Flame Con 2026‘s Youth Day Initiatives and Community Tables Highlights to Empower Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Creators!

Youth Day

Sunday, August 16, 12 pm –  6 PM

Flame Con, the world’s largest queer comic con, is proud to announce the return of its dedicated Youth Day, taking place on Sunday of the convention. Mirroring its steadfast commitment to remaining an all-ages event, Flame Con continues to provide safe, positive spaces for young people to engage with the queer community, discover inclusive literature, and explore their own creativity.

To ensure the convention remains accessible, admission is entirely FREE for anyone aged 21 and younger on Sunday. Youth Day tickets can be reserved in advance via TicketLeap or obtained directly at the door on Sunday.

Engaging Activities & Interactive Workshops
Youth Day features a vibrant lineup of hands-on activities, creative workshops, and networking opportunities tailored for young attendees:

Zine Making: A creative space where youth can craft their own self-published zines on any topic. Attendees can document their unique Flame Con experience, draw original comics, or write messages to share with friends.

DIY Pride & Pronoun Pins: A welcoming workshop where participants can design custom pride and pronoun pins (including she/her, they/them, he/him, and all gender identities). In tandem with the crafting, the session will offer curated book recommendations and resources centered on gender identity and expression.

Queer Educator Meet Up: A dedicated gathering for educators, mentors, and youth advocates to connect, share resources, and discuss strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

Special Giveaways: Attendees can look forward to a special bookmark and exclusive giveaways featuring Flame Con’s mascot, Flamie, created in partnership with our friends at the Queens Public Library.

Spotlight on Community Tables: Connecting Youth with Affirming Resources

At the heart of Youth Day is the Community Tables hub, a collaborative space bringing together vital local organizations, creators, and resources. This year, Flame Con is proud to highlight the impactful presence of the Queens Public Library and The Future Perfect Project, two pillars dedicated to youth empowerment, storytelling, and representation.

Queens Public Library: A Sanctuary for Creativity and Connection
As a cornerstone of community access to resources in New York City, the Queens Public Library returns to Flame Con to anchor a vital space for engagement. Their presence underscores a shared mission to provide young people with safe environments to discover literature and explore who they are.

The Future Perfect Project: Amplifying Youth Voices Through the Arts
Joining the community hub is The Future Perfect Project (FPP), a national nonprofit that empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–22 to tell their own stories through free arts programming (virtual and in-person) from songwriting and recording to podcasting, creative writing, and more. With Future Perfect Records, a year-long songwriting residency that culminates in a live album release party in NYC, and the youth-led podcast I’m Feeling Queer Today!, recently named one of Spotify’s fastest-growing podcasts, FPP gives young people the tools, mentorship, and affirming community they need for self-discovery.

The organization serves more than 400 new young people each year, the majority from low-income households and communities where access to affirming creative spaces is scarce. At its core, FPP believes the simple, urgent truth that art saves lives.

Brooklyn Public Library: Stories for Queer Youth of All Ages
Flame Con is thrilled to welcome Brooklyn Public Library to this year’s Community Tables. One of Brooklyn’s most beloved civic institutions, BPL has served the borough since 1896 and continues to connect residents of all ages with books, resources, cultural programs, digital literacy support, workforce development, and more. With branches reaching neighborhoods across Brooklyn, BPL creates welcoming spaces where learning, creativity, and community are accessible to everyone. Their presence at Flame Con reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, education, and helping people discover stories that inspire them.