# Diversicon
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{{Short description|Science fiction convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota}}
{{Infobox Convention
| name = Diversicon
| image =
| caption =
| status = Active
| genre = [Speculative fiction](/source/Speculative_fiction)
| venue = [Best Western](/source/Best_Western) [Bandana Square](/source/Bandana_Square)
| location = [Saint Paul, Minnesota](/source/Saint_Paul%2C_Minnesota)
| country = United States
| first = 1992
| last =
| organizer = [SF Minnesota](/source/SF_Minnesota)
| filing = Non-profit
| attendance =
| website = http://www.diversicon.org
}}
'''Diversicon''' is an annual [speculative fiction](/source/speculative_fiction) (science fiction and fantasy, or SF) [convention](/source/Science_Fiction_Convention) held in July or August in the [Minneapolis-Saint Paul](/source/Minneapolis-Saint_Paul), [Minnesota](/source/Minnesota) area. Diversicon provides programming and social opportunities to encourage the multicultural, multimedia exploration and celebration of SF by those within and outside of the traditional SF community. Diversicon includes both live and posthumous guests. It is sponsored by [SF Minnesota](/source/SF_Minnesota).
==Programming==
Diversicon's programming—typically three simultaneous tracks—focuses on literature but also includes items related to film, TV, comics, art, science, and other subjects. [Science fiction](/source/Science_fiction), [fantasy](/source/Fantasy_literature), [horror](/source/Horror_fiction), and [slipstream](/source/Slipstream_(genre))/[magic realism](/source/magic_realism) genres are all represented.
Programming topics are solicited from preregistered attendees.[[http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon16MediaGuide.pdf Diversicon 16 Media Guide] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911224311/http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon16MediaGuide.pdf |date=September 11, 2012 }}. 2008. "Profile: Diversicon and SF Minnesota co-founder, past convention chair, and Diversicon 16 programming chair Eric M. Heideman." p. 4.] Programming items often focus on authors and/or fictional characters from underrepresented groups; how work deals with themes of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability, and other definitions of "difference"; and how contemporary issues around diversity influence the reading and writing of SF.
Most programming items are panel discussions. In addition, guests of honor are interviewed and participate in Q&A with the audience. Other formats include roundtable discussions, film screenings, informational presentations/workshops, and concerts.
The convention includes an Art Show; displaying artists are encouraged to attend and be available to discuss their work with attendees. It also includes a Dealers' Room where various jewelry, books, magazines, clothing/accessories, and other items are for sale. The ConSuite is a room with comfortable, informal seating and light food and drink. Parties are held each evening.[[http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf Diversicon 15 Media Guide] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154553/http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf |date=October 21, 2012 }}. 2008. "Diversicon 16: A preview." p. 6.]
In addition, there is an auction of speculative fiction books, collectibles, and other items to raise money for [SF Minnesota](/source/SF_Minnesota).[''SF Minnesota website'' "[http://www.sfminnesota.org/index.html SF Minnesota]." Retrieved January 26, 2016.]
==History ==
Diversicon is sponsored by [SF Minnesota](/source/SF_Minnesota), a nonprofit organization. SF Minnesota was founded in February 1992 by a group that wanted to create a Twin Cities speculative fiction convention with a different tone and focus from what already existed. They decided that Diversicon would celebrate and explore the connections between speculative fiction (SF) and diversity, particularly in three areas:[[http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf Diversicon 16 Media Guide] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154553/http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf |date=October 21, 2012 }}. 2008. "Diversicon: A brief history." p. 2.]
* Cultural diversity. Slightly more than two thirds of Diversicon's guest professionals have been women. A number of guests have been persons of color. A number of guests have been openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual and/or have written SF that explores issues of alternate sexuality.
* Diversity of fan groups. Diversicon would be openly welcoming, friendly, and respectful to the wide range of SF-related organizations in the area, ranging from book clubs to writing groups, Star Trek and anime clubs, creative anachronists and futurist organizations, and anyone else who shared an interest in diversity and the imagination.
* Diversity in media. Recognizing that different people come to SF through different paths, Diversicon would be inclusive of all media. In addition to a strong core of literary programming—including items for both writers and readers—the convention also includes a rich sampling of panels and discussions related to SF in film, TV, graphic arts, and other media as well as speculative science.
Diversicon 1 premiered in June 1993 and subsequently settled on August as its regular month. The convention hosted the [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award) in 2000.
== Guest authors, artists, editors, and fans ==
Source:[[http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf Diversicon 16 Media Guide] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021154553/http://home.comcast.net/~paulafleming/Diversicon/Diversicon15MediaGuide.pdf |date=October 21, 2012 }}. 2008. "Guest authors, artists, editors, and fans." p. 3.]
