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Diversicon is an annual speculative fiction (science fiction and fantasy, or SF) convention held in July or August in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, 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. 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, fantasy, horror, and slipstream/magic realism genres are all represented. Programming topics are solicited from preregistered attendees. 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. In addition, there is an auction of speculative fiction books, collectibles, and other items to raise money for SF Minnesota. History Diversicon is sponsored by 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: 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 in 2000. Guest authors, artists, editors, and fans Source: Diversicon 30 (2023) Steven Barnes Writer Mark Rich Poet, Writer Diversicon 29 (2022) T. Aaron Cisco Writer Sybil Smith Fan Diversicon 28 (postponed from 2020 to 2021) Michael Merriam Writer Abra Staffin-Wiebe Writer Diversicon 27 (2019) Nisi Shawl Writer Ben Huset Space evangelist Diversicon 26 (2018) Charlie Jane Anders Writer Bryan Thao Worra Poet and writer Ursula Murray Husted Artist Diversicon 25 (2017) Melissa Scott Writer Eleanor Arnason Writer Diversicon 24 (2016) Jessica Amanda Salmonson Writer Naomi Kritzer Writer Diversicon 23 (2015) Ytasha L. Womack SF writer and filmmaker Rob Callahan SF writer and journalist Diversicon 22 (2014) Carolyn Ives Gilman SF writer Terry A. Garey SF writer and editor Diversicon 21 (2013) Roy C. Booth SF writer, http://www.salgado-reyes.com/roy-c-booth/ Jack McDevitt SF writer, http://www.jackmcdevitt.com Catherine Lundoff Fantasy writer, http://www.catherinelundoff.com Diversicon 20 (2012) Steven Barnes SF writer, http://diamondhour.com/ Tananarive Due Writer, http://www.tananarivedue.com/ Diversicon 19 (2011) David Hartwell SF editor, http://www.davidghartwell.com/ John Calvin Rezmerski Poet and writer, http://authors.wizards.pro/authors/writers/john-calvin-rezmerski Lyda Morehouse SF writer and mystery writer "Tate Hallaway", http://www.lydamorehouse.com/ Joan Slonczewski Scientist and writer, http://biology.kenyon.edu/slonc/slonc.htm Diversicon 18 (2010) William F. Wu short story and science fiction writer, http://www.williamfwu.com Rob Chilson science fiction writer, http://www.robshilson.com Diversicon 17 (2009) Kay Kenyon- novelist in science fiction genre Michael Levy college professor and SF/fantasy reviewer Sandra Lindow SF poet Diversicon 16 (2008) Anne Frasier—feminist novelist in science fiction, horror, mystery, and romance genres Nnedi Okorafor—Nigerian-American (Igbo) author, playwright, journalist, and teacher Diversicon 15 (2007) Andrea Hairston—feminist, African-American novelist and playwright; professor of Afro-American studies and theater at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts Christopher Jones—comics and graphic novels artist Melissa S. Kaercher—comics and graphic novels artist Diversicon 14 (2006) Kelly Link—feminist author of slipstream/interstitial work, editor, and teacher; winner of the World Fantasy Award, Nebula Award, and James Tiptree, Jr. Award among other honors Bryan Thao Worra—Laotian American author, journalist, and community activist Diversicon 13 (2005) Sheree R. Thomas—African-American author and journalist, editor, artist, and teacher; winner of two World Fantasy Awards among other honors Minister Faust (aka Malcolm Azania)—Black Canadian author whose work includes a novel making in-depth use of African mythology, broadcaster, actor, teacher, and community activist Diversicon 12 (2004) S. P. Somtow (aka Somtow Papinian Sucharitkul)—Thai author, filmmaker, composer, and artistic director of the Bangkok Opera and the Siam Philharmonic Orchestra; past president of the Horror Writers Association Mark Rich—Asian-American author, journalist, artist, and musician; numerous Rhysling Award nominations for speculative poetry Diversicon 11 (2003) Melissa Scott—lesbian, feminist author and teacher; winner of the John W. Campbell and several Lambda Literary Awards Martha A. Hood— feminist author and longtime Diversicon panel participant Diversicon 10 (2002) Steven Barnes—African-American bestselling novelist and TV writer, martial artist, and.... Discover the Abra Staffin Wiebe popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Abra Staffin Wiebe books.