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| Eternal Romance #1 |
My roots are in Canada, comics and fandom, so there are lots of reasons to celebrate.
Forty years along, OSFS is not the same organization as when I first became involved years ago, and there's a reason for that.
In the early days of OSFS, fen (plural for fan) came together because there really wasn't anywhere else to go. We were seeking like-minded people who loved to read science fiction, fantasy and comic books. We were delirious with joy when we found others who adored Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and even wanted to dress up like characters from those stories.
We didn't have a con to go to and show off our costumes or shop for geeky things, so we created one: Maplecon.
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| Janet as General Leia at Ottawa Comiccon 2017 |
I remember OSFS members calling people who didn't share our passions "mundanes." The mundanes didn't get us. J.K. Rowling called these types of people "muggles" -- the ones who didn't understand or who didn't embrace the magic.
The mainstream has embraced the magic.
OSFS has had an impact. We have been the trailblazers. OSFS is not the same organization it once was, but we should recognize and celebrate what it accomplished.
OSFS gave us a voice, an outlet for our passions, and for many, lifelong friendships.
1 comment:
Hi Janet! What a great article and what great times I had reliving those precious memories. Maplecon was the the first convention I ever had the joy of being the MC for, as well as a panelist. Now, forty years later and more than 300 conventions on, I am delighted and honoured to celebrate OSFS, Maplecon, and the many blessings I gained, especially making wonderful friends like you and so many others! It was at Maplecon that I met my soulmate and mentor: Frank Kelly Freas, so again, thank you all for the wonderful gifts that never end!
Larry, THE Doctor, Stewart.
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