Mercury Retrograde was a doozy this year, huh?

Between delayed and canceled flights, new conflicts overseas, and new trials right here in the US, this year hasn’t been the easiest for many of you. Even as we embarked on this year’s journey, there were plenty of curveballs happening in real time.

Yet, we made it! We still got to enjoy a bit of “ratchet respite” at BlerDCon 2026: Geeknik. We spent time with old friends and picked up some new ones along the way.

Out the gate, it’s clear this con is getting big. Attendance was noticeably larger this year! I’m not sure if it was just me, but I crossed paths with a lot of BlerDCon first-timers, which is awesome.

Fortunately, even with more people it wasn’t overwhelming. I was able to easily find most of my tribe even when I wasn’t looking for them. It is of note that panels did fill up quickly, so if there’s one you absolutely want to attend next year, be sure to show up early.

Speaking of panels here are a few of the ones I attended this year:

• • • This Ain’t Your Senpai’s Electric Slide

    • Black People Know Things Trivia

    • Lens Master Link Up

    • Blerd N Out

I got to watch blackity-black antics at Black People Know Things Trivia and Blerd N Out, and soak in the smiles of people learning new line dances in cosplay at This Ain’t Your Senpai’s Electric Slide. I even got to discuss heavier topics, like navigating imposter syndrome, at the Lens Master Link Up. Now more than ever, we need these moments.

If you have the Guidebook app, feel free to check out the full programming list for 2026.

Finally, it’s always a good time linking up with my tribe. Grateful for the little sanctuary I enjoyed this weekend. I LOVE Y’ALL! Y’all recharge me. I’m wishing you all the best until we meet again—and well after. Hopefully, I’ll see some of you at MomoCon in May!

As always, if we met for the first time, DON’T BE A STRANGER! If you see me out and bout and recognize me, say wassup! I’ll do the same! Don’t hesitate to reach out on IG as well. It was a pleasure meeting you all.

Find my post regarding last years BlerDCon HERE!

Feel free to download and share but please credit @GXFTD as the photographer if you’re posting on IG (or @iamGXFTD on Twitter).

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