I have just “come back” from attending (and volunteering at) WisCon, an annual (or mostly annual) feminist science fiction & fantasy convention. In truth, I never left my house. ‘^^ WisCon 2025 was online only — done mostly through a combination of Sched for registration & scheduling, Zoom for panels & roundtables, and Discord for text chatting & resource sharing.

Its virtual nature turned out to be a good thing for me, personally. If it had been an in-person–only con, I would not have been able to attend at all, since it’s based in Wisconsin — I’m guessing this is why it’s called “WisCon” (XD) —, a state in the Midwestern part of the United States, which is, let us say, a bit far from me. ‘^^ (And although it was entirely online this year, its schedule was still based on Wisconsin’s time zone.) I’ve attended a few literary/fan conventions before, but this was my first time (so far as I can recall, anyway) attending WisCon.

Verdict?

It was lovely.

I’m so glad I attended. I’m a huge introvert (a highly socialised introvert, but an introvert nonetheless); I gave myself some lingering jet lag (XD); and Zoom fatigue is a real thing, y’all — but despite all that, it was really wonderful to see, listen to, and overall engage with so many fellow geeks. And, wow, let me tell you, the nerd factor was through the roof — in the best possible way. ^_^ I was unabashedly delighted by not just the skyscraper-high levels of smarts all concentrated in one place but also by just the sheer exuberance with which diversity, on just about every conceivable axis, was celebrated. My cardio-cockles, they were warmed! <3

I am totes going to low-key online stalk some of the amazing folks I saw/heard/met to see what other awesome things they’ll be doing and putting out there. >=3

But in a non-creepy way! XD *coughs*

(I make no promises about doing it in a non-awkward way, though. ‘^^)