'''Diversicon 32 (2025)'''
*[Lyda Morehouse](/source/Lyda_Morehouse) Writer
*[Naomi Kritzer](/source/Naomi_Kritzer) Writer
'''Diversicon 31 (2024, in conjunction with Mythcon 53)'''
*[Eleanor Arnason](/source/Eleanor_Arnason) Writer
*[Brian Attebery](/source/Brian_Attebery) Myth and Fantasy Scholar
'''Diversicon 30 (2023)'''
*[Steven Barnes](/source/Steven_Barnes) Writer
*[Mark Rich](/source/Mark_Rich) Poet, Writer
'''Diversicon 29 (2022)'''
*[T. Aaron Cisco](/source/T._Aaron_Cisco) Writer
*[Sybil Smith](/source/Sybil_Smith) Fan
'''Diversicon 28 (postponed from 2020 to 2021)'''
*[Michael Merriam](/source/Michael_Merriam) Writer
*[Abra Staffin-Wiebe](/source/Abra_Staffin-Wiebe) Writer
'''Diversicon 27 (2019)'''
*[Nisi Shawl](/source/Nisi_Shawl) Writer
*[Ben Huset](/source/Ben_Huset) Space evangelist
'''Diversicon 26 (2018)'''
*[Charlie Jane Anders](/source/Charlie_Jane_Anders) Writer
*[Bryan Thao Worra](/source/Bryan_Thao_Worra) Poet and writer
*[Ursula Murray Husted](/source/Ursula_Murray_Husted) Artist
'''Diversicon 25 (2017)'''
*[Melissa Scott](/source/Melissa_Scott) Writer
*[Eleanor Arnason](/source/Eleanor_Arnason) Writer
'''Diversicon 24 (2016)'''
*[Jessica Amanda Salmonson](/source/Jessica_Amanda_Salmonson) Writer
*[Naomi Kritzer](/source/Naomi_Kritzer) Writer
'''Diversicon 23 (2015)'''
*[Ytasha L. Womack](/source/Ytasha_L._Womack) SF writer and filmmaker
*[Rob Callahan](/source/Rob_Callahan) SF writer and journalist
'''Diversicon 22 (2014)'''
*[Carolyn Ives Gilman](/source/Carolyn_Ives_Gilman) SF writer
*[Terry A. Garey](/source/Terry_A._Garey) SF writer and editor
'''Diversicon 21 (2013)'''
*[Roy C. Booth](/source/Roy_C._Booth) SF writer, http://www.salgado-reyes.com/roy-c-booth/
*[Jack McDevitt](/source/Jack_McDevitt) SF writer, https://www.jackmcdevitt.com
*[Catherine Lundoff](/source/Catherine_Lundoff) Fantasy writer, http://www.catherinelundoff.com
'''Diversicon 20 (2012)'''
*[Steven Barnes](/source/Steven_Barnes) SF writer, http://diamondhour.com/
*[Tananarive Due](/source/Tananarive_Due) Writer, http://www.tananarivedue.com/
'''Diversicon 19 (2011)'''
*[David Hartwell](/source/David_Hartwell) SF editor, https://www.davidghartwell.com/
*[John Calvin Rezmerski](/source/John_Calvin_Rezmerski) Poet and writer, http://authors.wizards.pro/authors/writers/john-calvin-rezmerski
*[Lyda Morehouse](/source/Lyda_Morehouse) SF writer and mystery writer "Tate Hallaway", http://www.lydamorehouse.com/
*[Joan Slonczewski](/source/Joan_Slonczewski) Scientist and writer, https://biology.kenyon.edu/slonc/slonc.htm
'''Diversicon 18 (2010)'''
*[William F. Wu](/source/William_F._Wu) short story and [science fiction](/source/science_fiction) writer, https://www.williamfwu.com
*[Rob Chilson](/source/Rob_Chilson) [science fiction](/source/science_fiction) writer, http://www.robshilson.com{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
'''Diversicon 17 (2009)'''
*[Kay Kenyon](/source/Kay_Kenyon)- novelist in [science fiction](/source/science_fiction) genre
* Michael Levy college professor and SF/fantasy reviewer
*[Sandra Lindow](/source/Sandra_Lindow) SF poet
'''Diversicon 16 (2008)'''
* [Anne Frasier](/source/Anne_Frasier)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) novelist in [science fiction](/source/science_fiction), [horror](/source/Horror_fiction), [mystery](/source/Mystery_(fiction)), and [romance](/source/Romance_novel) genres
* [Nnedi Okorafor](/source/Nnedi_Okorafor)—[Nigerian-American](/source/Nigerian_American) ([Igbo](/source/Igbo_people)) author, playwright, journalist, and teacher
'''Diversicon 15 (2007)'''
* [Andrea Hairston](/source/Andrea_Hairston)—[feminist](/source/Feminism), [African-American](/source/African-American) novelist and playwright; professor of Afro-American studies and theater at [Smith College](/source/Smith_College) in [Northampton, Massachusetts](/source/Northampton%2C_Massachusetts)
* [Christopher Jones](/source/Chris_Jones_(artist))—[comics](/source/comics) and [graphic novel](/source/graphic_novel)s artist
* [Melissa S. Kaercher](/source/Melissa_S._Kaercher)—[comics](/source/comics) and [graphic novel](/source/graphic_novel)s artist
'''Diversicon 14 (2006)'''
* [Kelly Link](/source/Kelly_Link)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author of [slipstream](/source/Slipstream_(genre))/[interstitial](/source/Interstitial_art) work, editor, and teacher; winner of the [World Fantasy Award](/source/World_Fantasy_Award), [Nebula Award](/source/Nebula_Award), and [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award) among other honors
