Up to date as of Thursday 24th July, but is – as ever – subject to change. We'll edit it as required, including on the day.
There will be social / boardgames / art space throughout. If the weather is good, there's outside space too.
Friday 25th July
Doors open: shortly after 9:30
Opening hello: 10:00
In person and also online.. just not the same 'hellos'.
Slot one: 10:15 to 11:30
In person and online:
Inclusion at Prides – Mel, Equality Network (Salford)
Some of us are enjoying a Pride this weekend, but not all Prides are inclusive or accessible to everyone, in this discussion we'll share what makes Pride events accessible and inclusive for us and how they might be improved to truly be Pride for All.
In person:
Curiosity Skills – Jennifer (Glasgow)
Which kinds of questions are genuinely "open", versus which kinds of questions allow your own assumptions and biases to sneak in? Detecting the difference can help with things like reducing conflict, increasing understanding and supporting friends to solve problems. This session will be partly explanation and partly discussion, including experimenting with some tried and tested gently-curious questions.
Bisexuality & Fandom – Elizabeth (London)
Do you read or write fanfiction, create fanart, crafts, cosplay, or participate in fandom in any of the many ways it can be enjoyed? Then this lively discussion space is for you! Come join us to talk about our favourite fandoms, ships, and tropes in a participatory group.
Slot two: 11:45 to 13:00
In person and online:
Becoming disabled – Rowan Alison, Disability and Neurodiversity Inclusion Officer, Equality Network (Salford)
Most people will experience some degree of disability, whether it's the expected results of getting older or a pre-existing condition getting worse. In this guided discussion session I want us to talk honestly about some of the negative feelings and limitations we might experience but also about how we cope, what good things make our days worthwhile and how we may be able to plan for at least some of the outcomes we fear.
All welcome, including those who are not yet significantly disabled, but lived experience will be centred.
In person:
Sexuality, Spirituality and Magic – Al (Glasgow)
I've been fascinated by the connection between sexuality and spirituality for most of my life, and have run This Land Sex Magic workshops for the last 10 years. This workshop will be a sharing of our experiences, a bit of an intro and, if wanted, an optional energy exercise (clothed, no physical contact). All welcome.
An introduction to BiCon and the UK bi+ community – Lisa (London)
New to BiCon and the bi+ community? This is a chance to learn more.
Lunch: 13:00 to 14:30
(90 minutes)
The start of the Assassins game
Slot three: 14:30 to 15:45
In person and online:
Gaming – Fern (Salford)
A very open chat/discussion about gaming. I'm very happy to cover topics to fit attendees ages, interests, & request so that this is very flexible & tailored to the experience of everyone in the room. Topics may include, queer representation in gaming, issues with online gaming, or less serious chit chat like which video game characters could win in a fight or are secretly queer 🙂
In person:
Sex toy giveaway (Glasgow)
The joys of toys, especially ones that never went near anyone's genitals and are free to take away.
Organising to defeat the far right – Lisa (Edinburgh)
The alarming rise of the far right is posing a direct threat to LGBT+ people and all marginalised communities. How can we build supportive communities and defeat the far right?
Polyamory 101 – Eunice (London)
A brief intro to polyamory for folks just starting out on the road to consensual non-monogamy. If you're totally new to polyamory this is for you. We will cover some basic concepts, weird and wonderful terminology, relationship styles and common myths you might encounter.
Slot four: 16:00 to 17:15
In person and online:
I Want It 2 – Ian (Salford and London)
What do you want to happen in the bi+ community? Are you doing anything in the bi+ community? Make it easier to happen.
In person:
Fictional Speed Dating – Eunice (Glasgow)
Come along to this silly and funny speed dating event where you inhabit fictional characters! There will be a stack of characters (each with a little blurb) that you can select from, and you will then speed date in character. Then it's up to the others to see if they recognise who you are. You can also bring a character you feel particularly close to, in which case feel free to dress up as your character! (Please bring characters that already exist in fiction rather than ones you create, to give people a chance to figure out who you are.)
Bi Invisibility – Steve (Edinburgh)
Is Bi Invisibility a blessing or a curse? As Bi+ individuals we have the option of travelling under the radar, particularly those of us who happen to be in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex. This protects us from prejudice and abuse which is directed at us personally but exposes us to casual homophobia from those who assume we share their views. It can also leave us isolated from the LGBTQ+ community and struggling to fully express our identity or achieve a feeling of belonging. Steve will host a forum for us to share our experiences.
17:25 to 17:45
What they wanted – what the various "I want it" groups came up with. (London)
Evening
From about 18:30 to 23:00
Online
An online social space using Discord.
In person:
Social with a bar, music etc.