Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition
at New York Comic-Con 2013
New York Comic-Con Hosts Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition
Geekerati Teams Up with NOH8 Campaign, Anti-Defamation League,
Cartoon Network’s “Stop Bullying: Speak Up” and Team Husbands at Pop Culture Mecca
Created by actress Chase Masterson (“Star Trek” / “Doctor Who Big Finish”) and award-winning author
Carrie Goldman (Harper Collins’ “Bullied”), the Coalition will have experienced staff on-hand all weekend at
Booth 630 to talk with teens, young adults, kids, parents, and educators on how to overcome bullying.
“We’re not just here to stand up against bullying. Everybody knows that needs to stop,” said Masterson. “NYCC’s invitation to
Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition marks the first time that the movement to overcome bullying is at the heart of a con experience. With the
NYCC team, we’re making a safe, go-to place where kids and adults can find resources, healing and answers.”
The Coalition will also hold a panel,
“End Bullying! Responding to Cruelty in Our Culture,” which will be
hosted by Masterson and moderated by Goldman on Sunday, October 13, at
3:45 pm in Room 1A14. Panelists include Cartoon Network VP Alice Cahn, Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshley (Founders, NOH8 Campaign), Ashley Eckstein
(“Star Wars’” Ahsoka Tano & Founder of Her Universe), Brad Bell (Executive Producer and star of CW Seed’s “Team Husbands”), author Bonnie Burton
(“Mean Girls”), Jenna Busch (Fan TV Entertainment Editor), and a rep from the Anti-Defamation League.
Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition is also bringing the
NOH8 Campaign to NYCC for their 1st-ever pop culture con photo shoot,
which will be held at Booth 630 on Sunday, October 13, from 12 – 2 pm.
"NOH8 is proud to continue our partnership with the
Anti-Bullying Coalition and keep the discussion of bullying and
discrimination alive at
New York Comic Con,” said Founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley.
“We're grateful for the opportunity to share our message and empower
comic con attendees by showing them they are not alone. We want them to
know there really is hope for a future
without hate!"
“October is
National Bullying Prevention Month, and New York Comic Con is a leader in the movement to bring anti-bullying programming to attendees of pop culture conventions. The
Anti-Bullying Coalition is excited and grateful for the opportunity to educate attendees on ways to stand up to bullying!” says
Goldman.
"STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP uses the
inspirational power of entertainment media to motivate young people, and
the adults who care for them, to speak up safely and effectively when
they see bullying happen,”
said Alice Cahn, Cartoon Network vice president of social responsibility. “Working together, we can create a culture of kindness in our schools and communities."
Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President for ReedPOP, notes: "All
ReedPOP events and especially New York Comic Con are about
community. We are about getting together with friends you know and
friends you haven't met yet to celebrate a shared passion. That
community only works if everyone involved feels safe
and secure. We are proud to support the anti-bullying coalition as
their beliefs match up with our desire to create a safe and fun place
for all of our fans."
The unprecedented Coalition’s members include several international non-profits with anti-bullying initiatives, including the
United Nations Association, the Anti-Defamation League, NoH8
Campaign, Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up, GLSEN,
International Bullying Prevention Association and Girl Scouts of America.
“So much of pop culture revolves around superheroes,” concluded Masterson.
“Since we love them, why not band together – and be one?”