* [Bryan Thao Worra](/source/Bryan_Thao_Worra)—[Laotian American](/source/Laotian_American) author, journalist, and community activist
'''Diversicon 13 (2005)'''
* [Sheree R. Thomas](/source/Sheree_Thomas)—[African-American](/source/African-American) author and journalist, editor, artist, and teacher; winner of two [World Fantasy Award](/source/World_Fantasy_Award)s among other honors
* [Minister Faust (aka Malcolm Azania)](/source/Malcolm_Azania)—[Black Canadian](/source/Black_Canadian) author whose work includes a novel making in-depth use of [African mythology](/source/African_mythology), broadcaster, actor, teacher, and community activist
'''Diversicon 12 (2004)'''
* [S. P. Somtow (aka Somtow Papinian Sucharitkul)](/source/S._P._Somtow)—[Thai](/source/Thai_people) author, filmmaker, composer, and artistic director of the [Bangkok Opera](/source/Bangkok_Opera) and the [Siam Philharmonic Orchestra](/source/Siam_Philharmonic_Orchestra); past president of the [Horror Writers Association](/source/Horror_Writers_Association)
* [Mark Rich](/source/Mark_Rich)—[Asian-American](/source/Asian-American) author, journalist, artist, and musician; numerous [Rhysling Award](/source/Rhysling_Award) nominations for speculative poetry
'''Diversicon 11 (2003)'''
* [Melissa Scott](/source/Melissa_Scott_(writer))—[lesbian](/source/lesbian), [feminist](/source/Feminism) author and teacher; winner of the [John W. Campbell](/source/John_W._Campbell) and several [Lambda Literary Award](/source/Lambda_Literary_Award)s
* [Martha A. Hood](/source/Martha_A._Hood)— [feminist](/source/Feminism) author and longtime Diversicon panel participant
'''Diversicon 10 (2002)'''
* [Steven Barnes](/source/Steven_Barnes)—[African-American](/source/African-American) bestselling novelist and TV writer, martial artist, and Lifewriting teacher
* [Tananarive Due](/source/Tananarive_Due)—[African-American](/source/African-American) novelist and teacher; musician and a member of [Stephen King](/source/Stephen_King)'s author band; winner of the [American Book Award](/source/American_Book_Award) and [New Voice in Literature Award](/source/New_Voice_in_Literature_Award) among other honors
'''Diversicon 9 (2001)'''
* [Stephen Pagel](/source/Stephen_Pagel)—founder and editor of [Meisha Merlin Publishing](/source/Meisha_Merlin_Publishing) and co-editor of the GLBT Bending the Landscape anthology series with [Nicola Griffith](/source/Nicola_Griffith); winner of [Lambda Literary Award](/source/Lambda_Literary_Award) and [World Fantasy Award](/source/World_Fantasy_Award) among other honors
* [Keith Hartman](/source/Keith_Hartman)—author of fiction and nonfiction exploring [GLBT](/source/LGBT) themes including "gay, multi-species SF-horror- detective novels," choreographer, and actor; winner of two [Gaylactic Spectrum Awards](/source/Gaylactic_Spectrum_Awards) among other honors
'''Diversicon 8 (2000)'''
* [Lois McMaster Bujold](/source/Lois_McMaster_Bujold)—bestselling author; winner of the [Locus](/source/Locus_Award), [Nebula](/source/Nebula_Award), [Hugo](/source/Hugo_Award), and [Mythopoeic Awards](/source/Mythopoeic_Awards) among other honors
* [Laurel Winter](/source/Laurel_Winter)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author, speaker, and [energy medicine](/source/energy_medicine) practitioner; winner of the [World Fantasy](/source/World_Fantasy_Award) and [Rhysling Award](/source/Rhysling_Award)s and recipient of a [McKnight Artist Fellowship](/source/McKnight_Foundation) among other honors
* [Suzy McKee Charnas](/source/Suzy_McKee_Charnas)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author and teacher; winner of the [Nebula](/source/Nebula_Award), [Hugo](/source/Hugo_Award), and [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award)s and a James Tiptree Jr. Retrospective Award among other honors; inducted into the [Gaylactic Spectrum Hall of Fame](/source/Gaylactic_Spectrum_Awards)
'''Diversicon 7 (1999)'''
* [L. A. Graf (aka Julia Ecklar and Karen Rose Cercone)](/source/Julia_Ecklar)—Julia Ecklar is an author and musician and winner of the [John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer](/source/John_W._Campbell_Award_for_Best_New_Writer); Karen Rose Cercone is an author and a professor of [geoscience](/source/geoscience).
