Anime Expo and Diversity in Cosplay

Anime Expo has made its return and one of, if not the largest conventions in Los Angeles is back with a vengeance. From long-time attendees referring to it as “LineCon” to those who are cruising down the streets of DTLA wondering what’s happening, it seems like everything has gone back to normal. Well with everything happening in the world today, what exactly is normal anymore? However this article isn’t about current events, it’s more about something that’s been going on for a long while and is finally being addressed in a way that real progress can be made, diversity in cosplay.

Diversity in Cosplay

Over the weekend of Anime Expo 2022, not unlike any other comic convention across the world, there were cosplayers. Not only that, the cosplayers come from all walks of life, from different cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and nationalities. Cosplay is indeed for everyone. This is why one of the most important panels that can happen at any convention got its time to shine at the 2022 edition of Anime Expo.

I had the pleasure of being a panelist for the Diversity in Cosplay panel and it was a great experience. I was surrounded by friends both old and new from all corners of the world and we all had different backgrounds and entry points into cosplay. The thing we all had in common beyond that was the criticism we faced when cosplaying characters because we didn’t fit whatever mold someone else thought we should fit in when cosplaying.

This is a very common issue when you really think about the disparity between cosplayers who are people of color and those who aren’t. This is also why events like Anime Expo and other comic book conventions are great places to have these discussions. We’re all geeks, right? So why can’t we all be geeks together and treat each other with respect and dignity?

When walking the floors of Anime Expo, I saw the beauty that the world could be if we just looked past our differences. Geeks being geeks in a safe environment. No one was really worried about the color of someone’s skin or whether or not their costume was store-bought or homemade. People were just being themselves and having fun. Which is the entire point of cosplay, right?

I say that to say this, Anime Expo was great for those who attended. However, everyone deserves to have the same experience of awesomeness when they bust out a new cosplay. Let’s not alienate each other because the way one person dresses as Goku doesn’t match your headcanon. We’re all at the same party, so let’s make enough room for everyone to dance.

For more Anime Expo coverage check out:

SPY x FAMILY English Dub Cast Interview | Anime Expo 2022

Daman Mills Interview at Anime Expo 2022

Interview with voice actor Howard Wang at Anime Expo 2022

Setosnooplong interview at Anime Expo | Cosplay Connection