An Interview With Cosplayers About Sexual Harassment
Since the summer of 2017, sexual harassment and sexual assault have been front and center of our every day conversations. Granted this issue has been prevalent in our society, pretty much forever, but it wasn’t until the Harvey Weinstein allegations that a real fire and a cry for change was lit. These stories helped create several movements like Times Up and #MeToo. For cosplayers, sexual harassment is all too common and it’s gotten worse thanks to social media. Many cosplayers have taken part in the #metoo movement and shared their stories, trying to spread awareness of this issue in the community. Cosplay Is Not Consent is a common phrase that you might see on signs at conventions because of the prevalence of harassment and assault from attendees. I wanted to give these men and women a platform and a chance to speak up, outside of Instagram or Twitter. I reached out to many Cosplayers and photographers with a questionnaire, trying to gain insight into some of their experiences. Unfortunately I didn't receive any responses from the men but I did ask these women if they felt that the harassment extended in that direction as well. Feel free to read through their full questionnaires below. I also did an interview about harassment in the cosplay community with Fenix Fatalist (Mariya Karpenko) for our Nerd Collaborative Podcast.
Rei Yoshida
What's your name? Rei How old are you? Twenty-one What's your cosplay or social media name? Rei Yoshida (Reiyoshiduh) How do you identify? Female What social media platforms do you use? Instagram, Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube but mostly Instagram. Do you attend Conventions? Yes! I love going to cons. How long have you been doing Cosplay? About two years. What got you into Cosplay? I saw an acquaintance had done a genderbend Gon (from Hunter x Hunter) and I was immediately inspired to start cosplaying! Do you make your own costumes? Some I buy, some I make, some are sponsored, some are gifts. Cosplay is cosplay no matter where you get it. Do you model other peoples creations? Not yet but I'd be honored to! How long have you been posting your creations on social media? About two years. Do you attend conventions in costume? Yes. Have you ever been sexually harassed on Social Media or in person? Was it because of your cosplay? I've experienced the most harassment online because frankly it's easier for people. The only time I've ever been harassed in public is from a passersby who genuinely doesn't understand. I always smile and wave, occasionally people will come up to ask what I'm doing. Even if they approach me with crude intentions, I feel it's my job to educate them on the culture and community of cosplay if they're interested. It might open a new door for them, you never know! Has the harassment ever caused you to consider quitting social media? NO! The only person who can hurt me, is me. Not some random person on the internet. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider giving up cosplay? Not unless I'm the one harassing myself, no. Do you expect or accept a certain level of harassment from people? I'm a naturally cynical person but I do try to see the best in people despite my gut reaction. Can you give some examples of the types of harassment you have experienced (feel free to leave out people's names?) In most situations I just block and move on. But the one story that stands out to me the most occurred about a year ago. I noticed someone commenting on all my photos showing my body (whether I was wearing a t-shirt or a bikini) calling me a "slut", "whore", you know the usual. I sent them a messaging asking them if they were okay and told them I would be there if they needed to talk. They deleted all the comments and apologized. Then they proceeded to tell me they were being bullied in school so they decided to take it out on me, which they realized was wrong. Although my original intentions were mostly satirical I was reminded that we are all human and I feel people forget that online. Has anyone ever harassed you at the level of stalking? Yes What measures (i.e. security, limited contact information, reporting…etc) do you take to limit harassment? That could be a security breach ;3 What do you think platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc could do to help curb harassment? Honestly there isn't much you can do, I just block and move on in most cases. If you don't give them the attention they crave they'll find it somewhere else. Apart from cosplay have you ever experienced this kind of harassment with any other hobbies like twitch streaming? Most definitely, harassment is everywhere. Does the harassment seem to be directed towards female cosplayers or do men encounter it as well? Harassment comes in all shapes, sizes, genders, colors, everyone can and probably will be harassed at some point. Just try to recolonize it's either someone who is hurting or someone who genuinely doesn't know better, so educate them. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into it? Remember to have fun, as simple as that sounds it's easily forgotten. Any dream costumes you want to do? Any armor build or a big princess dress!! Plans for other costumes you want to do? shhh it's a secret!! What’s your day job? I actually quit my retail job to go back to school. Is Cosplay your job? One of them, yes! Do you sell costumes or props? If I'm not too attached to them, yes. What are your favorite costumes? THERE ARE SO MANY! But D.va, Kotobukiya Edward, Kotobukiya Chucky, and Leeloo!
