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Arisia (pt 2)

Well, I told you so.  About a week after Arisia began, I am posting my part two, well after it is over.  It's ok though, because I had a very good, if busy, time.  I didn't really have time to sit and blog, because I was too busy doing.  Now I do have the time, so here we go.

I had seven panels I was a panelist on.  This was a lot.  Not too much, but just on the edge of too much.  I had no more than three a day, and I didn't miss out on any events I had to see, though there were a few panels I did want to see, but couldn't because of my panelist duties.  But there is always something at a con like this that is at the same time as something else.  You can't see it all, and you have to get used to that idea if you want to have a good time.

Also, when I first wrote, I said I had three panels I was moderator on.  That changed, and I had four instead.  The moderator to one of the panels had to cancel their attendance, and I was asked to step in.  I had to moderate cold for a panel I hadn't even planned on being on, that was fun.

Yes, read that sarcastically, but please realize that in actuality it was fun.  It was nerve wracking to try to come up with a coherent panel outline in the literal five minutes before the start of the panel.  But, that said, I had a great group of panelists to work with and the topic was interesting and I liked the response I got from the guests.  I think it was a good time despite the lead up.

I loved everything about all of my panels, moderator or not.  I loved the energy of the people I was on a panel with.  I loved the energy the guests fed to us in their interest in the panel topic.  Despite all the work and stress and difficulty of trying to bring a good show for the guests, it was invigorating and wonderful.

Also, beyond the panels, I met a lot of people.  New people who had great things to talk about.  I came out and met people more this year than many previous years.  I was much more open to people than ever before.  This being the first Arisia I'd been to since I began transition, there is likely a connection.  I have found that social occasions are a lot less fraught with uncertainty and stress.  I don't have to police my speech to not show my gender variance, I had to keep pretending I was my gender assigned at birth!  Now that I don't have any closets, life is so much easier to navigate... shocking!

Yes, sarcasm again.

So, lots of good experiences new and old, met with lots of friends new and old, and lots of validation of my self-identity.  Just as great as ever.

What of the problem of bad handling of allegations of consent violations and sexual misconduct by the staff of Arisia?  Well, I am still watching, but this weekend there was a lot of programming specifically working towards repairing what was wrong within the Arisia organization.   They are listening and they are actually working on making a better response to future problems.  I am optimistic, but warily so.

I had a really good time this year.  And with that, I think that's all for this posting.

Thanks for reading,
Ginny

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