Cosplay is NOT for Everyone

It seems like more and more people are speaking up on the very real, very common, racism and discrimination in the cosplay community. I think this is fucking fantastic. Whether you’ve directly experienced this racism or bullying yourself, or just don’t want to see that type of hateful bullshit in the cosplay community, you should absolutely be vocal in addressing it. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to fix is a problem is not to “stop talking about it.” In fact, too few people had been talking about it until recently, and more voices are still required. Retweeting that one black cosplayer you know is not addressing the problem. If you have a voice, if you have a platform and claim to care about making the cosplay community a positive and welcoming place, then fucking use it.

I’m not going to wax poetic about acceptance and love and feel-good bullshit. I’m tired. Cosplay, and really the convention scene as a whole, is a source of escapism for many, myself included. I’m tired of having my hobby tainted by assholes who get so worked up over seeing a black Superman or a plus-sized Wonder Woman, they simply “can’t” control their pathetic, unjustifiable rage. They’re so disgusting and laughable that they have to resort to racial slurs and bullying, while the rest of the community barely takes action.

For instance, many professional/well-known cosplayers with tons of influence in the community will typically trot of the same old “Cosplay is for everyone! UwU Fuck the haters!!!” song and dance to make it look like they care about inclusion without taking any real risk. Believe it or not, there is a very real fear that standing up for what’s right will actually rub people the wrong way. Some people don’t want to get slapped with the stigma of being a “social justice warrior.” Some would rather keep their racist followers than make it clear that they don’t support hatred in the community.

Many of the same cosplayers who slide by saying “cosplay is everyone” (and get tons of credit for being so “uplifting”) never actually uplift anyone who isn’t the standard. They share other cosplayers who already have large followings. They only share cosplayers with the “right” look (typically thin, typically white or pale). They always seem to conveniently miss the posts where amazing cosplayers who aren’t necessarily carbon copies of the characters they’re cosplaying are in need of support. I’ve noticed that whenever there’s community uproar, it tends to go like this:

1. Body-shaming: There’s usually an outpouring of (often superficial) support. Everyone hops on the train to share the one plus-sized cosplayer they’ve heard of and are ok publicly supporting…then they go back to never sharing other plus-sized cosplayers until it’s time to look like a hero again. That’s how you know the “support” isn’t real. If you support talented cosplayers no matter what size they are, you share them year-round because you’re following them. You actively support and enjoy their content. Just pulling them out of your good-guy bag for brownie points isn’t real support.
2. The whole “bought vs. made” debate: Everyone jumps up to say how it doesn’t matter if you make your own cosplays (and it doesn’t, btw. It shouldn’t be an issue at all unless you’re lying about it). This type of support tends to go like this…”[Insert extremely passionate post detailing economic class, time, skill, and the various factors that affect a cosplayers abilities at a given time]” or “Cosplay is for everyone regardless of skillset! Look at this cosplay I bought and this cosplay I made! Both are good! Here’s the link to my Patreon. :)” The End. Hustle hard. I’m not judging.
3. Racism? Well…many are silent. For whatever reason, people who claim to stand up against bullying and hate in the community will often stop just short of blatantly addressing the very real, very common racism in the community that is typically directed at black and darker-skinned cosplayers. Even the ones who will actively speak up on other issues are often silent about this. It’s one of the more polarizing topics in the community, and it really shouldn’t be. It shouldn’t be controversial to say we don’t want or welcome racists in the community. It shouldn’t be a major act of charity or defiance to share a picture of a black cosplayer in an incredible cosplay.

I was originally going to talk about some of the latest instances of racism in the community, but instead, I’m going to say this:

Practice what you preach or stop pretending to care. Nobody is going to force you to share or speak up, but stop fucking saying “Cosplay is for everyone!” and going right back to your all pale, all thin cosplay groups with the occasional racially ambiguous or token black cosplayer thrown in once in a while. You know for a fucking fact that there are plenty of other beautiful, handsome, skilled cosplayers you can sharing and supporting. You know that it takes more than sharing yourself and people who look like you, or people who already have huge followings and support, to say that you really “do a lot” for the community. Basically, put your money where your mouth is and take some real action, or stop pretending that you care about an issue that you don’t actually give a fuck about.

