Cosplay is not consent
With Comic Con Africa just a week away, excitement is rising and we are all eagerly waiting for the big event.
As you know, Comic-Con is a big global event that attracts many gifted and talented cosplayers from all over the world.
A day where we can all dress up and step into the world of our favorite characters, a day we get to show off our sowing skills and occasionally our roleplaying skills.
And with that, I think it’s important to share some Do’s and Don’t for this year’s event.
On things to not do when you see your favorite character being cosplayed or your favorite cosplayer cosplaying.
You might ask yourself… why does this even need to be said, as we all know this. However, in our reality, we need to constantly remind others of it.
I might not have first-hand experience with what cosplayers go through, but, I do have a few friends who express their concerns about dressing up and the lack of boundaries and understanding that comes with it.
So without further delay… here are a few important reminders on how to interact with a cosplayer.
Do not touch – This is probably the most important rule out of all the ground rules when you approach a cosplayer.
I get it, you set your eyes on the most beautiful of cosplayers, and naturally, you would like to capture the moment with a photo. However, to make that moment even more remarkable, you simply want to hold or hug the cosplayer.
Most cosplayers allow this, BUT, there are a set of rules you need to follow. Some individuals have rules already printed out at their stands, rules that tell you what to do and what is not allowed.
If a cosplayer feels uncomfortable but is still kind enough to grant you your photo, please do not put your hands on them.
Cosplay is not consent.
Sexy Cosplaying is STILL not consent – We, unfortunately, live in a world where some individuals still like to say “if she’s dressed like that, she wants people to look and touch”, or “she’s selling herself for money, so if I pay for a photo, I am allowed to touch”.
You might be standing right next to the world’s most famous cosplayer at Comic-Con… but that still gives you no right to touch the person. Please understand that this can be seen as harassment to some and you could get into serious trouble for this.
There are some exceptions to the rules, DEPENDING on the cosplayer I would imagine some cosplayers don’t mind being touched, but this needs to be listed visibly for everyone to see on a board of what is allowed and what is not. AGAIN, this depends on the individual you are approaching, and not every cosplayer allows it.
Cosplayers, especially newcomers, if you feel someone is violating you, IMMEDIATELY speak up about it.
Don’t wait for the photo to be taken and then give a warning, set an example and stand up for yourself.
Always be respectful – If you ask someone for a photo and they say no, respect that. Don’t complain about a cosplayer who refuses photos, there is most likely a reason for it. Understand and move on.
Ask – There is no harm in asking for a photo, and from what I’ve seen, most cosplayers appreciate you asking before just storming in, camera ready.
It’s also important to note that when you pay for a photo, it does not give you the right to demand how you would like the photo to be played out. Payment is not consent.
Have fun – There are going to be some creators who feel a bit uncomfortable when asked if you could take their photo, especially newbies.
Should they say no, this should not be a blow to your entire day? Be respectful and try to understand, don’t go being mean and making nasty remarks.
Not only does it spoil your day, but it affects the people around you as well.
It can leave a distasteful experience for so many people who might decide not to go next time because of it.
I honestly will never understand what a cosplayer goes through until I do it myself but reading all these scary stories or listening to people who do dress-up and cosplay, I kinda wonder if I ever will.
The moral of the story is that cosplay is not consent and you need to be respectful at all times, no matter the event.
With this article, I am not trying to attack anyone, but rather to remind everyone that we should all have fun at this event.
It’s our first Comic Con Africa event in over 2 years, so let’s all have a good time, and appreciate the efforts and the time that went into this 4-day event.
Respect all cosplayers and artists, whether they are LEWD or their art is, ALWAYS be respectful.
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Well said.