Geeks OUT Inc.

Geeks OUT Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, promoting, and uniting the queer geek community. Founded in October 2010 and headquartered in New York City, it operates as a 501(c)(3) entity.

Mission

The mission of Geeks OUT Inc. is to visibly represent, advocate for, and celebrate the queer presence in geek culture, including video games, comics, science fiction, films, and other geek media. They achieve this through organizing events, attending conventions, and creating platforms that support queer narratives in mainstream media[1][2].

Events and Activities

Geeks OUT Inc. hosts and participates in various events across major U.S. cities, such as New York City, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. One of its flagship events is Flame Con, launched in 2015 as the world's largest queer comic convention. Flame Con features discussions, performances, screenings, and cosplay, serving as a space for LGBTQ+ creators and fans[1][2].

Additionally, Geeks OUT Inc. partners with other organizations to present panels and discussions at prominent comic-cons, such as New York Comic Con. These panels often focus on queer themes in media, providing platforms for LGBTQ+ creators to share their experiences and discuss the impact of queer representation in comics and gaming[4].

Governance and Structure

The organization is overseen by an all-volunteer board composed of dedicated members from diverse backgrounds. The current board includes Nic Gitau as President, Kevin Gilligan as Vice President, and other members who contribute to the organization's mission through their roles in event management, marketing, and advocacy[1][3].

Notable Initiatives

Geeks OUT Inc. has been involved in several notable advocacy campaigns, including the Skip Ender's Game movement in 2013, which drew international attention by calling for a boycott of the film Ender's Game due to concerns over the anti-LGBTQ+ views of its author, Orson Scott Card[1].

Publications

The organization also contributes to the publication of materials promoting queer voices in geek culture. This includes works like Power An Anthology of Queer Creators, which highlights queer talent in the comics and gaming industries[1].

Impact

By organizing events like Flame Con and advocating for queer representation in geek culture, Geeks OUT Inc. has made a substantial impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader cultural landscape. It continues to be a vital platform for promoting inclusivity and visibility within geek communities nationwide[1][2].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geeks_OUT [2] https://www.geeksout.org [3] https://www.geeksout.org/about/ [4] https://bleedingcool.com/comics/geeks-out-brings-comics-made-me-gay-drag-queen-story-hour-to-nycc/ [5] https://givefreely.com/charity-directory/nonprofit/ein-451583281/