Cosplayer Spotlight 6/27
Week 3 of Cosplayer Spotlight! Let’s see what’s in store.
Burning Sarcasm Cosplay
Introducing Mike, a white gay cosplayer based in Boston, MA! He’s been cosplaying for seven years, bringing new elements to each and new cosplay he makes. The following are a list of media he enjoys from the community; League of Legends,Overwatch, Nier Automata, Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Legend of Zelda, Marvel movies, BHNA, and Madoka Magica.
What made you get into cosplaying?
“My friends invited me to a cosplay convention after introducing me to anime. I discovered the concept of cosplay at Anime Boston and wanted to attempt cosplaying myself. This snowballed into the motivation behind my crafting and costumes today.”
What are your favorite things about the cosplay scene?
“Being able to network more easily with other cosplayers. It’s super easy to approach someone in costume and start a conversation, if you like their outfit or craftsmanship which can then lead to discovering each others’ similar interests and possibly exchanging contact info and becoming friends.
Now, what are some cons or things that could be better in the community?
“There are a lot of cosplayers out there who try to tear each other down or gate-keep cosplay options for costumers. They are guilty of body-shaming their peers and discriminating based on skin tone. This toxicity and negativity needs to end if we want a happier, healthier cos community.”
How does your experience in the cosplay/con scene differ as someone who is LGBT?
“Sometimes it’s refreshing to meet other lgbtq in a community aside from just lgbtq and pride events. I feel that lgbtq people are a minority in general, and still within the cos community so it is difficult meeting other lgbtq members and networking at a convention. Nowadays with Instragram, lgbtq safe spaces and safe events at conventions, it has become easier to network. I unfortunately usually skip lgbtq events at cons because I focus on my set interests and schedules related to anime and videogames. Although, I have met a number of lgbtq cosplayers through social media. As for discrimination, the only backlash I have received rarely is for genderbending costume designs of women to cosplay them as a man. This may not necessarily relate to my sexuality because there are a number of non lgbtq cosplayers who also genderbend, yet it does bring light to a concept of misogyny, toxic masculinity, and expectations of gender roles within the community.”
Advice you could give to people wanting to get into cosplaying?
“Definitely try it out and dress up at a convention. Do and wear whatever you’re comfortable with and what you can afford. Buy it, make it, commission it. There’s no wrong way to cosplay if you are not trying to hurt anyone or appropriate their culture. If you need sewing or crafting help or advice, Google and Youtube have so much available information you can read through and learn from.”
Any upcoming projects/cos-plans that you’re working on?
Yes! I’m working on some Pokemon Gijinkas and a Captain Marvel super suit!
See what Mike is up to on his Instagram and Facebook!
Jessika Cosplay
Jessika is a Asian American lesbian cosplayer also based in Boston, MA. She’s been cosplaying for 7 years and likes Pokemon, Overwatch, and currently really into Soul Eater. She’s on hiatus on cosplaying for a bit to focus on college and work on her health.
What made you get into cosplaying?
“I went to AnimeBoston as a normie and saw everyone in cosplay. I was just amazed and wanted to come back the next year to do it.”
What are your favorite things about the cosplay scene?
“The people. I’ve met some of the most interesting, intelligent, creative people through cosplay.”
Now, what are some cons or things that could be better in the community?
“Also the people. A lot of people are caught up in the ‘fame’ and try to attack other people in the community. I think we can all work on how we treat other people.”
How does your experience in the cosplay/con scene differ as someone who is LGBT?
“I’ve actually felt more comfortable being myself at conventions. For the most part, I’ve felt free to express my sexuality and have never had a bad experience in terms of sexuality.”
Advice you could give to people wanting to get into cosplaying?
“Stay humble and accept help from people. You don’t know everything and you can’t do everything on your own. Surround yourself with good people.”
If you’d like to see what Jess is up to lately, and see her future work when she’s settled, go check out her Instagram!
