Pop-culture festival has LGBTQ theme

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley’s first LGBTQ-themed pop culture festival will take place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane.

Described as a pop culture event for everyone, InQlusion con will include panels, vendors, special guests and a Cosplay contest with prizes.

The featured guest will be Naomi Grossman, who is best-known for her portrayal of Pepper on the FX series “American Horror Story.” Grossman, who has also performed her one-woman shows in Las Angeles and around the world, will be present to sign autographs and speak to fans.

Other guests will be:

Pete Chiarella, AKA 42nd street Pete, a self-styled Grindhouse historian who has written several books about his experiences during ’70s Grindhouse scene.

Dee Fish, a comic book artist from Erie, Pa., who has created the series “Finding Dee,” a funny and poignant story of a person transitioning from male to female.

Jim Decker, an actor who has worked on various films, including “Midnight Massacre” and “The Florida Connection.”

Travis Bowen, a director, actor and promoter of Dark X Fest in Hudson.

The Mummy and the Monkey – movie hosts from Cleveland who show horror movies and also act in funny skits during commercial breaks – will make an appearance.

InQlusion con will also feature a cosplay contest with prizes, hosted by local drag performer Ahrinstarr.

Admission is $10 ($5 for children under 12).

There will be an after party at Club Switch. For information, go to inqlusion.org.