Missy Mayhem
What's your name? Missy "Mayhem" Rangel How old are you? 23 What's your cosplay or social media name? Missy Mayhem How do you identify? Female What social media platforms do you use? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Twitch Do you attend Conventions? Yes, (average 1-2 per month) How long have you been doing Cosplay? Over a decade now, since 2006. What got you into Cosplay? I grew up in a very organically nerdy household, My dad has always been a movie buff and enjoys his fair share of gaming as well! I started playing video games basically from birth! The love for video games brought me to anime, which brought me to the world of cosplay! Eventually cosplay itself introduced me to comic books, horror and movie fandoms! Do you make your own costumes? I make about 85% of my costumes! Especially when I first started out, there wasn't a lot of resources to find already made props or pieces! But now, if it is less work and less money just to purchase it from a distributor then by all means I do that instead! Do you model other peoples creations? Only once for a music video I did (: How long have you been posting your creations on social media? I think just about 3 almost 4 years now! Do you attend conventions in costume? Always and at least once a month! Have you ever been sexually harassed on Social Media or in person? Was it because of your cosplay? I think so...I have a lot of people complimenting my appearance in a very forward and sometimes very sexualized ways online often...I've only ever experienced two instances of really intense harassment. The first time was back in 2010 when cosplay was just becoming mainstream so there were people at the conventions host hotel that didn't quite understand what was happening. I was wearing a bunny suit cosplay and for all I know the man probably thought it was a porn convention! He asked for a picture and grabbed my back end and I had no idea what to do, I told convention staff and never knew if he was ever found. It was definitely an intense situation for me at the age of 17...I am now 23 and I've received my second instance of harassment at the car show portion of a convention. I was in a /very/ revealing cosplay modeling for a company and their car however most attendees understood when I had to disappear behind the car that I was resting because of all the photos being taken. A man comes up with his camera and asks for a photo like a normal person...right? I answer, telling him I'll be available in a moment. I'm bending down putting my heels back on and holding up my "sling" style type of "thong" to my crotch area so that my good-good doesn't get seen-seen, and he snaps a picture of that moment without another thought! I shout at him and my boss for the evening immediately ambushed him and made him delete the picture. I was pretty exhausted after that dehumanizing moment and went back to my hotel and wore the baggiest most body covering clothes I could find in my suitcase. I definitely think it was another case of someone not understanding the cosplay culture that we're in, He was a fan of cars, someone who is used to a different interaction with models (I've worked car shows before and it is definitely a different world). Has the harassment ever caused you to consider quitting social media? No way! any ounce of harassment is definitely not worth quitting on the people that respect and believe in me and what I'm doing! All of the support I receive definitely outweighs the harassments. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider giving up cosplay Definitely NO! HOWEVER, it has made me decide which cosplays to wear to conventions and which cosplays to create only for photoshoot opportunities. Do you expect or accept a certain level of harassment from people? In a way yes, I do expect it...but I don't have to accept it. I do believe as long as they are polite in expressing their feelings it's alright but I will tell those who are going overboard that they are expressing too much! those who ask for say, a kiss in the picture will be politely declined and those who hold lower than my hip will be politely removed. I've dealt with it for a long time but I know how it can be when you have no clue what's happening. Has anyone ever harassed you at the level of stalking? Thankfully no! My Misfits are always polite and will wait for a public appearance to come and hang out with me! What measures (i.e. security, limited contact information, reporting…etc) do you take to limit harassment? I will always decline certain intimate questions or gestures before they happen. At larger conventions I will have a handler. I will always bring a change of clothes (at minimum a change of shoes) for when convention hours are over or if I feel uncomfortable and feel the need to change.) I won't walk to my hotel in costume, at minimum I will wear a coat and take off my wig/makeup and put my glasses back on and wear a hat. Definitely not let anyone know where I am staying or what my plans for the night are. What do you think platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc could do to help curb harassment? I actually believe they're doing what they can without impeding on free speech rights. If I ever find a need I report and block as needed. Apart from cosplay have you ever experienced this kind of harassment with any other hobbies like twitch streaming? I actually find that sexual harassment in other communities are much more intense, especially in the modeling industry. I feel like thanks to ambitious campaigns to enlighten people such as the "Cosplay is Not Consent" have really gone a long way to make people more polite to those wearing sexy costumes. Does the harassment seem to be directed towards female cosplayers or do men encounter it as well? I believe men encounter sexual harassment just as much as women when wearing sexy costumes. People WILL touch them without consent more often from what I've seen.
