Cosplay Is not Consent.
We have all seen it, heard it, and (Hopefully) have not had to deal with a situation where you have found the need for it to be spoken.
As cosplay continues its northbound trajectory we are going to see and hear it more and more. It’s something that will always plague us as a culture. All that we can do is make sure we know how to recognize it, and how to correct it for when it comes up.
The Rise of Cosplay Culture
Cosplay has evolved from a niche hobby to a widespread phenomenon, with conventions and gatherings happening all around the world. Cosplayers pour their heart and soul into crafting intricate costumes, translating their fandom of their favorite characters into a work of art. It has become a worldwide celebration of Comics, Anime, Movies, and Video Games. In short, the rise of cosplay has created an entire niche of art forms that is growing exponentially with every new convention.
People travel across the world to show off their art, even mimicking their chosen character while chasing the coveted “like” button. As what was once known to most as “nerd pop-culture” continues to achieve a viral status, more people are getting involved in the art of cosplay.
Which means…more drama, and more obstacles.
Although the cosplay community as a whole is well known for being extremely welcoming and tolerant, it is far from immune from drama. Gatekeeping, Harassment, and a lack of personal boundaries are some of the greatest problems facing us as a community. Today, I want to tackle the most glaring of those problems; Personal Boundaries.
By a landslide, the most pressing of issues facing the cosplay community is the disregard for personal boundaries and consent. As cosplay’s trajectory continues northbound towards popular culture, you will continue to see more and more characters pop up that have remarkably impossible physical attributes, provocative clothing choices, and increasingly candid sexual themes. Not only in the cosplays, but the fandoms the cosplays represent. With the rise of the COVID-19 virus in 2020, we have seen the newest theme in this: OnlyFans. Now in addition to this meteoric rise in provocative content, you now have a marketplace where you can see representations of these characters manifested in often lewd positions.
Please note
We have absolutely no issue with OnlyFans, or anyone who decides that is the path they want to take. If there’s a market (and it’s legal) someone is going to take advantage of it. Here at HCWC, we applaud the company and its contractors for their ingenuity.
More is the concern of a minority of individuals in the community that believe that cosplayers dress like the characters they do because of some sense of rationalization. They rationalize that said character acts in a certain way in the Video game/TV show/Movie/Anime/etc. that they are permitted to treat them the same as they would that character. Others believe that someone wearing provocative or revealing attire is “just asking” for a specific type of attention.
For those of you that agree with the above paragraph, I want you to understand something:
Just because someone is dressed in a revealing or provocative costume does not mean they are inviting unwanted attention or harassment.
PERIOD.
READ THE ABOVE AGAIN.
Deep breath.
Please, read it as many times as you need for it to make sense.
Moving on....
When it comes to cosplay,
It's important to understand:
Cosplay is a form of self-expression.
People cosplay for various reasons. At its core, it's an expression of their love for a character or franchise/fandom. It needs to be celebrated as an art form, not objectified. In any way. Ever.
Choice of costume is not an invitation.
Regardless of how revealing or alluring a costume may be, it does not give anyone the right to invade someone's personal space, make inappropriate comments, or engage in any form of harassment. Uninvited lewd comments, touching, or shaming is unacceptable in any way for any reason.
Respect for personal boundaries.
Everyone has the right to enjoy a convention or event without feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. Respecting personal boundaries is a fundamental principle in any community, especially Cosplay. Cons are a public safe space and should be treated as such.
Consent is key.
Always ask for consent before taking someone's picture, hugging them, or engaging in any physical contact. Cosplayers are often more than happy to interact with fans, but it should always be on their terms. Don’t push the subject and respect the boundaries of everyone at any event. I have been photographing cosplayers at conventions for the past twelve years. I can count on one hand the number of cosplayers that have said no to me when I have asked them to take their picture. Trust me, if you approach someone with respect you will almost always achieve your objective.
Harassment and the Importance of Consent
Harassment in the cosplay community can take various forms, from unwanted photography to inappropriate comments, touching without permission, and even stalking. Such behavior not only creates a hostile environment but also discourages individuals, particularly newcomers, from participating in cosplay. All of us want cosplay to continue its trajectory. That means that we as a community must continue to encourage others and ourselves in our art. Scaring people away due to traumatic situations caused by unrespected boundaries will cause our passions to fall to the wayside. And nobody wants that.
There is no grey area. If you are looking for loopholes or attempting to rationalize behavior that is outside of the above outlined, you are barking up the wrong tree. If there is a situation that is not outlined above that causes you to hedonistically calculate the cause and effect, then chances are it’s wrong. When in doubt, DON’T DO IT!
Consent should be actively sought and (within reason) be enthusiastically given in all interactions. Here are some guidelines for both cosplayers and fans to ensure a respectful and enjoyable cosplay experience.
For Cosplayers:
Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries to others, and don't hesitate to assert yourself if someone crosses those boundaries.
If someone continues to violate those boundaries, document everything and get the authorities involved as soon as possible. Don’t make a social media post. Don’t tell your friends and the community about it. File a police report, have witnesses and your documents ready, and get a copy of the report. If an event organizer has a problem with this, THEN go to social media. Rationally explain your concerns and show the documents (including the police report) to the community. Event organizers do not have a right to tell you whether your trauma is real or not. Individuals that commit these travesties need to be blacklisted from the community. The only way that will happen is if documentation is obtained.
For Fans and Photographers:
Always ask for permission: Before taking a photo or approaching a cosplayer, ask for their consent. Respect their decision, whether it's a yes or a no. If you are a member of the press or con staff, make sure your badge is visible to everyone. Candid shots are at times necessary but need to be done only by designated professionals. If you are one of those, make sure you introduce yourself afterwards, show them your credentials, and ask if they are comfortable with the photo you have taken. If your subject says no, respect that decision and immediately delete the photo in front of them.
Compliment respectfully: If you want to compliment a cosplayer, do so in a polite and non-invasive manner. Focus on their craftsmanship and effort rather than their appearance.
Report harassment: If you witness harassment or someone behaving inappropriately, don't hesitate to report it to event staff or security. Document everything and remain rational. There is a time and place for your frustrations with this injustice and it will come later. Your actions can help create a safer environment for all, and we need more of that.
