Chicago Nerd Social Club is proud to once again sponsor panels at the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) April 25-27, tackling issues of diversity and representation in nerd/geek culture.

Opening the Clubhouse Doors: Creating More Inclusive Geek Communities
Friday, April 25, 6:30-7:30pm, room S401CD
As visibility of fans, creators and organizers from marginalized communities increases, geek communities are having more discussions about diversity, tokenism and re-examining just how “welcoming” geek spaces are. This moderated panel will discuss what “diversity” in geek culture means, what it looks like, and why it’s necessary.
Featuring: Hugo Award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal; author and Speculative Literature Foundation founder Mary Anne Mohanraj; gaming enthusiast and video games & copyright legal scholar Karlyn Meyer; CNSC Founder/President Jeff Smith (moderator); comics writer Scott Snyder; and CNSC Board Member & Geek Melange blogger Michi Trota.

Glass Ceilings, Missing Stairs and Gatekeepers: Geeks Still Deal With Sexism
Saturday, April 26, 2:45-3:45pm, room S401AB
We’ve established that yes, women can be geeks, so what gives? Why is con harassment still a problem? What other barriers are women facing in geek spaces? Isn’t talking about it just perpetuating the problem? Find out why talking about sexism and fighting for geeky gender equality is still needed.
Featuring: STEM writer/communicator Susheela (moderator); comic artist and feminist activist Carlye Frank; Challenge by Geek blogger Laura Koroski; gamer & writer Kate Lansky; Raks Geek producer/director Dawn Xiana Moon; lighting designer Erin Tipton; and CNSC Board Member & Geek Melange blogger Michi Trota.

These topics have proven to be very popular at C2E2, so be sure to give yourself time to get to the room locations and get a place in line. C2E2 has a handy dandy Programming Planner to help you schedule the panels, events, signings, etc., that you want to attend at the con (you can even download C2E2′s app).

CNSC will also be at Booth C4 at C2E2 so come on over to say hi and learn more about how you can be involved with CNSC’s events and community!