Sexual harassment issues addressed by Saskatoon comic convention

SASKATOON – Organizers of Saskatoon’s Comic and Entertainment Expo are partnering with the city’s Sexual Assault and Information Centre this weekend in an effort to cut down on harassment at the event.

Spokeswoman Lindsay Thomas tells radio station CKOM it is not unusual at conventions for participants who dress up in costumes — known as cosplay — to be subjected to cat-calling, groping and even sexual assault.

She says it shouldn’t matter if a person is straight, bisexual, gay or transgender, harassment is still wrong.

A victim of sexual assault herself, Thomas says she wanted the convention to have the resources to deal with possible situations.

She says it’s not enough to ask participants to report abuse to a staff member, noting they’re event managers and not crisis councillors.

She says with the help of sexual assault centre personnel, convention-goers will be given information on how to respect other fans.

“Cat calling – not cool,” Thomas says as an example. “A compliment, ‘hey your costume is really nice’ – that’s fine. There’s a difference between looking and leering, between complimenting somebody and being creepy about it.”

The Saskatoon expo has a roster of guests including Phil Lemar of “Futurama,” Dr. Who’s John Barrowman, actor Robert Englund of Freddy Kreuger fame, Nana Visitor of “Deep Space Nine” and Saskatoon’s own Tyler Mane, who played Sabretooth in “X-Men.”

Other highlights include industry and celebrity panels, a vendor’s alley full of comic and digital artists, autographs and photo opportunities and vendors.

(CKOM)