WisCon

WisCon began as a one-day event in 1977, organized by a group of women who were active in the science fiction fan community and felt that mainstream conventions ignored feminist perspectives. The founders included Jeanne Gomoll, Janice Bogstad, and others associated with the fanzine Janus, which later became Aurora. The first WisCon featured a small program of panels and readings, but it quickly expanded to a full weekend format by 1978. The convention was deliberately placed in Madison, Wisconsin, partly because of the city's progressive culture and its connection to the University of Wisconsin, which provided a pool of academics and writers. Early guest speakers included Suzy McKee Charnas and Joanna Russ, both of whom were central to feminist SF. The convention's name, a portmanteau of "Wisconsin" and "convention," was chosen to be simple and memorable.

In 1991, WisCon became the home of the James Tiptree Jr. Award, an annual literary prize for science fiction or fantasy that expands or explores our understanding of gender. The award is named after Alice Sheldon, who wrote under the male pseudonym James Tiptree Jr., and it is presented at WisCon each year. The award's jury selects works that are "thoughtful, provocative, and perhaps even dangerous" in their treatment of gender. WisCon's programming is known for its rigorous examination of gender, race, class, and sexuality in speculative fiction, with panels that often address topics such as transgender representation, feminist utopias, and the intersection of activism and art. The convention also features a "Feminist SF & Fantasy" track, a "Broad Universe" rapid-fire reading, and a "Tiptree Award" ceremony that includes a reading of the winning works.

WisCon is distinguished by its strong sense of community and its commitment to inclusivity. The convention has a strict anti-harassment policy and provides a "safe space" for attendees, with a dedicated "concom" (convention committee) that includes a diversity officer. It is known for its "kidcon" programming, which offers activities for children, and for its "accessibility" efforts, including sign language interpretation and wheelchair access. The convention also hosts the "WisCon Masquerade," a costume contest that encourages creative expression, and a "Filk" room where attendees sing science fiction and fantasy songs. The annual "Tiptree Award" auction raises funds for the award, and the convention's "Book Swap" allows attendees to exchange used books. WisCon has been praised for its welcoming atmosphere, and many attendees return year after year, forming lasting friendships and professional connections.

Beyond its main programming, WisCon has several lesser-known facets. The convention has a long history of supporting "fan funds" that help fans from other regions attend, and it has a tradition of "gofers" (volunteers) who are essential to its operation. WisCon has also been a launching pad for several notable anthologies, including WisCon Chronicles, a series of books that collect essays and stories from the convention. The convention has hosted the "Tiptree Award" reading series, which has featured works by authors such as Nalo Hopkinson and Ursula K. Le Guin. In 2015, WisCon introduced the "Gomoll Award," named after co-founder Jeanne Gomoll, to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to feminist fandom. The convention also has a "Book Club" that meets throughout the year, and it maintains a "WisCon Memory Book" that documents the history of the event. Additionally, WisCon has been the subject of academic study, with papers analyzing its role in feminist fan culture.

Feminist SF

Science fiction that explores feminist themes, such as gender roles, patriarchy, and women's experiences.

Filk

A type of music that is inspired by science fiction, fantasy, and related genres, often sung at conventions.

Concom

The committee that organizes a convention, responsible for programming, logistics, and policies.