A Very Special Event at @MegaConOrlando: Love is Love, Honoring Pulse Massacre Victims

On June 12, 2016 the news all around the world was about the horrible massacre that had happened in the Orlando nightclub called Pulse. Clearly a crime driven by hate, stigma, and plain homophobia that killed 49 people, and wounded 53 others. One of those 49 victims was the cousin of a dear friend of mine. My friends did a fundraiser to help with the funeral costs, and I, of course, participated and helped in what I could. I am now very happy and proud I can attend another event honoring her along with the other victims during this wonderful event being held at MegaCon Orlando.

Love is Love is a project created by Mark Andreyko (from DC Comics), inspired by the horrible event in Pulse nightclub. A group of more than 300 comic book creators came together to collaborate for a beautiful comic anthology, and every penny earned from that book is donated to the victims, survivors and their families via Equality Florida (a wonderful civil rights organization that is dedicated to securing that the LGBT community receive what they deserve: equality).

The events happening during MegaCon Orlando will be the following:

Cocktail Reception and Preview, which will take place on Friday, May 26th from 7:30pm to 10pm in the Destination Lounge located in the South Concourse of the Orlando County Convention Center. This is a fundraiser and a book signing event; all proceeds will go to Equality Florida. In attendance will be some of the most renowned names in the comic book community such as Tom King ("A Once Crowded Sky", as well as Batman for DC Comics and Vision for Marvel), Scott Snyder (who's written some of the best Batman features), Gail Simone (who has written Wonder Woman and Deadpool comics, amongst many others), Cat Staggs (an illustrator for DC Comics), Mitch Gerads (also a DC Comics illustrator), amongst many others. Mark Andreyko will also be in attendance to this event.

Tickets to the cocktail reception are limited, so make sure you secure your attendance by purchasing your tickets now!

Live Auction. On Saturday, May 27th as of 8PM, there will be a live auction of some amazing and exclusive art done by some of the industry's leading creators, hosted by Dan Didio from DC Comics. This event will take place in Room S330 in the South Concourse part of the convention center. Unlike the cocktail reception, this event is free and open to the public! Doors open at 7:30PM and make sure you bring some cash with you, because the bar is cash only. If you don't have the money, or don't want to bid on some of art work being auctioned, you can just donate to Equality Florida at the door.

Oh, and during this weekend, an exclusive print of the comic anthology will be available only at MegaCon Orlando. But that's not all! Throughout the entirety of the con, there will be a gallery space featuring donated art from Love is Love done by some of the top talents in the comic community. Make sure to check it out!