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Comic fair to be at Bristol Pride for the first time
The event programme for Bristol Pride 2020 will see a new event giving LGBTQIA+ comic artists, writers, illustrators and zine creators a platform to promote and sell their work.
Pride Comic Art Festival, or PrideCAF, has been founded by Nathan Adam, a full time IT technician, as well as an illustrator and podcaster.
The 34-year-old grew up reading comics and graphic novels and has always been inspired by independent art shown at conventions, especially as a large part of the independent art community identify as LGBTQ+.
is needed now More than ever
“It was a massive part of discovering my own self and gender identity and I know I’m not the only one,” explains Nathan.
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Nathan first came up with an idea a few years ago, after hearing of Flame Con, a LGBTQ+ Comic Con in New York. “I thought what a brilliant idea but I had only created and ran social meet ups and small music events so something that big would take more experience and manpower,” says Nathan.
“It was at Thought Bubble (the largest comic art festival in the UK) last year where the idea really stuck. A long time LGBTQ+ comic creator called Tab Kimpton has been creating something called The Rainbow Road for a few years now which is a map of all the LGBTQ+ artists at the event. This greatly inspired me to put on an event that cater more for the community.”
Like many creative industries, large comic publishers are still dominated by white, cis, straight men. PrideCAF, on the other hand, will give queer artists an opportunity to be proud and creative, while making money and sharing their passion.
The idea turned into an event when Nathan, who has helped at Bristol Pride for several years, suggested a less party-focused event at a programme meeting. He adds: “Joe Glass (a comic writer), told me he always wanted to exhibit his work at a Pride event but never knew where his comics would fit into the party/festival atmosphere.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9P4_biFN3H/
“This gives artists in the same boat the opportunity and for us to celebrate our identities.”
Events such as PrideCAF are still very much needed, and the creation of new events such as this demonstrate a changing, albeit a slow change, attitude to queer creatives.
“LGBTQ+ characters and themes are not being censored as much today. However, there is still a massive amount of gatekeeping from a certain section of the comic fan base, again usually white, cis, hetro men, who complain when LGBTQ+ themes or characters appear in ‘their’ comics,” says Nathan. “Much like the video games industry there is still an unacceptable amount of misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia.
“There is some amazing talent out there that is only now getting the platform it deserves and hopefully events like these will help with their exposure.”
Image courtesy of PrideCAF
Nathan is opening applications for artists to take part from Friday, March 6 2020 and special guests Joe Glass and Sarah Millcam have already been announced. The event will take place on Saturday, July 4 from 10am.
Outside of organising PrideCAF, what is Nathan currently loving in the world of queer comics? “I’m currently reading Bingo Love by Tee Franklin which I was able to get my hands on at last year’s Thought Bubble.
“I love the work from artist Jenn St-Onge and a mixture of her style and Tee’s writing has made for a really beautiful piece of work. B.Mure is definitely a rising star at the moment. Highly recommend you check out their work. “
Applications open for PrideCAF on Friday, March 6. The event will take place on Saturday, July 4 from 10am. More information can be found at www.pridecaf.co.uk or by emailing [email protected]. You can PrideCAF on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Main photo thanks to Snappy Andy
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