* [Nalo Hopkinson](/source/Nalo_Hopkinson)—[queer](/source/queer) [Caribbean-Canadian](/source/Caribbean-Canadian) author, editor, and teacher; winner of the [Prix Aurora](/source/Prix_Aurora_Awards), [Sunburst](/source/Sunburst_Award), [John W. Campbell](/source/John_W._Campbell), [Locus](/source/Locus_Award), and [Gaylactic Spectrum Awards](/source/Gaylactic_Spectrum_Awards) among other honors.
'''Diversicon 6 (1998)'''
* [Karen Joy Fowler](/source/Karen_Joy_Fowler)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author and teacher; winner of the [Nebula Award](/source/Nebula_Award), [World Fantasy Award](/source/World_Fantasy_Award), [John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer](/source/John_W._Campbell_Award_for_Best_New_Writer), and [Commonwealth Award for Best First Novel](/source/Commonwealth_Club_of_California) among other honors; co-founder with [Pat Murphy](/source/Pat_Murphy_(writer)) of the [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award)
* [Pat Murphy](/source/Pat_Murphy_(writer))—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author and teacher; winner of the [Nebula](/source/Nebula_Award), [World Fantasy](/source/World_Fantasy_Award), [Philip K. Dick Award](/source/Philip_K._Dick_Award), and [Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award](/source/Theodore_Sturgeon_Memorial_Award)s; co-founder with [Karen Joy Fowler](/source/Karen_Joy_Fowler) of the [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award)
'''Diversicon 5 (1997)'''
* [Tanya Huff](/source/Tanya_Huff)—prolific [lesbian](/source/lesbian), [feminist](/source/Feminism) [Canadian](/source/Canada) author, some of whose novels are the basis for the TV series [Blood Ties](/source/Blood_Ties_(TV_series))
* [Pam Keesey](/source/Pam_Keesey)—[lesbian](/source/lesbian), [feminist](/source/Feminism) author, editor, technical writer, and horror scholar and founder of [http://www.monsterzine.com/ MonsterZine.com]
'''Diversicon 4 (1996)'''
* [Maureen F. McHugh](/source/Maureen_F._McHugh)—[feminist](/source/Feminism) author and teacher; winner of the [Hugo](/source/Hugo_Award), [Locus](/source/Locus_Award), [Lambda Literary](/source/Lambda_Literary_Award), and [James Tiptree, Jr. Award](/source/James_Tiptree%2C_Jr._Award)s
* Doug Friauf (July 8, 1955 – April 25, 2007)[{{Cite web |url=http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/ |title=Social Security Death Index |access-date=2007-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127100448/http://searches.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ssdi.html |archive-date=2012-11-27 |url-status=dead }}]—A longtime avid SF fan, film and book reviewer, [Shockwave Radio Theater](/source/Shockwave_Radio_Theater) performer, and "Minneapolis fandom's rolling ambassador" to the international SF community, Doug Friauf died due to complications from muscular dystrophy.[http://www.legacy.com/startribune/obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=87565648]
* [Rodger Gerberding](/source/Rodger_Gerberding)—artist, longtime art director for [Tales of the Unanticipated](/source/Tales_of_the_Unanticipated), and disabled artists activist
'''Diversicon 3 (1995)'''
* [L. A. Taylor](/source/L._A._Taylor), aka Laurie Aylama Taylor Sparer (September 3, 1939 – May 29, 1996)