Moving on, if you actually do give a fuck about making “Cosplay is for everyone” more than some throwaway phrase to appease the masses without taking real action, here are some things you can do to help make cosplay more inclusive:

Go into the  “Black Cosplayer Here”(#BlackCosplayerHere) and “Cosplay Anyway” (#CosplayAnyway) tags to comment, share, follow, and show support

#BlackCosplayerHere is a tag that was created by the amazing cosplayer CluelessXBelle in response to racism and discrimination in the cosplay community, particularly after several cosplayers took to social media to point out the questionable photography practices at this year’s Colossal Con. Many cosplayers of various backgrounds noted that black cosplayers and cosplay groups were blatantly ignored by the majority of the con photographers present. 

After reading that statement, you may be thinking, “Well maybe they just weren’t that good.” In response to that, let me be the first to say that I don’t believe anyone deserves cookies just for existing, but you can’t tell me that no black cosplayers are good enough to have their photos taken. It’s impossible, especially considering how amazing many of the cosplay selfies I saw on Twitter and Instagram were. In Belle’s own words, she had this to say about the creation of the hashtag:

The purpose of this tag is to share lived experiences by black cosplayers in our exemption from cosplay media. We [the cosplay community] have blind spots and implicit biases, so I hope that exposure will help remove the blinders on our community because black voices deserve to be heard too.

#CosplayAnyway is a tag that was created by TaLynn Kel, a talented black cosplayer and writer.

This tag is great not just for finding and showcasing black cosplayers, but for all sorts of cosplayers who don’t always fit the mold of what people mistakenly think cosplayers are “supposed to look like.” Personally, I like that this tag is inclusive because it opens the door for discussions on the various negative factors that make the cosplay community a less welcoming place, and how we can fight them by…cosplaying anyway! Here is what TaLynn had to say on the creation of this tag:

Instagram is all about hashtags, right? So, I was building my Instagram and trying to think what hashtag encapsulated my feelings on cosplay…the good, the bad, the amazing, and the amazingly ugly. I talked it over with some friends and #CosplayAnyWay was born. Not everyone agreed with the hashtag – they thought it wasn’t empowering enough but that was what I loved about it. Cosplay isn’t always about having the best outfit and feeling your most confident. Sometimes it’s about acknowledging that your shit ain’t right, but you enjoyed making it, so you wear it anyway. It about knowing you will not have the best body or look remotely like the character. It’s about acknowledging all the ways you don’t really fit into the image cosplay likes to present but telling yourself that you’re going to do it regardless because it’s something that brings you joy. The joy may not be instantaneous…hell, anybody that’s put together a cosplay knows that instant gratification is not a part of this hobby. And more than once, I’ve had to convince myself to put on my crooked-ass cosplay and rock that shit, regardless. Because I know I’m not the most attractive person with the most elaborate, intricate cosplay. Hell, I don’t even sew. It’s knowing that the work I do is good enough for me and that despite never looking the part, I’m going to #CosplayAnyWay

You can search these tags on Twitter and Instagram right now and join in on the discussion. Share the cosplayers you see who have amazing skills or a lot of heart. Follow the cosplayers you want to see more of. Speak up where you see people being bullied and harassed. Continue to do these things even when it’s not trending, when it’s not February, when it’s not going to be convenient or easy.

🔊 WHITE COSPLAYERS 🔊
Here are some things we can do to fight racism in the cosplay community and support cosplayers of color. [Thread]

⚡️Follow, like, comment, RT, share, & feature cosplayers of color
⚡️Stop supporting cosplayers who do racist shit (insult POC; blackface)

— Ginny Di (@itsginnydi) June 22, 2018

I know ya'll don't wanna do the messy, hard stuff. Sharing cute pics of cosplayers & hopping on a hashtag is easy. But to ACTUALLY tackle the issue, we have to confront the source. This sparked bc of black cosplayers being ignored at Colossal. So, where are the black cosplayers? https://t.co/xPvvgnBgDI

— 💀TATTOO APPRENTICE ERA⚢🏳️‍🌈 (@LaydiexSkull) June 5, 2018

Listen when people speak up about the bullying and discrimination they experience. They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to prove that there’s a problem just because you’re too willfully blind or dismissive to see it.

"These black cosplayers are just making this stuff. No one really says anything racist/mean to you guys"
THIS IS THE KIND OF SHIT WE DEAL WITH!!!!!
Its not just photographers, but fellow peers who make it clear they don't want us in the community 😒😒😒#BlackCosplayerHere pic.twitter.com/gsK05EyHv9

— Luvumore🫶🏾 (@Camomochan) June 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/thedeladoll/status/1004790526908993536?s=21

A lot of people have been questioning the #BlackCosplayerHere tag and accusing us of “making things up for attention”.

