For my thoughts on this, this is an issue that has been going on at conventions that involve cosplaying and I want to make my voice heard on this and increase the awareness on this and how we can stop this from getting worse. Whether you're a female or male, it breaks my heart when people who have worked so hard on their cosplays and they get harassed for it instead of complimenting. While this is more common with female cosplayers, but even males are victimized by this. It starts off in many ways, but I'll just list common tricks by the morons who instigate these incidents. From taking innappropriate shots of a female's panty shot or cleavage, those kinds of shots are done in secret and without the consent of the cosplayer. There's also the attendee doing something inappropriate in the picture or they ask you a question that's not appropriate to ask. From sex-related questions to compliments, the cosplayer only end up disgusted by what the perps are doing. Sometimes, nobody does anything b/c they feel scared to step up and people would say "Well you are having parts of your body showing, expect it." As for me, I don't ever go by that and nobody should be saying this like that. Just b/c someone is revealing parts of their bodies in a cosplay they're wearing, doesn't mean you have their consent to say something sexually inappropriate or a compliment of that nature.

For those being victimized by this, don't hesitate to step up and tell those offenders to back off. If they continue to pursue you in a manner like that, that's what convention staff and security is for. As much as we all like to ridicule the security staff for their rentacop outfits, but they're there for valid reason(s) and that's to assist convention staff and make sure everything is going allright. Let them know what is happening and if you can, try to point them out so they can handle the situation from there. If the perps don't listen, then it's the out the door for them and hope that you don't run into people like that again. If you don't feel comfortable being alone with the cosplay you're wearing, bring a friend to accompany you or a group to make things better for you and be there on the spot to tell people they're going too far and need to step off and don't hesitate to confront them. Sometimes, it doesn't always happen b/c the cosplayer might feel overpowered by the offenders and are afraid to say anything.

For all the other cosplayers out there, if you suspect something on a cosplayer getting sexually harassed, regardless of their gender and don't hesitate to stand up for them. Especially for those dressed up as a heroic character, don't be afraid to demonstrate the ideals of that hero and stand up for those getting harassed. It might make you feel boastful, but the cosplayer(s) getting harassed will never forget that someone has saved their day before it got worse. No matter what, whether you're in cosplay or not and see harassment at conventions, don't be afraid to tell those sickos to back off and let them know it's not cool of what they're doing.

I maybe a guy who dresses up operatives from Resident Evil, whether I'm a cold-blooded ruthless Umbrella agent, a UBCS merc, RPD or BSAA, I decided to make a vow for myself that I will do my part by standing up for those victims and give them a hand to ward off the morons that caused the harassment. Hell, I'll even snitch on them to con staff and security to haul their asses out of the convention. We should all step up for our cosplayers and let these idiots be aware that what they're doing isn't right. It's all our jobs be aware of this issue and work together to keep it from getting worse and better yet; prevent them from happening.

To spread awareness on this issue, I'll be having a board that says "Cosplay isn't Consent" or whatever the cosplayer(s) I'm picturing write something on the board to combat harassment at cons by holding up these signs. I'm doing this boost up this cause and to let those who deserve help know that there's people out there that care and we're not just there for the pictures, we're there to help each other. These conventions are supposed to be a place to have a good time, being with friends, meeting people and getting compliments for your hard work. It shouldn't be a nightmare to begin with, it's already difficult enough with what goes on at the convention and getting stressed out.

To those taking inappropriate shots, if you're looking for sexy, then the stripper club is the place for you to do that and be pleased by them, don't make victims out of the cosplayers, they're not there to please you sexually. If you don't want confrontation, then STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING OR WE'LL REPORT YOUR BEHAVIOR TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONEL AND HAVE YOUR ASS HAULED FROM THE CONVENTION!!! For those who invest their doing that, here's the middle finger salute to you asswipes!
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Thank you all for reading, please enjoy the conventions you love to attend and don't stop cosplaying! My comrades, we're all in this together!