On to a less pleasant topic—travel within or into/home again in the United States. How safe is it? It’s conference time (see the new listings) but will the cons go on? Will they lose money? Here’s what one conference is planning:
Statement From Worldcon Chair (edited for length)
https://seattlein2025.org/2025/03/20/statement-from-worldcon-chair/ for the full letter
Dear Worldcon Community,
I am writing this statement in order to share the status of Seattle Worldcon’s current journey through living up to our theme of Building Yesterday’s Future—For Everyone. We have received a number of concerns asking how the convention will respond to orders and actions of the US government, which we condemn, that create hostile conditions and travel barriers for LGBTQ+ members and international members.
We appreciate everyone’s concerns as we navigate the current political landscape together.
We are not going to get everything right, and I am explicitly asking for your grace as we move forward, do our best, listen to feedback, and correct our course as necessary.
As the political landscape continues to shift rapidly, the situation is frightening. We encourage members to make the best decisions for themselves even if that means that we will miss you at our convention. At the same time, we are committed to not cancelling the in-person Worldcon as some have suggested because it is even more important than ever to gather with those who are able to do so to discuss our theme and celebrate the power of SFF to imagine different societies.
First, we have in place a Virtual Membership for people who determine that they are no longer safe traveling to the US or cannot attend for other reasons.
Second, building on the work of other Worldcons and conventions, we will be having Safer Spaces Lounges available for members of marginalized communities who attend the convention in person. These spaces will be marked on convention maps.
Third, we will draft a resource guide to collate the wonderful resources local organizations already have.
Fourth, we will fundraise for nonprofit organizations at the convention: Books to Prisoners, The Bureau of Fearless Ideas, and Hugo House. These organizations work to promote literacy education in the Seattle area and help build community resilience.
The political landscape is changing daily and impacts all of us in differing, but profound ways.
This is a time to support each other. If you have questions about how we can support you in deciding about your Worldcon attendance, please reach out to chair@seattlein2025.org
In solidarity,
Kathy Bond (she/her) Chair Seattle Worldcon 2025