Name: Bri
Pronouns: She/Her
Position: Vendor Manager
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
Twitter: @sanzorchid
Bri's not only an accomplished musician but a Slytherin and protector of the Hufflepuffs. She's a wonderful human being who has agreed to let us know her a little better. So, without further ado, here is Bri.
How did you get involved with QFX?
I got involved with QFX when I lived with the QFX members Pooh and Kristine. They recommended me as a staff member to Holly and asked if I would like to be a part of it. I was beginning to hear more about it at the time and loved what it stood for and told Holly I would love to be a part of the team and here we are.
There are a ton of conventions out there, some that do cater to the LGBTQ+ community, how do you feel QFX is different?
Since day one the staff of QFX’s main priority has been to make the con inclusive for everyone.
Of all the guests that one could possibly ask for, who would you love to see or meet?
I would love to meet Katie McGrath, because she is a ray of sunshine which is ironic because it seems like she hates being in the sun, and I would love to meet Freema Agyeman. I’ve been a fan of hers since Doctor Who.
QFX has made it quite clear they are all about diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. What does this mean to you?
It means having a place to come to where you are represented and accepted for all that you are.
We’ve all heard the phrase “representation matters”, but it can ring hollow in our current times. What do you feel or think when you hear it?
When I hear representation matters, I feel tired honestly. It’s something we’ve been saying for such a long time and we’ve been shouting at networks and even people who don’t seem to get it or even want to. At this point I feel that we (the LGBTQ+ and POC community) should begin creating what we want to see ourselves.
If we were sitting in your living room, wanting to watch a show or movie, what are the top five you would recommend we binge?
Dark, The OA, Derry Girls, Professor Marston and the Wonder Wonder Woman, Killjoys (and Another Life, I’m cheating ;p)
On your twitter you have a quote from Nicole Maines, “The greatest responsibility we have as Slytherins is to protect Hufflepuffs.” What does that mean to you when most people view them as the villains?
I have a lot of friends that are Hufflepuffs. Hufflepuffs and Slytherins actually make really good friends apparently, lol. When I saw Nicole's tweet it reminded me of an inside joke I have with my fellow Slytherin friend Alex back in Ohio, he and I always joke that we are the parents to our friend Devin (Hufflepuff) so it rang funny and true to me. Also we are not villains, we are extremely loyal, ambitious, we don’t like B.S. and we can be honest to the point of being blunt and people don’t always like that.
I love that description of Slytherin’s. Beyond your Hogwart’s House, I read you’re a musician, besides guitar, do you play any other instruments? Do you create your own music? You write as well, what kind of stories and where can we find it all?
I play the ukulele and a little bit of the piano. I do write my own music and I create beats for fun. As far as stories I write, you can find them nowhere at the moment because it's something I’ve always just done for me.
Name one thing you do (hobby, quirk, or something else) that people might find odd?
Um... I think everything I do is odd? Lol. The people I’ve known for forever have always called me an alien. I guess at stores or anywhere really if there’s music I’ll dance a little while I’m shopping. Maybe strangers find it weird? Sometimes I just burst out in song or I’ll sing something as a response instead of talking normally.
To game or not to game… Do you? If so, which systems and what is your favorite.
Definitely to game. Playstation all the way. For my favorite games to play, I’m going old school. SSX Tricky, Need for Speed (anything racing really) and Spyro bring me back to the good old days.
Nice choices & Spyro really brings me back too. Now, you’ve driven cross country six times, what is your favorite part of a trip like that? Would you do it again?
My favorite part of driving cross country is how free I feel when I do it, I can choose to go on any route and to any state and just explore. I love seeing the mountains, deserts, ghost towns and canyons. I grew up in the Midwest and it’s crazy flat, so getting to see all of that is magical. I loved meeting people on the road too and having cool and interesting conversations with strangers.
You’re a fellow Slytherin, but that’s Universal/WB. I have to ask what Disney character would you be?
Um, I feel like I’m a combo of Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Merida and Moana. Just based on my adventures and the choices I’ve continued to make regarding how I want to live my life and what kind of person I want to be.
Final question, what do you hope people who attend QFX leave saying or feeling?
I hope the peeps that come to QFX feel like they are valued and cared for. I want them to feel like QFX is a space where they can be themselves and meet like-minded people. I hope they have all the fun in the world and leave feeling like they can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you so much, Bri! If you want to know more about her courage in traveling cross country, her musical talents, or maybe learn more about Slytherin’s - follow her on twitter @sanzorchid.
**Until next time, this is Kimberly “you want to play a game” Amato, signing off.**