/wig slightly outta place and not one person would question or bat an eye rudely as to why. Since we all understand each other in these regards.
DC: The horror fans turned out this year! What does having a space where Black horror fans can get together in person mean to you? Why is it so important?
AD: We collectively can talk about horror movies from our perspective and be understood where our thoughts and feelings come from. It’s so important because it’s so validating knowing you are not alone when you have a feeling about anything horror that only us black folk would understand.
Jazzmin Crawley
Jazzmin Crawley is one half of Dread Central’s Girl, That’s Scary. Follow the pod on Twitter @GirlThatsScary and girlthatsscary on Instagram. Jazz was also one of the many hosts for two events at this year’s Blerdcon. The “Girl, That’s A Massacre” live podcast crossover event and “A Black Horror History.”
DC: What was your favorite part of the Blerdcon experience?
JC: The feeling of community was incredible. Every year I make new friends.
DC: The horror fans turned out this year! What does having a space where Black horror fans can get together in person mean to you? Why is it so important?
JC: It’s important to have a safe space where Black horror fans can come together and feel seen. There is no feeling of other guests trying to decide if you should be here.
Tyrone Williams
Tyrone Williams is one of our favorite content creators and uses their platform to bring horror content creators together. He’s also a writer and director you can follow on Twitter @TheEvolTyrone and Theevoltyrone on Instagram.
DC: What was your favorite part of the Blerdcon experience?
TW: Meeting and making new friends.
DC: The horror fans turned out this year! What does having a space where Black horror fans can get together in person mean to you? Why is it so important?
TW: It gives me inspiration to see so many into the same things I’m into. If it wasn’t for that representation, I wouldn’t have the confidence to do what I do.
You can keep up with Blerdcon on their Facebook and Twitter page. While there, you can also see some of the huge cosplay community that turned out. There were many faves in attendance this year including Chucky, Queen Akasha, Leatherface, Jigsaw, and countless others.
I’m so happy I was able to meet so many of my friends in person, and I wish there were more events like it. I’m really sad that Blerdcon is only once a year. However, maybe other people will see how many of us showed up this year and start working on creating more safe places for us. At least a girl can dream, I guess. I plan on returning next year, so find me at @Misssharai if I will see you there.
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