When people approach me, they ask if they can carry me for a photo, they ask if I could kiss them on the cheek or vice versa, they even ask if they can hug me. The important part is ASKING and most of the time I notice that men more often than not aren't given the respect of getting asked to be touched, sexually or non-sexually. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into it? Please don't be afraid! Cosplay is not a scary thing! Cosplay is amazing and has definitely been the best thing to happen to my life, EVER. Have fun but always be safe. Your comfort in anything is key to your happiness and success! Any dream costumes you want to do? Of course! I would really love to do a Mecha version of my favorite anime character Haruhi Suzumiya! Plans for other costumes that you want to do? I want to do a couple from DBZ as well as just random favorite characters from here and there, OH also Blank Man! What’s your day job? I actually work cosplay full time, right now I'm training to become a Pro Wrestler though! Do you sell costumes or props? I used to but I haven't found the need to do so in more recent years. What are your favorite costumes? I would have to say my TOP 3 are: Battleworn Goku - DBZ, Ryuko Matoi - Kill La Kill, Wasp - Marvel
Karrigan Taylor
What's your name? Karrigan Taylor How old are you? 18 years old What's your cosplay or social media name? @karrigan.taylor on instagram How do you identify? Female What social media platforms do you use? Instagram (@karrigan.taylor), Facebook (Karrigan Taylor), Twitch (twitch.tv/karrigantaylor), Twitter @karrigantaylor Do you attend Consventions? Yes, a few times a year How long have you been doing Cosplay? A little over one year. What got you into Cosplay? I wore a halloween costume to comic con and really felt powerful. I wanted to continue to feel this way and then I found out about cosplaying, I have been doing it ever since November of 2016. Do you make your own costumes? I make some, others I get from sponsorships and alter to make them perfect! Do you model other peoples creations? Yes. I model a lot of cosplays for companies like miccostumes, skycostume, Hot Topic, cosplaysky, etc. I am also a geekwear model, meaning I model clothing from geeky brands on my instagram. How long have you been posting your creations on social media? About a year. Do you attend conventions in costume? I do, always. I usually only go for one day though. Have you ever been sexually harassed on Social Media or in person? Was it because of your cosplay? Of course. I have 160k+ followers on instagram and over 93% of them are male. I get sexually harassed on social media almost daily. I am body positive and I take a lot of pride in my body. I think the human body, specifically the female body is extremely beautiful and it’s unfortunate that women who are body positive are sexually harassed. Just because I’m showing my body on the internet doesn’t mean I want to have sex with you, and yet every guy thinks that I do. I owe these men nothing, it’s my body and I can do what I want with it. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider quitting social media? Yes it has really made me want to quit social media at times. A lot of people say I’m attractive and beautiful, which I’m totally fine with. What I’m not okay with is when people made really sexually explicit and degrading comments to me. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider giving up cosplay? No, it hasn’t because I do love cosplay too much. It’s my whole life. Do you expect or accept a certain level of harassment from people? I have gotten used to it at this point. I know it’s going to happen and I just try to ignore it. Can you give some examples of the types of harassment you have experienced (feel free to leave out people's names?) I get lots of dick pics, I have people often asking me to send them nude pictures, I have people disrespecting my boyfriend saying that I should leave him for them, people just don’t seem to realize that I’m a human being. I’m not an object. Has anyone ever harassed you at the level of stalking? It’s unclear. One night at my old home in Mass, there was a car parked outside of my house for an extended period of time, and they kept parking at different places in order to see better into my home. The police were called and when they caught him we were informed that he was very drunk. I have internet stalkers, people who make