Nathan Fillion, Patrick Stewart, Karen Gillan and Kelly Hu at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2014
Cosplay etiquette: Keeping it fun for everyone
Cosplay is a part of any good comic convention. People like to dress up as their favorite characters in a place where they can feel safe doing so, and that is exactly what a comic convention should be – a place where nerds, regardless of body type, should feel safe.
What is cosplay?
“I do this for fun,” says Cosplayer LeeAnna Vamp. “If you are having a good time, you’re doing it right.”
Cosplay is different for everyone, but what is essentially the same is that it is a way to share the joy of a character with others by dressing up as that character. Some cosplayers go all out and endure the inconvenience of unwieldy props and costumes for three days just because they like what a character and his or her story has brought to the cosplayer’s life. (Check out Josh as the Doctor in the Dalek.) Some people just throw together a costume because they decided that they want to have a little fun.
“It’s for the kids who want to meet Wonder Woman like I wanted to do when I was 8,” says Cosplayer Valerie Perez giving one reason why she cosplays during the Forbidden Comic Con Topics panel at Salt Lake Comic Con 2014.
Cosplay can be elaborate or simple. Costumes can be high concept (like Sharknado) or something more recognizable (like Boba Fett). In short, anyone paying tribute to a character, movie or show in costume is a cosplayer. Some people even get together in a group, like the Rocky Mountain Haunters.
In the end, cosplayers dress up because they like to have fun. If nerds want our comic conventions to continue to celebrate nerdom, then we need to make sure that everyone is allowed to enjoy themselves without infringing on the enjoyment of others.
What cosplay is not?
Cosplay is not an invitation. It is not consent for anything. Generally speaking, cosplayers are more than happy to allow you take a photo with them. However, you should always ask for their permission.
“Obviously, guys are going to notice,” says J.M. Bell. “Maybe you think or even say something; that’s where you stop.”
Most men would not make lewd comments or gestures to the women they meet at a costume party, a bar or the beach. There is no reason to change that behavior at a comic con. And as Rebecca Frost points out…
“It goes both ways.” Harassment of any kind is unacceptable. Frost also pointed out that a lot of times nerd women do not know when they are perceived as flirting, and no one she knew cosplayed to be picked up.
Bell concurred and added that there was a high likelihood that the cosplayer is out of your league.
Cosplay Etiquette
What is cosplay?
“I do this for fun,” says Cosplayer LeeAnna Vamp. “If you are having a good time, you’re doing it right.”
Cosplay is different for everyone, but what is essentially the same is that it is a way to share the joy of a character with others by dressing up as that character. Some cosplayers go all out and endure the inconvenience of unwieldy props and costumes for three days just because they like what a character and his or her story has brought to the cosplayer’s life. (Check out Josh as the Doctor in the Dalek.) Some people just throw together a costume because they decided that they want to have a little fun.
“It’s for the kids who want to meet Wonder Woman like I wanted to do when I was 8,” says Cosplayer Valerie Perez giving one reason why she cosplays during the Forbidden Comic Con Topics panel at Salt Lake Comic Con 2014.
Cosplay can be elaborate or simple. Costumes can be high concept (like Sharknado) or something more recognizable (like Boba Fett). In short, anyone paying tribute to a character, movie or show in costume is a cosplayer. Some people even get together in a group, like the Rocky Mountain Haunters.
In the end, cosplayers dress up because they like to have fun. If nerds want our comic conventions to continue to celebrate nerdom, then we need to make sure that everyone is allowed to enjoy themselves without infringing on the enjoyment of others.
What cosplay is not?
Cosplay is not an invitation. It is not consent for anything. Generally speaking, cosplayers are more than happy to allow you take a photo with them. However, you should always ask for their permission.
“Obviously, guys are going to notice,” says J.M. Bell. “Maybe you think or even say something; that’s where you stop.”
Most men would not make lewd comments or gestures to the women they meet at a costume party, a bar or the beach. There is no reason to change that behavior at a comic con. And as Rebecca Frost points out…
“It goes both ways.” Harassment of any kind is unacceptable. Frost also pointed out that a lot of times nerd women do not know when they are perceived as flirting, and no one she knew cosplayed to be picked up.
Bell concurred and added that there was a high likelihood that the cosplayer is out of your league.
Cosplay Etiquette
- Get permission. If you want a photo, ask. It’s easy to do. If the person says “No,” respect that.
- Use the “hover hand.” Even if you get permission to take a photo, you do not have permission to touch the person. Touching could ruin the costume or injure the cosplayer or yourself. Bell recommends using the hover hand in a photo. Your arm and hand hover behind the cosplayer near the shoulder area without ever touching him or her.
- Don’t be rude. There is never an excuse to be rude. Use “please” and “thank you.” Don’t make explicit or hurtful remarks. Everyone is at comic con to have a good time, and it is not your job, duty or calling to point out the size of a person’s breasts or package or the quality of his or her costume.
- Speak up. If you see others being inappropriate, let them know that it isn’t cool. If you do not feel comfortable speaking up, let one of the comic con officials know what is going on.
- Enjoy the person’s creativity and craftsmanship. “Cosplay is all about creativity” says Frost. “It takes a lot of courage.” People put a lot of thought into their costumes. If you see one that you like, let the cosplayer know. A simple “great costume” is an easy way to let the person know that you appreciate their work and fandom.
- Have fun. If you want to dress up for comic con, go for it. You can be any character you want to be, and it will bring a new dimension to the con experience for you and others.