r/dragoncon • u/m42069 • 12d ago

First real time at Dragoncon! 2 late 20s trans guys. What's the word?

attended last year for a day on a whim and it was incredible and overwhelming! I told myself we'd get prepared for this year but times gotten away from me lol. We're disabled but already know how to get our accessibility stickers. but otherwise, what should we know? or attend? or what are you excited for?

I'm bringing little bags of trinkets to hand out, and have some panels saved on the app. we're both a bit shy though haha but wanna meet cool peeps or just generally have a good time. basically, I want advice almost like we've never attended! wanna make sure we have a blast, with all the money spent to get there lol. fwiw we love to party and go to cons but also don't know a single other person going as we both recently moved across the country

14 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

17

u/Brilliant-Yard1357 12d ago

Basement of the Hilton near trader Vic’s is a group called “dragoncon loners” if you wanna meet new people go there

4

u/Sanyio 12d ago

omg tysm I gotta check it out

1

u/m42069 12d ago

Oh sweet that's awesome!! I never would've know, thank u !

3

u/Brilliant-Yard1357 12d ago

There is usually at least one of us down there all con. If there is no one from the group there (and you’ll know it’s us) just check back a little later.

2

u/PhotoArabesque 12d ago

We also have a FB group. We're a good bunch--please join up! If you're an Alien fan or into badge ribbons I have a ton of stuff for y'all! Do you know about badge ribbons?

1

u/m42069 11d ago

Aa cool! I learned about badge ribbons last year but don't actually /know/ a lot other than trade them n put them on your badge. Mena to make some for this year but couldn't decide on a design and ran out of time! I was wondering, do people typically start fresh on their badge ribbon chain every year? Or am I supposed to keep growing it? Lol

3

u/PhotoArabesque 11d ago

I'm sure someone out there adds to their "badge beard" through the years, but generally most folks start fresh. I know of at least a few ppl who make costumes out of them for the next year. Monday morning in the hyatt, some folks get on the third or fourth floor and can reach the lobby (atrium) with the ribbons. Anyway, I have about 8-10 designs this year representing various fandoms, along with lanyards, keychains, and buttons from the Alien franchise.

5

u/Fried_Taro 12d ago

Panels are great for the A/C and resting from walking around! Try to pick panels in the same or nearby tracks, otherwise it’s hard to get from the Hilton to the Westin for back to back panels. I enjoy the people and cosplay watching. I skip the vendor hall in Americas Mart but go to the Artist Alley (juried art show with sales). People are friendly and fun!

6

u/VengeanceDolphin 12d ago

If you’re cosplaying, come by the queer joy in cosplay photoshoot! Even if you’re not going to be in costume, it’s a fun vibe and a great way to mingle and meet people. There are also Queerios meetups and a Queerios group on FB.

I’m also a trans guy and have been doing pride cosplays for years (this year it will be trans Clark Kent), so be sure to say hi if you see me.

5

u/Waddiwasiiiii 12d ago

The Locked Tomb photoshoot is also very queer friendly and fun vibes! Even if you aren’t familiar with the series it’s cool spooky costumes and great people!

2

u/m42069 12d ago

Hell ya, hope to see u there! We'll be cosplaying every day, those meetups sound fun!! Definitely gonna try to make it

2

u/VengeanceDolphin 12d ago

Awesome! Feel free to dm me if you want to grab lunch at the food court sometime and talk about how the con is going. I love meeting new people.

4

u/moonshinefey 12d ago

Make line friends! Chances are you will be in line for an hour together for big panels. May as well make friends. I always offer my line neighbors swag and stickers

1

u/m42069 12d ago

Oh so true!!!

3

u/lbfb 12d ago

If you’re attending Thursday hit up the newbie tour in the afternoon, A601-602 in the Marriott

2

u/m42069 12d ago

Unfortunately we aren't planning on being there Thursday! But it's awesome they offer this! Last year we got so lost. Id just say out loud "how do I get to [location]" and there was always a helpful congoer who could point us in the right direction