Queer comics have never been more vibrant — and neither have the spaces built to celebrate them. From conventions that feel like family reunions to the publishers and shops keeping queer stories on shelves, there's a whole community out there waiting for you.
Here's our field guide to the conventions, publishers, and shops where LGBTQ+ comics — and the people who love them — come together!
Chapter 1: Conventions & Festivals.
Flame Con – New York City, August
Flame Con is legendary as the largest LGBTQ+ comic convention in the world! It's produced by Geeks OUT, a nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of the LGBTQ+ geek community.
Guests have enjoyed a wonderful array of change-makers in the LGBTQ+ comic space: ND Stevenson, Molly Knox Ostertag, Jen Bartel and Sina Grace to name a few. They also throw kick-off parties with drag and dancing. It's an incredible place to find your people, meet your heroes, find the gayest of holy grails, and party hard! Flame Con is not to be missed out on!
What makes them special: An acclaimed Artist Alley, queer cosplay and drag, a Gaymer Lounge, after parties, the NYC location, youth free admission (select days), and the Camp Fire (a relaxing space to unwind after the event).
Socials:
Instagram @flamecon
Facebook @flamecon
TikTok @flamecon
BSKY @flamecon.bsky.social
flamecon.org
GeekGirlCon – Seattle, October/November
GeekGirlCon is THE place to celebrate women and other misrepresented communities in geek culture! Offering so much more than just comics, the convention celebrates gaming, STEM, literature, and the arts.
Their slogan "more powerful together" captures the inclusive power at GeekGirlCon. It's perfect for elaborate female and queer cosplay, learning, expanding your interests, and discovering a judgment-free and empowering community.
What makes them special: The DIY Science Zone, career mentorship/network, cosplay contests, workshops, a gaming floor, community-submitted panels, fully ADA-accessible!
Socials:
Instagram @geekgirlcon
Facebook @GeekGirlCon
Twitch @GeekGirlCon
BSKY @geekgirlcon.bsky.social
geekgirlcon.com
Q Con – West Hollywood, June
As pride month flourishes in WeHo, LGBTQ+ comic fans enjoy dozens of comic creators, panels, cosplay, and join a lovely community! Q Con is SoCal's only LGBTQ+ comic convention and run by the nonprofit Prism.
Plus, tickets are… FREE! They also have a highly recommended podcast that LGBTQ+ comic fans will love! Their costume contest is another highlight!
What makes them special: The pride month timing and celebrations, WeHo location, an extraordinary community, and affordability.
Socials:
Instagram @prismcomics
Facebook @PrismComics
TikTok @qconprism
BSKY @prismcomics.bsky.social
qconprism.org
Pride in Panels – San Francisco, February
Every other year, Pride in Panels hosts free events to celebrate LGBTQ+ comic creators! Pride in Panels is hosted out of the beautiful SF Public Library, and it's a nonprofit.
Their dedication to LGBTQ+ comic celebration has culminated in thousands of attendees with workshops, panels, live readings and an exhibition hall!
What makes them special: A focus on fostering connections, film showcases, free admission, and connection to the Bay Area's community!
Socials:
Instagram @prideinpanels
Facebook @PrideInPanels
prideinpanels.org
WWU QueerCon – Bellingham, Washington, April
WWU QueerCon is a student-led convention at the Western Washington University! Their mission is to celebrate queer and minority characters and fans in the world of comics.
QueerCon is the place to absorb new perspectives on the comic community. Their panels go beyond the average comic panel into speaking about societal issues, representation, and science. They emphasize research and connection, bringing a queer and educational lens into the world of comic conventions!
What makes them special: An intellectual, student-led convention that concentrates on bringing important societal change into the world through a shared love of comics!
Socials:
Instagram @wwuqueercon
Facebook @WWUQueerCon
wp.wwu.edu/wwuqueercon/
Chapter 2: Publishers.
Silver Sprocket – San Francisco, CA
Indie publisher (and a wonderful shop/gallery location!) for queer, trans, and underrepresented voices.
Free zine resources, memberships, and co-runs Pride in Panels. They foster deep care and connection with the local and queer community!
Socials:
IG @silversprocket
silversprocket.net
Stacked Deck Press
Indie and mighty press focusing on diversity and excellence in LGBTQ+ comics.
Regular partner of the nonprofit Prism Comics; published the Black-queer anthology We Belong.
Socials:
IG @stackeddeckpress
stackeddeckpress.com
Power & Magic Press – Portland, OR
Indie publisher created by & for queer people of color. Led by editor Joamette Gil.
Known for Power & Magic: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology. Focused on the creative and economic empowerment of Queer/BIPOC creators.
Socials:
IG @powerandmagicpress
powerandmagicpress.com
Iron Circus Comics – Chicago, IL
The Midwest's biggest indie graphic-novel publisher. Founded by cartoonist C. Spike Trotman.
A major home for LGBTQ+ work. Iron Circus' TJ and Amal won a Lambda Literary Award. Famous for pioneering Kickstarter graphic novel funding, they've been there for the indie comic community since!
Socials:
IG @ironcircus
ironcircus.com
Northwest Press – Seattle, WA
Dedicated specifically to LGBTQ+ comics and graphic novels across every genre!
One of the earliest publishers that was built entirely around queer comics, and still an important pillar of the queer comic community.
Socials:
IG @nwpress
northwestpress.com
Black Josei Press – North Carolina
Queer, POC, and artist founded & run!
Spotlights comics by women of color and non-binary creators of color. You may know them for Wash Day Diaries or The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town.
Socials:
IG @blackjoseipress
jamilarowser.com
Hiveworks Comics
Webcomics publisher, free to read online!
Tons of its catalog features queer creators and characters (Sister Claire, Go Get a Roomie!).
hiveworkscomics.com
Chapter 3: Comic Shops.
Books with Pictures – Portland, OR
Comic shop built to be inclusive and have a story for everyone! Owner Katie Pryde calls it "a very feminist store, a very queer store."
Stands out as the Eisner-winning best shop in the world! Runs a community Discord and its own free mini-convention (BwPcon).
1401 SE Division St
Socials:
IG @bookswpictures
bookswithpictures.com
Crow's Nest Comics – Seattle, WA
The perfect cozy neighborhood comic shop. Queer, trans, and woman-of-color owned! Run as a worker co-op!
Specializes in indie/local publishers and spotlights BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators! Hosts free art meetups and game nights (and has cats).
831 Hiawatha Pl S
Socials:
IG @crowsnestcomics
crowsnest.quest
Charlie's Queer Books – Seattle, WA
Bookstore that offers LGBTQ+ authors and stories.
A truly queer "third space!" Book clubs, workshops, a Queer Book Fair, hosted Lambda Literary Awards.
465 N 36th St
Socials:
IG @charliesqueerbooks
charliesqueerbooks.com
The Little Gay Shop – Austin, TX
Queer marketplace and bookshop. Perfect place for more than just comics – art, books, and zines made by LGBTQIA+ creators (1,000+ of them worldwide).
Built specifically to give queer artists exposure and prosperity, and provide Austin with a queer gathering space.
1902 E 12th St
Socials:
IG @thelittlegayshop
thelittlegayshop.com
Silver Sprocket Shop – San Francisco, CA
Fresh indie comics weekly, events, and free zine-making tools. The shop face of Silver Sprocket's publishing business.
Queer, DIY, community-first! Just like the publisher!
1018 Valencia St
Socials:
IG @silversprocketshop
store.silversprocket.net
Conventions move, shops change, and dates shift — always double-check the details before you head out. Now go find your people!