hate accounts about me and what not, but there’s not much you can do about that. What measures (i.e. security, limited contact information, reporting…etc) do you take to limit harassment? Sometimes I turn commenting off on my pictures, I delete comments a lot, and I never read my dm's. What do you think platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc could do to help curb harassment? They could block out certain words or monitor the comment sections and ban users who are constantly reported for sexual harassment. Apart from cosplay have you ever experienced this kind of harassment with any other hobbies like twitch streaming? Not really, no. I don’t even get sexually harassed by people who aren’t fans in real life. Does the harassment seem to be directed towards female cosplayers or do men encounter it as well? I think men absolutely do, but the stigma around it is different. Men also don’t speak up about it as much because they are ridiculed if they do. It’s super shitty. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into it? I see a lot of people only cosplay a few times a year for cons only who try to go pro. If you want to become a professional cosplayer it's a huge commitment. You have to be pumping out cosplay content multiple times every month on whichever social media platform you chose to. It's also extremely expensive. Recently I've been getting a lot of cosplays/cosplay materials for free, but that has taken me almost a year to get there. I have probably spent over 5,000 dollars on cosplay and conventions alone. Any dream costumes you want to do? Woman of steel with screen accurate superman suit. Plans for other costumes you want to do? That’s a secret! What’s your day job? I am a princess performer here in Orlando (: Is Cosplay your job? Yes, my part time job. Do you sell costumes or props? I don’t. I am opening up a print store soon. What are your favorite costumes? Slave Leia is my favorite cosplay!
Tehtnica
My name is Hannah ! I'm 17 years old and I'm known by tehtnica . I have a Facebook and instagram under those names :). I usually attended the north Texas convention circuits. I've been cosplaying since 2014 and I got into it by being invited by a friend to attended Dallas fandays ! She brought up how people usually dress up and I was intrigued. When I attended the con and saw the intricate cosplay I really wanted to get into it! I started off buying most of my cosplays but once I got a sewing machine I learned how to make my own and have been since . I've been posting my creations on instagram for a while now and the following I've gained from them continues to blow my mind! I appreciate every single one of my followers and they mean a bunch to me . Usually I attend cons in costume.
I have been sent lewd or vulgar comments on social media sometimes and once in person. When it comes to sexual harassment in the cosplay community there's this saying for cosplay isn't consent and it's 100000% true . With in person Harassment i find that it's rather dependent on the cosplay itself . I know it's also dependent on how the person perceives a gesture or saying. I was cosplaying azura from fire emblem fates and had a man grab my exposed waist and rub his hand up and down me when we were getting a photo. I left right after but it's scary . I was too stunned that this was happening and felt my throats get tight, I moved his hand off of me and he put it right back. I took off after and couldn't shake the feeling off of me.
When it comes to sexual harassment online people are able to be anonymous and say anything. There's no hesitation so I find harassment online to be harsher . The cosplayer can't do much other than block or delete the comment . The harasser has no fear of the repercussions; I'm a minor and most people assume that I'm over 18 . I've had several people learn my age and stop talking to me . A guy I was chatting with casually asked my age and when I told him he flipped on me and said he felt like a creep now . It's rather discouraging to have made a friend and learn they had different motives .
Sexual harassment in the cosplay community can happen to anyone , I've seen it to people of both genders its more known to happen with females but it's not uncommon for males to experience it as well. My advice for anyone who wants to take up cosplaying is just go for it! Don't be afraid to make new friends and learn from others through the hobby!
