LAcon V apologizes for using words and icons that connote Westward Expansion and the displacement and colonization of Indigenous peoples. This does not reflect the vision or values of the convention. When this was brought to our attention, we immediately made changes to our website. Over the course of the next few days, we will make sure that language and iconography is not reflected anywhere on the website.
The theme of LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, is “Adventure Awaits.” Our intention is to celebrate the adventures that science fiction and fantasy explore.
When we launched our bid, we described our theme: “We don’t just explore places, we uncover stories. We’re not just explorers of mountains, oceans, or galaxies. We’re pioneers of imagination. We traverse magical kingdoms, navigate mythical seas, walk through enchanted forests, and soar with dragons.”
Unfortunately some of the iconography and language we chose did not accurately reflect that, and instead served to imply that the convention would be a celebration of Westward Expansion. This was never our intention but was obvious when pointed out.
The leadership of this convention recognizes and abhors the violence and horror that were perpetrated by white settlers and colonizers against Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas, and that experience is commonly erased in American culture. We regret that we didn’t examine our use of this iconography and language. We will do better.
We appreciate the members of our community who have held us to the standards this community deserves. Thank you. We will continue to listen and improve.
Joyce Lloyd, Chair of LAcon V
on behalf of LAcon V
