"Prude Shaming"

Living life as a Cosplayer, I have stumbled across the term "slut shaming"

From Wikipedia:Slut shaming (also hyphenated, as slut-shaming) is defined as the act of making a woman [person] feel guilty or inferior for engaging in certain sexual behaviors that deviate from traditional or orthodox gender expectations, dressing in sexually provocative ways, for requiring access to birth control, or even for being raped or sexually assaulted.

From what I have seen in the cosplaying community, this tends to be aimed at cosplayers (specifically women) who dress in a revealing manner, whether or not it is part of a characters design.

Now as I have stated before, what a person wears is their choice.

I personally choose not to cosplay in a revealing manner. It is a personal preference for me and my comfort level. I would never say a woman can't or shouldn't wear something if that's what they want to wear. My only stand on the issue of revealing clothes is to maybe be considerate of the location, time, and environment you are wearing them in.
(ex- if there are children around, maybe wait to wear the revealing outfit until they have left or it has past the reasonable hour for them to be around.)
But, as I believe in any aspect of life, we should always be aware and courteous to how our actions and behaviors effect those around us.

What people don't realize is just as big of a problem in the cosplay community is what I like to call "prude shaming"

This, to me, is the act of making a person guilty or inferior for choosing not to be revealing with their behavior, dress, or costumes.

It is important to understand that ,just because a person doesn't choose to be revealing or open about their sexuality, doesn't mean they hate everyone who does.
It is a truth in the cosplaying community, and  in our world, that sex sells.
To deny this would be silly.But to put down or ignore those people who do not choose that path is just as wrong as putting down those who do.

Too often people believe that people who remain covered have specific reasons for it.

• Their religion
• They have been victimized by sexual assault
• They look down on those who are sexually open
• They are ashamed of their bodies
• They are jealous of others
• They are disgusted by sexuality in any form

None of these reason need apply in order to be a cosplayer who stays covered.

Assumptions on both ends of this issue are what keep the hateful words flowing.

I have been approached many times, in both a respectful and disrespectful manner, on why I don't show more skin. I have heard ever reason possible on why they think I don't, and why they think I should.
I'm very open with having discussion on my choices with others as long as the conversation can remain respectful.For me I like to keep my attention on the costume and my love of a character. When people see my cosplays I would rather them see what I love and not just me in an outfit. This is how I approach my work as a cosplayer. This is just how I choose to show my appreciation to the characters I love, but there are a million other ways to do so. What is right for me may not be what is right for someone else.... and that's fine!
Thats what makes cosplaying so beautiful. You will never get the same result or perspective twice.

What we have to remember as a community is that it is never okay to be spiteful, angry, are hateful to someone for their beliefs or actions, as long as those beliefs and actions are doing no harm and are not bulling others.
We should stand up for those, both covered and uncovered, who face ridicule and bullying everyday.
If you see it happening, say something.

Because in the end the real issue isn't if you chose to be naked, or fully covered.

It's about Respect.

To Cover, Or Not To Cover...... That Is The Question

As a female cosplayer I have, of coursed, noticed the trend of female cosplayers leaning towards more revealing costumes.

So the question becomes, is this wrong or right?
And of course the answer is neither!

Over the last few days I have seen a few different articles arise that do bring up some very good issues on the subject, and really get us thinking. Two of which that I have enjoyed are:

Drawing the impossible? Fully dressed Superheroines

Costumes Are Not Consent: Combatting Cosplayer Harassment

So why do I say neither you may ask...
While of course I do this it is important to keep in mind your location when selecting your cosplay choices (ex: maybe you should cover up if your going to be at a con with a large number of children vs adults), however in the end what you wear is your choice!

It's not what we wear, but how and why we wear it!

I firmly believe that the issue we have in the cosplay community isn't about how covered or uncovered ladies are, but understanding the motivation behind the choice!

I believe its vital for us, as women picking a costume, to decide why and who we are wearing it for.

Heroins like Wonder Woman and Power Girl don't get into their costumes and think "Oh man I hope everyone thinks my butt and boobs look great!" So why should we!

Everyone is different. We each have levels of comfort that we welcome into our lives.
It isn't a question of feminism, the human race being forced to embracing sexuality, or the belief that nudity is wrong. Everyone is going to be different. 

Its about being true to who we are as individuals and being honest with our motives.

If you are a cosplayer who wants to dress in a revealing manner because you like the attention that comes with it, good for you! Embrace it! Own it! Scream it to the world! Don't give the haters the chance to question your motives.

Disney's Belle

Artwork of Belle by J Scott Campbell

How we compose ourselves can be a huge indicator on our motives. Being strong and poised vs presenting your butt and breasts in person and photos can indicate to those around you what your going for.
Keep these things in mind when wearing your costume. If you don't want the idolizing attention that can come with overtly sexualizing yourself, then don't give them the chance."Slut shaming" shouldn't be apart of the cosplay community, but in reality it is. So why allow shame to be apart of it?

