Fan Expo San Francisco 2024: A Weekend of Creativity, Culture, and Color

The energy was palpable as Fan Expo San Francisco took over the Bay Area on November 29, 30, and December 1, 2024. If you’re unfamiliar, Fan Expo is one of the premier pop culture conventions, gathering fans of comics, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and all things geek chic. Spidermans, Wolverines, Hazbin Hotel characters, and all things Star Wars ran through Moscone Center. All “weapons” had to pass through security and were wielded with joy. 

Drag and Burlesque: A Showstopping Panel

One of the standout moments from the convention was the panel on Saturday “Fandom, Performance, and Identity: The Intersection of Drag, Burlesque, and Pop Culture.” 

The panelists included some of the most talented and bold voices in the local drag and burlesque communities: Luma Jaguar, Kat Robichaud, Sgt. Die Wies, KaiKai Bee Michaels, Joseph Ramirez, and Qu’in del la Noche. These incredible performers brought their own unique takes on fandom. Each performer has a deep understanding of how drag and burlesque intertwine with the pop culture worlds we all love.

Luma Jaguar kicked things off with a powerful statement on how drag, much like comics or science fiction, serves as a genre. Whether through drag or burlesque, fandom has always been a space where boundaries are pushed. People can step outside of the ordinary and embody something extraordinary. Luma also has a degree in costume design and can coordinate a battle scene at the drop of a hat.

Kat Robichaud, known for her unique blend of rock star bravado and burlesque artistry, spoke about her experience as a performer in a world where gender is fluid. “In burlesque, we peel back layers—physically, emotionally, and culturally,” she said. Performance art allows both performer and audience to explore aspects of themselves often suppressed in the outside world. Her favorite character to play is Spike from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. If you ever have a chance to meet Robichaud’s Spike you really must!

The panel dove into the historical roots of drag and burlesque. Referencing early pioneers who, much like comic book creators and filmmakers, used their platforms to subvert traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and identity. Sgt. Die Wies brought up the role of queer culture in the drag scene and how it’s deeply tied to movements within sci-fi, where nonconformity and rebellion are key themes.

A particularly heartwarming part of the conversation came when Qu’in del la Noche and Joseph Ramirez spoke about the importance of making space for marginalized communities in both drag and burlesque spaces. They shared their experiences of creating platforms where queer artists, people of color, and those from different walks of life can step forward, bringing new perspectives into pop culture and performance.

What was so thrilling about this panel was how seamlessly these worlds of drag, burlesque, and fandom intersect. The cosplay, the fan art, the live-action role-play—it all feels like one big performance, each individual interpreting their favorite characters, worlds, and stories through their own lens. It’s performance art, and it’s culture, and it’s always evolving.

The connection between fandom and queer culture was palpable. The artistry of drag and burlesque, the way they disrupt expectations, transcend norms, and push boundaries—these are values at the very heart of fandom itself. Of course, the very best part was during the Q and A. The question “Do you ever give your costumes away?” drew a collective and truly horrified gasp from the panel. Somehow, I don’t think those costumes are ever up for grabs. These masterpieces are ingeniously thrifted and made with love.

As I left the convention on Sunday night, the echoes of glitter, sequins, and applause stayed with me. It was clear that Fan Expo San Francisco had once again reminded us why we love fandom: not just because of the art, but because of the people who breathe life into it. Enjoy the photos and I hope to see you all out there next year!

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