Cosplayer Spotlight 6/19/19
It’s week two of Cosplayer Spotlight, and we are going to be showcasing two more cosplayers from the east coast!
Bree the V.
Bree is a Black pansexual and pangendered cosplayer based in Hartford, CT who welcomes all pronouns! They’ve been cosplaying for 12 years after going to their first convention in 2006, following up with their cosplay to wear the year after. They absolutely L-O-V-E video games, some favorites are Sonic The Hedgehog, Skies of Arcadia, Fallout, Soul Calibur, Dark Souls, Binding of Isaac, and some rare hidden gems.
What made you get into cosplaying?
“Going to my first con in 2006 and recognizing all the awesome cosplays, and then doing my first one the next year.”
What are your favorite things about the cosplay scene?
“Being able to make new friends based off of your interests in video games or anime, or any other media. The fact that people can take artistic liberties with their cosplay and make some creative designs.”
Now, what are some cons or things that could be better in the community?
“Calling out blackfacing and other racial troubles, like telling someone they can’t cosplay something because of their race, or bad qualifiers like “Black Roxas” and such.”
Pictured: Sole Survivor from Fallout 4 | Photo by Felix Wong
How does your experience in the cosplay/con scene differ as someone who is LGBT?
“It doesn’t for me mostly because I cosplay mostly feminine characters, but even when I cosplay masculine characters, I’m not met with an issue. I’m really grateful for this because this isn’t the usual case for everyone.”
Any upcoming projects/cos-plans that you’re working on?
“Currently I’m working on a big secret project!”
Advice you could give to people wanting to get into cosplaying?
“Just do it; pick a cosplay and cosplay! Don’t worry about things you can’t help. Just have fun.”
Pictured: Kikyo from Inuyasha | Inuyasha is Tokitumbles | Photo by Seiji Photography
If you’d like to see what Bree is up to, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Tanukis
Cole is bi-racial trans man who’s been cosplaying since 2016, based in Baltimore, MD! His favorite shows and video games are Ace of Diamond, Haikyuu!!, Princess Jellyfish, Mob Psycho 100 and Kingdom Hearts!
What made you get into cosplaying?
“Cosplaying boys made it easier to help me feel more like myself in a more “acceptable” way at the time.”
What are your favorite things about the cosplay scene?
“How very open-minded it is as a whole.”
Now, what are some cons or things that could be better in the community?
“I think they should crack down on allowing problematic influencers come as guests, and also I feel most of all there are still some racial prejudices within the community.”
How does your experience in the cosplay/con scene differ as someone who is LGBT?
“Cosplaying females as a trans Male is always difficult to explain and being misgendered. But all of my friends who cosplay are LGBT in some way and I think most people are.”
Any upcoming projects/cos-plans that you’re working on?
“Going to Katsucon next year! I want to cosplay quite a few Haikyuu!! characters”
Advice you could give to people wanting to get into cosplaying?
“Don’t think you have to conform or look like the character you want to cosplay. Your love for the character will shine through and others who love the show and character will see that right away.”
If you’d like to follow up on Cole’s adventures, make sure to follow his Twitter and Instagram.