I have many dream cosplays I would love to do ! Some include kagero from fire emblem fates and star guardian ahri! I don't cosplay for a job but it's fun! I don't sell work also I feel it's not something I should profit from . My favorite costumes are azura from fire emblem fates (literally ANYONEs azura I just love) and Jessica Nigris deathwing it's absolutely amazing.
JenNyan
What's your name? My full name is Jennifer, mostly called Jenny or Jen How old are you? I am 22 years old, turning 23 on 25th Dec! What's your cosplay or social media name? JenNyan How do you identify? I am female. What social media platforms do you use? Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch Do you attend Conventions? Of course! How long have you been doing Cosplay? I started cosplaying in year 2014 What got you into Cosplay? Since I was a child I was watching a lot of TV and discovered anime like when I was 3 years old. Later I realized that there are some live actions as well (first one was "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" - which was actually cosplaying. I came more into the world of the internet and discovered cosplay. I started to follow cosplayers around the world active like around 2008, when I was 13 years old. This was the time I wanted to cosplay, too, but did not had the chance to. Do you make your own costumes? No, I tried to, but I don't have enough time and skills. But I think it's fine to buy them as well! Do you model other peoples creations? Not yet How long have you been posting your creations on social media? Since 2014. Do you attend conventions in costume? Yes. Usually in cosplays, but I attend conventions to meet my friends. So sometimes I am there without my cosplay, just for spending time with them in comfortable clothing. Have you ever been sexually harassed on Social Media or in person? Was it because of your cosplay? Yes. But it is something pretty common in that scene. Especially for people, like me, which are doing pretty sexy cosplays. It was on the internet and in person. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider quitting social media? No, haha! Has the harassment ever caused you to consider giving up cosplay? Never, why should I tho. It's my passion. Do you expect or accept a certain level of harassment from people? Oh yes. Especially in the internet. People are anonymous in the internet, hidden faces etc. so they are texting whatever they want to. I would not call it "accept". It's a pretty sexual world we are living in, so I won't say anything against it, as long as people are showing some respect and accepting a "No". Can you give some examples of the types of harassment you have experienced (feel free to leave out people's names?) Someone who took a photo of his penis with my ahegao-cosplay photo in front of him on the mobile phone. Just one of common messages I get. And so many more. But I got kinda used to it. I don't respond to this stuff anyway, but it's not shocking anymore, haha. Has anyone ever harassed you at the level of stalking? Actually there was a stalker, but not in a sexual way. What measures (i.e. security, limited contact information, reporting…etc) do you take to limit harassment? I don't give my number, my address, or anything like that. Also, some people are adding me for example on my private social media accounts. I do not accept them over there. What do you think platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc could do to help curb harassment? Pretty hard, since there are way to many people out there. I think they are actually doing a pretty good job - at least because you can use the "block" function. Apart from cosplay have you ever experienced this kind of harassment with any other hobbies like twitch streaming? Yes, randomly people are coming in and writing some sexual stuff. Just need to be quick and ban them, but that's what moderators usually do. And keep ignoring them, that's what's the best. Do not even mention them in the stream. Does the harassment seem to be directed towards female cosplayers or do men encounter it as well? I am not sure tho. I think female cosplayers are being harassed the most. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into it? In the internet you need to be strong when you are showing your face to everyone who isn't showing their face. Always keep in mind to use the block-function and ignore them. Any dream costumes you want to do? Way too many! And I will do all of them! What’s your day job? I am working as a teacher in the kindergarten 9 hours a day. Is Cosplay your job? Not yet. I am working as a teacher until March 2018, and then cosplay will be my full-time job. Do you sell costumes or props? No, I just sell the costumes/props privately I do not use anymore. What are your favorite costumes? D.Va; Serah Farron; Ahri; Nepgear; Kotori Minami; JUST ALL.
