The workings of any society are a confluence of many different forces and movements. As society changes, its literature and arts (including SF) reflects, anticipates, and perhaps influences the direction and scope of change. How has SF influenced and reflected the changes in gender and gender roles over the past quarter century? As we look back to the work of writers such as Ursula LeGuin and Joanna Russ in the sixties and seventies, what can we say about their impact and that of their heirs today?

Are you curious about SF by writers of color. How do you find the good stuff? There are many reading options, and many ways of connecting with the various communities of color producing excellent SF. Join us to look at reading lists from the Carl Brandon Society and other sources. And bring your own suggestions and your squee.

Joanna Russ was one of science fiction's first feminist writers and a leading literary critic. Our panel looks at her fiction, reviews, and critical work, and assesses her lasting impact on the field.

Feminism and feminist themes are an integral part of SF and Fantasy. There is a major annual feminist SF&F convention (Wiscon). Last year the The Secret Feminist Cabal, a cultural history of science fiction feminism was published. What role does feminism play in modern day science fiction and fandom, and how is that role traceable to the seventies and before?