National Fandom Friendship Day

Group of friends in various fandom cosplays, posing in a colorful convention hall, showcasing their shared passion for fandom friendship.. — National fandom friendship day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of Fandom Friendship! Get ready to celebrate National Fandom Friendship Day and geek out with your squad. Whether you're a Potterhead, a Whovian, or a Trekkie, this is the day to honor the bonds formed through shared passions. So put on your favorite cosplay, grab your wand or lightsaber, and let's dive into the exciting realm of fandom friendships!

When is Fandom Friendship Day?

It's national fandom friendship day on the 20th June.

A Geeky Celebration of Friendship

On this special day, fans from all corners of the globe come together to rejoice in their shared obsessions and appreciate the friendships that fandoms have brought into their lives. It's a day to honor those late-night conversations about plot theories, the exhilaration of attending conventions, and the joy of finding your people in a sea of likeminded enthusiasts.

National Fandom Friendship Day originated in the depths of the internet, where fan communities have thrived for decades. The day gained traction around June 20th, 2015, when online discussions about friendship within fandoms reached a fever pitch. Social media platforms were flooded with heartwarming stories of how fanfiction, fan art, and fan gatherings have brought people together in a beautifully nerdy way.

From ships that sailed beyond the pages of books to OTPs (One True Pairings) that made hearts flutter, fandom friendships have transcended physical boundaries and united people from diverse backgrounds. It's not just about loving a specific TV show, movie franchise, or book series—it's about forging connections through a shared adoration and finding solace in a community that wholeheartedly understands your quirks, references, and inside jokes.

So, how can you celebrate National Fandom Friendship Day? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a Fandom Movie Marathon: Gather your friends and binge-watch your favorite series or movie franchise. Stock up on popcorn, themed snacks, and beverages to ensure a fully immersive experience.
Create Fan Art: Unleash your inner artist and channel your passion onto the canvas. Dedicate your artwork to your fandom friends, immortalizing your shared experiences.
Organize a Cosplay Party: What better way to celebrate fandom friendships than by donning costumes? Encourage your friends to dress up as their favorite characters and prepare for an epic evening of photo ops and character roleplay.
Write Fanfiction: Grab your laptop, summon your creativity, and write a fanfiction story featuring you and your fandom friends. Explore alternate universes or dream up new adventures that perfectly capture your friendships.
Host a Virtual Watch Party: If physical gatherings are not an option, organize a virtual watch party where you can all simultaneously watch and discuss your favorite episodes or movies. Thanks to technology, distance is no longer a barrier to fandom fun!

Celebrate National Fandom Friendship Day with enthusiasm, nostalgia, and a whole lot of geekiness. Embrace the power of friendship that fandoms offer and revel in the joy of being surrounded by people who truly understand your love for all things fantastical. Happy Fandom Friendship Day!

History behind the term 'Fandom Friendship'

1908

The birth of fandom

Fandom, derived from the term 'fanatic domain', was first introduced in 1908 by the writer and editor, William Atheling Jr. It referred to a community of individuals who shared a common interest and enthusiasm for a particular topic or object. Fandoms initially centered around science fiction and fantasy literature, with fans gathering to discuss and celebrate their favorite authors and works.

1940

The birth of fan clubs

In the 1940s, fan clubs emerged as a way for fans to connect and form friendships based on their shared interests. Science fiction fan clubs such as the 'Science Fiction League' and the 'Hyborian Legion' gained popularity, further solidifying the concept of fandom and the sense of community. These early fan clubs often communicated through fanzines, which were self-published magazines created by fans and distributed within the fandom.

1970

The rise of media fandoms

During the 1970s, fandom expanded beyond literature and into other forms of popular media. Television shows like 'Star Trek' and 'Doctor Who' developed passionate fanbases, propelling the concept of fandom into the mainstream. Media conventions and gatherings started to draw large crowds, enabling fans to meet each other in person and form lasting friendships.

1990

Internet fandom and online friendships

With the advent of the internet, fandoms underwent a significant transformation. Online forums, mailing lists, and later social media platforms provided fans with a digital space to discuss their favorite topics and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. Online friendships began to flourish within fandoms, as fans bonded over shared interests, fanfiction, and fan-made content.

2007

The term 'fandom friendship'

In 2007, the term 'fandom friendship' first started to gain recognition within the online fandom community. It referred to the unique bonds formed between fans who connected through their shared passion for a particular fandom. Fandom friendships were characterized by mutual support, understanding, and a deep appreciation for each other's contributions to the fandom community.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'fandom' originated in the late 19th century as a combination of 'fan' (meaning enthusiast) and 'kingdom'? It perfectly captures the spirit of devoted fans building their own vibrant communities within their chosen realms of entertainment.