Stephanie van Rijn
What's your cosplay or social media name? Stephanie van Rijn, not original, I know :P How Old Are You? 27, almost 28. What social media platforms do you use? Mostly facebook, instagram, twitter and deviantart. Do you attend Conventions? When I have the time, yes. How long have you been doing Cosplay? Not that long to be honestly, maybe 4/5 years. What got you into Cosplay? I did very small cosplays when I was a kind but at the time I didn't really know what cosplaying was. I did some Dragon Age inspired makeups and some original takes on Harley Quinn but nothing more. I started more seriously for a Demon Hunter cosplay a few years ago to wear at Blizzcon. Do you make your own costumes? I do! My boyfriend does help me once in a while...mostly when I feel like throwing everything in the garbage. Do you model other peoples creations? I did! For Sis Creations and Designs who made some latex cosplays. We did Poison Ivy, Catwoman and Harley Quinn. We're planning on doing princess Leia soon. How long have you been posting your creations on social media? From the beginning, I'd say since I was 20. Do you attend conventions in costume? I try as much as I can, I participated in masquerades as well. Last year I participated at Ottawa Comiccon with my DC Burlesque group where we won Crowd Favorite. Have you ever been sexually harassed on Social Media or in person? Was it because of your cosplay? Many times! Some people think that the second you post online or the second you show skin it's a free pass to say whatever they want and be as crude as they want. It doesn't happen to me in public though, always online. I don't think it was because of the cosplays, I do post modeling and acting work as well and the harassment is just as present. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider quitting social media? Honestly, yes. But I told myself that it would be ridiculous to abandon things I love because some people don't know how to behave properly. Plus, there's so many incredible people who have been nothing but nice to me...so I guess it's all worth the trouble. Has the harassment ever caused you to consider giving up cosplay? I'd say same thing as the previous answer. Do you expect or accept a certain level of harassment from people? Well...when I feel like it's harassment I simply don't answer or I block the person. I gave a lot of chances in the past but it brought me too much problems to keep up with it. Can you give some examples of the types of harassment you have experienced (feel free to leave out people's names?) I've had people writing to me dozens of times with sex proposition in exchange for money and creating different profiles whenever I was blocking them. Being called names, receiving unsolicited dick pics overly sexual remarks...that happens often. Has anyone ever harassed you at the level of stalking? There are one or two people, yes. One of them got to the point where I had to notify the police. It wasn't pleasant at all. What measures (i.e. security, limited contact information, reporting…etc) do you take to limit harassment? When it's remarks it's a simple ignore and block, when it comes to stalking and strong harassment and such...I report it. I'm not taking any chances. What do you think platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…etc could do to help curb harassment? Take people seriously! I've reported people harassing me to facebook and nothing was done. I blocked them and they would go through my friend's list and try to get infos and contact me through my family and friends. Apparently, the person wasn't breaking any standards so nothing was done. When it happened on deviantart, they block the person completely from the site and I was never bothered again. Maybe if sites were taking victims of harassment seriously, give strong warnings and if that didn't work managed to block the person completely that could be helpful. Apart from cosplay have you ever experienced this kind of harassment with any other hobbies like twitch streaming? Pretty much all the same, yes. Does the harassment seem to be directed towards female cosplayers or do men encounter it as well? I'm pretty sure it goes both ways. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into it? Don't let anyone stop you. Do what makes YOU comfortable. If you're happy with what you're doing and you're comfortable doing it, that's all the should matter. At the end of the day you can't please everyone. Any dream costumes you want to do? Leliana from Dragon Age and Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings! Plans for other costumes they want to do? I'm almost done working on Anastasia from the animated film as well as Fem Shepard from Mass Effect What’s your day job? Acting, writing and modeling. Is Cosplay your job? Not really, mostly a hobby but it does go with the modeling. Do you sell costumes or props? Not at the moment, I don't think I'm good enough to sell what I do yet. What are your favorite costumes? I loved making Inquisitor Lavellan and Morrigan from Dragon Age.