Haven't been to defcon in 16 years and have never been as myself.

[cottontail]

The last time I went was Defcon 13, and back then I presented male. These days not so much. I'm really excited to get to go this year and I'm hoping to have a great time around people who wont look at me like I'm speaking another language. I was hoping to find people to hang out with and parties to attend. I found out about Queer-con but it seems to not be active or happening and social networking has never been my strong suite. I was kind of wondering if people knew of an unofficial queer Defcon group or maybe a unofficial party list somewhere to help "the not completely newbie" newbie get her legs at con? I do plan to enjoy the talks and the villages. I'm kind of sad I missed the joys of reverse engineering workshop because that is my favorite thing to do but perhaps next year Ill remember to pre-register. I'm really hoping to checkout the goth and pool parts of Defcon as well.

[number6]

The last time I went was Defcon 13, and back then I presented male. These days not so much. I'm really excited to get to go this year and I'm hoping to have a great time around people who wont look at me like I'm speaking another language. I was hoping to find people to hang out with and parties to attend. I found out about Queer-con but it seems to not be active or happening and social networking has never been my strong suite. I was kind of wondering if people knew of an unofficial queer Defcon group or maybe a unofficial party list somewhere to help "the not completely newbie" newbie get her legs at con? I do plan to enjoy the talks and the villages. I'm kind of sad I missed the joys of reverse engineering workshop because that is my favorite thing to do but perhaps next year Ill remember to pre-register. I'm really hoping to checkout the goth and pool parts of Defcon as well.

I don't have such a list.

In the early days, much of DEF CON was often friendly to people that identified as non-heterosexual and several volunteers identified as such. Eventually, some people got together to throw a QueerCon party/meet-up.

I don't recall if "QueerCon" (Party) was at DC 13 or not. In the early years that it was a party, it was just a room at the convention space. It was for a spectrum of people that identify as not heterosexual, and those that support them. (It was not exclusive to only non-hetero.) Early parties were fairly subdued, and sometimes had music, but mostly socializing. Over the years, it expanded and eventually became large enough to have it as an off-site party, with their own badges, DJ and games. Web Site: https://queercon.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/queercon

I do not see it listed for DEF CON 29, and their website does not indicate an event for DEF CON 29. Their twitter account doesn't have recent updates. Usually, when the group that runs QueerCon at DEF CON is running an event, there are many updates to social media and the website. Without updates, it is probably not happening or might be private.

Check out the parties listed here:
https://forum.defcon.org/node/236371
I think that parties that take place in the DEF CON convention spaces are required to abide by the DEF CON CoC: https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-code-of-conduct.html
Though we request private parties also comply with the DEF CON CoC if for DEF CON, as private parties outside of the DEF CON space, we don't have control over those spaces and respecting attendees with the DC CoC.

If you do encounter issues which are violations of the DEF CON CoC at parties (whether in DEF CON space or private) goons still want to hear about these, as that information helps in selecting which parties might not get promoted by DEF CON, or include other remedial options of which I am not informed.

DEF CON has changed a lot. Before the pandemic, the hallways could be as packed as the back hallway at the Alexis Park was before they stopped using it. During the pandemic, especially with the reduction in capacity by imposing a limit to the number of badges sold, it probably won't be as crowded as it was before the pandemic.

Don't forget, the maximum number of badges sold for cash is expect to be around 1,000 (maybe a few more, maybe a few less.) You need to bring proof of vaccination in the form of the same proof provided to you by your health care provider, or whichever entity provided you with your COVID-19 vaccine, online purchases of badges for in-person DEF CON are still available for a short time, which provide a code which is redeemed on-site for badge/entry. Wearing of a mask it required while in the convention space. Please check out these and other requirements for attending in person.

[cottontail]

Thank you for the great info! I'm definitely pre-registered and ready for Defcon. Ill definitely be taking a look at the pages you linked. I did check out Queercon's site, twitter and discord so I kind of had the same idea about them not being there this year but figured I would check on the forums. Again thank you for the wonderful response and info! I know with everything going on it will be a bit different but I'm sure it will still be awesome!

[Th3_Pr0f3ss0r]

Hey zizzix had you pre-registered for your badge? I'm selling my in-person 29 badge.

[cottontail]

Hey zizzix had you pre-registered for your badge? I'm selling my in-person 29 badge.

I am pre-registered. Thank you for offering and hopefully you find someone who wants it. 😸