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So you’re a lonely Trekkie: 3 ways to meet other Star Trek fans outside the internet

Meeting other Star Trek fans is easy when you have an online presence, but how do you find them when you want to make a connection outside the internet?
ByKrista Esparza|
Star Trek: The Original Series courtesy of Titan Books
Star Trek: The Original Series courtesy of Titan Books | Star Trek: The Original Series courtesy of Titan Books

I first discovered Star Trek way back in 1989, when I watched a marathon while house-sitting for my brother. I began scouting our local antique fairs and thrift shops for merchandise, started collecting the James Blish book series, and wrote my own adventures to satisfy my Trek itch (this was at least 5 or 6 years before the internet made meeting other fans possible). If you’re a fledgling fan looking for a posse and want to meet other Trekkies outside the internet, try these avenues that worked for me back in the days before technology and social media transformed fandom. 

1. Visit your local comic book store

Comic book shops are not only filled with fandom merchandise and back issues of Star Trek comics, it’s also a place to meet up with like-minded people for whom sci-fi is a way of life. Become a regular visitor and consider setting up a delivery box so you don’t miss the latest issue of the series you’re following. The more you frequent the shop, the greater the chances you’ll meet other Star Trek fans to chat with. 

2. Attend a comic con

If you’re an introvert like me, the idea of attending a comic con might seem a little daunting, but starting out small can help you get a foot in the fandom door. Start out with local cons, and you’ll be surprised how often people will strike up conversations with you. I recently attended a smaller con in El Paso and while waiting in line for a photo op with Brent Spiner, I met half a dozen people and we chatted like old friends during the 20 minute waiting time. Star Trek is a common grounds touchstone, and you’ll be amazed how eager other fans are to share their experiences. 

3. Start a Star Trek reading circle

Small local bookstores are usually a treasure trove of pre-owned Star Trek books, and a great place to hold a fandom reading circle! With a bit of cooperation from the store owner, you can advertise with posters or a QR code, which is free and simple to create. Many fans enjoy Star Trek novels and paperbacks, and a reading circle is a fun way to revisit old favorites as you meet new people. 

I hope these tips help you meet other Star Trek fans outside the often-overwhelming world of the internet. Don’t rush, keep it simple, and most importantly, have fun!