My Choice:

As a cosplayer, I prefer to be more covered than many cosplayer. I feel sexy and empowered when there is more to the imagination! That doesn't mean my way is right; it means my way is right for me! This is not to say I wont ever do more revealing cosplays, but I will be sure that I do them for me, and my own reasons... not to build followers, or to gain attention, or be notice, but because I love the character!!! That's just who I am 

Dork-a-saurus Rex!

It is also important to remember that we are always being watched! 

As Seriously Dan points out, How we present ourselves at a con with our personal friends and those we love may be different that how we interact with our "fans", but we must keep in mind that eyes are always upon us, and onlookers may think "Oh hey, I guess she is okay if I grab her ass since that guy just did it!"

My advice: OWN IT! Be exactly what you want!
Don't hide behind a shield of modesty, accusations of others, or needless defending if that's not who you are!
Once we become comfortable with our motives and our choices only then will this "issue" disappear!

Speak Up, Stand Up, Be Strong!

The cosplay community is a place that is often full of support and love, however, as in all communities, there is a darker side. 

Bullying is alive and kicking, even in cosplay.

This is an issue that I hold very close to me. It is something that I cannot stand on any level, especially when it effects something I love. 

Many cosplayers have been through the hurt and pain of bullying at some point in their lives. We are a unique group of people, we find joy in a way that much of the world doesn't understand. This, of course, will lead to the type of bullying that comes from ignorance and insecurities, but what about the bullying that comes from our fellow cosplayers.

Cosplayer hate is something that astounds and confuses me.

I attend a con, or go online, and all you can see and hear is messages and words of hate and judgement.

Its truly becoming an epidemic.

Be aware of your actions. Many people have been a bully before, and haven't even realized it.

• If you have posted a harsh, cruel, or judging comment online.... even knowing that person would never see it. You are a bully.
• If you make a point to seek out those online or in person, just so you can judge them either out loud or silently... You are a bully.
• If you ignore other cosplayers because you think your cosplay is better... You are a bully.

Bullying come in many ways that we don't even see as bullying. Sometimes it can be hard to stop bullying, when we don't even realize its happening.

When I am faced with a bully, here are some actions I chose to take.

• If happening in an online forum (like Facebook or Twitter)  utilize the "block" function! I know it can't keep people from visiting a fan page and seeing what is written there, but it can be incredible empowering to YOU! Knowing that you stood against those types of people gives you strength and courage!!!
• If you have people in your life who bring you hurt and pain, simply remove them. This is something I had to learn in the last few years. We can all want to help those we may care about, but there comes a time when you need to love yourself! So Simply Let Them Go.
• If you are forced to face a bully in person (like at a convention or a gaming event), this can be the hardest. You can be filled with damaging emotions that the bully has instilled in you. Often times you may feel like running, but remember you have a right to be there! You are a strong person who is important. DO NOT change yourself or your actions for a bully. Show the world the love you have for yourself.
• Find a friend. I have been blessed with some of the greatest people I have ever known as friends. When you surround yourself with good, kind, loving people; then your life will be filled with all those things. Real friends not only listen when you hurt, but offer their hand to pull you from the pain. 

Bullying doesn't have to continue. If we each can make it our goal to not only better ourselves, but not tolerate bullying when we see and hear it, then we can help end it!
If you are being bullied, find a place, like Cosplayers Against Bullying, that can help you find support and advice.

We don't have to like everyone, but we do have to respect them.

"you know that in nine hundred years of time and space and I've never met anybody who wasn't important before."-The Doctor

Adventures at MomoCon

This past weekend I had the joy of attending MomoCon!
This con is an Animation and Gaming convention located in Atlanta, GA (my home!)

I had such a fun time at this convention, however the week leading up to it was CRAZY!!!

I knew from the start that I would be bringing two new Cosplays. Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time, and Trixie from My Little Pony. However I didn't anticipate having as many road bumps as I did.

Trixie from My Little Pony

Lady Rainicorn from Adventure Time

First off I need to thank The Doctor for putting in hours of work on my awesome Alicorn Amulet staff. It turned out amazing!

Alicorn Amulet Staff

I was unable to attend the con on Friday due to work and finishing up costumes. The first version of my Lady Rainicorn costumes didn't come out quite as I had pictured in my head, so friday night I decided to redo most of the outfit.

Most people think I'm crazy for this, but I just didn't feel right about the costume.
however I'm really happy with the final result!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I had a blast on saturday gallivanting around with my Adventure Time gang, which consisted of The Doctor as Lord Monochromicorn and Metric Jack as Marshall Lee!

Photographer: Tobias Roybal Photography

I got to also hang with my friend Ashley over at Corsair's Boutique while she worked in the dealers room!

Saturday night we changed things up so we could PARTY!
I got to TARDIS up with The Doctor, while my friends pulled out their Ponies!

