The Empower Comic Con, or a convention held to promote equality, starts at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 and 21 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

The EmpowerCon will include game tournaments, a kids corner, cosplay contests, vendors, celebrity appearances and different raffles.

“I have noticed how much more diverse Topeka has gotten since I’ve gotten older,” said Charity DeLay, one of the creators of Empower ComicCon, “I think it is important to accept who you are. This convention gives the means to let people meet others like themselves.”

This years theme for the convention is “empowering women”. The motto is “Be yourself and let others do the same.”

DeLay says that the participants of EmpowerCon will get a chance to introduce each other and meet other people through a sort of “speed dating” process. People with like interests will be paired up to greet each other.

“We are trying to get people to introduce themselves, and get connected,” DeLay said.

The EmpowerCon website shows a schedule and featured appearances.

Proceeds from the convention will be donated to Cat’s Closet to provide local troubled youth with clothes, haircuts, makeup, shoes and more.

“I want this to be a safe haven for kids, if they are looking for other people that share their interests,” DeLay said, “People can help each other when they get together.”

For more information go to Empowercomiccon.com.