What kind of internet are you using because

— kay 🐻 bear (@kayyybearxo) June 7, 2018

https://twitter.com/thedeladoll/status/1004767317455196160?s=21

Don’t listen to or accept lies and excuses about how “black cosplayers don’t [insert thing that black cosplayers do” from people who are honestly just racists. Black cosplayers pay for photoshoots, make armor, support fellow artists and cosplayers, fucking exist, etc.

https://twitter.com/acdramon/status/1004744354458632192?s=21

https://twitter.com/msjadecos/status/1004785463411044352?s=21

https://twitter.com/hey_ashb/status/1004192903869149185?s=21

Bringing this back to the point on how these pages can help cosplayers out right; I can't tell you how many times ppl have told me I'm "1 of the few black cosplayers out there". I cannot express how BULLSHIT that statement is. """FEW"""??? BULLSHIT LMAO. https://t.co/WykUrR87iR

— 💀TATTOO APPRENTICE ERA⚢🏳️‍🌈 (@LaydiexSkull) June 4, 2018

Reflect and accept accountability. Make a conscious decision to do better. Again, listen.

Spent my night going through the #BlackCosplayerHere

I feel bad/ignorant to not being aware of the discrimination ppl of color faced in #Cosplay community as if there isn't enough already in the World

They deserve respect & to shine like everyone else! Give a look and a follow

— Jaremi (@JustJaremi) June 5, 2018

A lot of people are talking about racism in the cosplay community right now. As a white person who generally benefits from the status quo, I don't have much insight to add. But I am listening and paying attention.

— Heidi O'Fairy🐇🌿 (@AtelierHeidi) June 21, 2018

If you are a white cosplayer or photographer and #BlackCosplayerHere is upsetting you, then as one white person to another, I want you to STOP and THINK about why that is the case. Cosplay is not a zero sum game. There are not a finite amount of likes on the Internet.

— Das Badger, Yee Haw Spellslinger (@arkhamrefugee) June 7, 2018

Don’t be afraid to call racism or body-shaming what they are. Stop being afraid to lose shitty racist, sexist, otherwise awful people as followers. Seek out new, skilled, and diverse talent for your cosplay groups. Use your voice to make a difference.

Hey. The world is legitimately shit. Let’s put in effort to make the geek and cosplay community as inclusive, fun and pleasant as possible for everyone. #CosplayAnyway. Protect #BlackCosplayerHere. This is our collective sanctuary.

— Yaya Han (@YayaHan) June 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/asmileandasong_/status/1009314528088035329?s=21

Dear white cosplayers: we are not oppressed. Not even a little. We are encouraged and celebrated. It's time to stay in our lane and let others shine. Celebrate POC. Celebrate all body types. Support their efforts. RT them. Help them boost numbers and get jobs. Don't be this. 👎 https://t.co/yVTNs6wt3G

— SarenRae🌿 (@SirynRae) June 21, 2018

“Your hair isn’t blonde, so it doesn’t look ‘princess-like’…” welp.
Hi, my name is Alicia and I am Black Cosplayer and inclusive body positive woman. Black Cosplayers matter, and representation matters! ⭐️#BlackCosplayerHere pic.twitter.com/3UdH7QseMr

— Kiss a Frog Cosplay🌙✨ (@LiciaRei) June 4, 2018

Expand your narrow definition of “good cosplay” beyond being a carbon copy of the character. If you think a cosplay doesn’t “look right” because of a person’s natural skin color, size, etc. Something is wrong with you, not with the cosplay. Hold your faves and fellow cosplayers accountable when you see them promoting racism under the guise of “it doesn’t look right.”

Your favorites are problematic. pic.twitter.com/m4mpwP60dU

— Lilhevn コスプレ (@lilhevncosplay) June 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/anyaloup/status/1004785141259079682?s=21

https://twitter.com/rioventure/status/1004211332554485760?s=21

Finally, stop supporting people who show no signs of actually giving a fuck about inclusivity and diversity in the cosplay community. Give your support to people who take the actions to practice what they preach when it comes to inclusion in the community because just saying “Cosplay is for everyone” every once in a while isn’t gonna cut it anymore.

Hm I’m trying to figure out if there are any other closeted racists hiding in the cosplay community because I wanna make sure I’m unfollowing as many as possible. I’m done giving them support and a platform, especially those staying silent to maintain a “good reputation.”

— Jess ☆ (@crossjessing) June 20, 2018

All of these things and more are how we can make sure that cosplay is truly for everyone.
~DeLa Doll