The Doctor and BewitchedRaven

Photographer: JB Photogrpahy
Fluttershy: Flutterworks
Pinkie Pie: Mary Lou Who?
Spike: Metric Jack
Rarity: Holly
AppleJack: Allison

Sadly I was unable to attend the con on Sunday, and therefore unable to show off my new Trixie cosplay!
Partying saturday hit me a little harder than I had thought, and the combination of work and too little sleep finally caught up with me.
But never fear, cause Trixie will make her appearance at MTAC in just a few weeks!

All around MomoCon was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed all the people I got meet, and all the cool cosplays I got to see.
Next year I will have to take some time off work to help prepare me for the fun ;-)

A Stitch in Time

When working in cosplay, cost vs home made can often be a troubling topic for some.

When, as a cosplayer, do you have to decide on being cost efficient, or saying "I made my own"
If you're like me then cosplay is a part time hobby. An expensive part time hobby.
Often time I find myself weighing the cost of a costume, to the possibility to me being able to bring it to life to the caliber I want.

Being able to claim "I made this" is a place of pride in all cosplayers. The hard work and dedication that goes into a costume is tremendous, and being recognized for that work is highly rewarding. Making your own costumes allows us to grow and discover new skills. We are able to find new tricks and tips to share with our community.

As a cosplayer, there I times I have to weigh the cost of making my own, or buying.
I'm not made of money (not matter how much I wish I was)
When an item can be bough, such as a bodysuit, shoes, etc, or I can make my own I must weigh 3 things.
1. The cost of buying
2. The cost of materials
3. The cost of my time

I've come down to an equation that I must adhere by when faced with this problem
if 1. < (2.+3.)..... then 1. it is.

All I can say is that you must make this choice for yourself.
I believe in keeping my life balanced.
Cosplay brings me a lot of joy, but when the cost begins to outweigh that joy (weather it be due to money, time away from loved ones, or anything) then you need to make a choice.

Remember, its a hobby. It is suppose to be fun.
Do what you must to keep it that way.

Plastic vs Passion- Finding the Fandom for You!

Its one thing to enjoy something, but when you step into that fandom you are breaking into a whole new world.

As an active Doctor Who lover, I was easily drawn into the Doctor Who fandom. I owe so much to the doctor. This show is the entire reason I am a cosplayer at all. Without seeing it I would have continued through life feeling like an outcast for liking the things I do.


Becoming an active part of a fandom can be a big decision, especially when deciding on which on to chose.

Fandoms, just like people, come with the good and the bad.
There are fandoms who welcome newbies with open arms. It is these types of fandoms that get me really excited about our shared interests. You know, no matter what, that what you do will be enjoyed, accepted, and appreciated.
Everyday involved with a fandom like this is heart warming and exciting. You are constantly surrounded by friends, some you know, and some you have yet to meet.

However, on the other side there are those fandoms that often times see themselves in an elitist point of view. Plastic, as Mean Girls would say.

Fandoms like this often have people who feel it is their right to deem fans as worthy or not. There is a sense of ownership over the rights to enjoy the show or comic or book, etc.

Fandoms that are like this can often lead to an upset in fans. Many of us geeks have dealt with bullies our whole lives. We turn to our interests, and those who share them, to get away from the hate.
But what happens when your interest is the source of the hate?



Here is my advice:
Love what you love.
You are not defined by your fandom.
You are an individual, and you are strong. Don't let the bullies define you.
If you happen upon one of these "plastic" fandoms. Move on. If you feel outcasted, there are others who do too.
Find the support, find the love, find the fans.

Remember there will be good and bad wherever you turn, it is your task to define yourself.

Creative Identity- Imitation vs Inspiration

 

When spending your life working in a creative environment, like cosplay, there  can often times be a blurring of the lines between inspiration and imitation.

I have been thinking often on this subject over that last few months.
The cosplay world is a world of imitation. We take the characters we love from the page and from the screen and bring them to life! It is the nature of cosplay to imitate.

But even with that in mind there are those who still bring a uniqueness to their cosplay.
Its cosplayers who do this that I personally admire more than others. I love to see a spin that would have never been thought of before.
It adds an entirely new element to the characters I already love!

With all this in mind, when is imitation crossing the line?

Cosplay is an art. It takes cosplayers incredible amounts of time and effort to discover and invent ways to create the real life versions of costumes that have only been on paper.
There is materials, construction, and (in some cases) gravity to consider when creating a costume.

However, there is a awful lot of duplication in cosplay.

Some of this comes from collaboration, some out of necessity, and some out of creative theft.
It is important that cosplayers offer gratitude and credit to those who inspire them. We are a community of artist, and in such, we help each other grow.
If we begin to turn and steal each others creative property, we have nothing that can set us apart from the rest of the world.

Remember when looking at your fellow cosplayers that they too are human. Most cosplayers do not get paid or make money from their cosplays. It is a realm of creative expression, and the only way we can support and praise each other is with our words.