Cosplay as Therapy

When asked to write this article I spent days agonizing over trying to be inclusive and explain to “muggles” (non-magic folk) the details behind cosplay and how some people may use cosplay as a form of therapy. As a self-aware individual and cosplayer, I only have my experience and the stories shared with me by my cosplay community. So I decided to ask my mother what comes to mind when she thinks of COSPLAY. Her response was standard. “It’s about wearing costumes, and comic con, right?” Yes, it is — but this is its most basic level. What spawns from cosplay is an overly supportive community of passionate real people, imaginary characters and civil rights defenders who believe in philanthropy, sharing craftsmanship information and more. Like any other community, it embraces everything that affects and interests its members.

With lives existing mainly online, it’s easy to see how a global community like cosplay would rise to the top of the popularity charts so quickly. Our members are already nerds; we’ve been online discussing EVA foam application, looking at others people’s work and commenting and responding to comments for years. But our current popularity online and in the media does not reflect the struggle we’ve grown through as a community. We always knew nerds would take over the world, but can we take over our own lives?

Cosplay presents opportunities for expression and experimentation and to challenge oneself. Cosplay is an opportunity to become a little more self-aware and learn something about ourselves that we can take beyond the convention floor.

My first time cosplaying I created my own anamorphic arctic wolf based off a series of books by Kelley Armstrong. Her series was about strong, supernatural women, including a female werewolf. I wanted to be a part of the books and lost in the urban fantasy world, but looking back now I realize that more importantly, I wanted to be a strong hero in my own story and life. My whole life I’ve dealt with anxiety whenever I do something new in a new place. The idea of going out in public in a costume was exciting, but also incredibly scary. But like childbirth — or so I hear — I don’t remember the fear and pain as much as the joy. I survived my first cosplay and took one step closer to becoming who I am today.

As I made more friends, I learned that many of these amazing cosplayers who I looked up to were just like me — regular people who escape real life and go to conventions. Everyone has issues and cosplay can help people discover themselves, challenge their anxiety, cope with depression or maybe even cure anti-social behaviors. Just like in the real world, stories are personal to each individual and sometimes they’re willing to share. I asked my cosplay community through Facebook to send me some bits about how cosplay has helped them overcome personal strife in their lives. Here are their stories:

The community of New England cosplayers is very accepting and encouraging — everyone is a cheerleader for everyone else. A newly single mother stated, “It’s helping me through a very hard time in my life and has helped me find … some of my best friends … [They have] given me the courage to start moving on in my life and not just stay where I am because I feel stuck. Meeting people like [admired cosplayer] and you [Jax] has been quite the inspiration for me to not be afraid to walk on the other side of gender and dress as a man if I feel like it…”

Good friend and spectacular cosplayer Brandon Clarke, aka the shapeshifter, wrote “[C]osplay has helped me come into my own as an artist and entertainer. It has given me the power and confidence to never be afraid to embrace my uniqueness and individuality. The experience in itself is gratifying because I get to put smiles on people’s faces. I get to play these powerful and magical characters and I get to be fabulous in alternate reality. Cosplay has saved my life because it’s not just a hobby, it’s a self expression.” Last year at RICC, Brandon, two other cosplayers and I hosted a panel discussion about cosplay as a form of self expression and gender identity called “Limitless Cosplay: Cosplay your way to self love,” which is available on my YouTube channel. youtube.com/jaxadele

One person stated, “Spider-Man helped me grieve and cope with my friend’s murder, who was shot in front of me just like Uncle Ben to Peter Parker. From being traumatized and not knowing how to live, I found hope again in my favorite childhood superhero. I finally found the courage to dress up as Spider-Man, which I always wanted to do when I was a kid, and it was my first cosplay at a convention in loving memory of my friend. As silly as it sounds, I feel so much stronger when I’m wearing spandex. Also, I’m more of myself around people as much as I act like Peter Parker and not break character. What started out as a cosplay at conventions turned into so much more as I started doing charity events and birthday parties for children. I’m not doing it for the attention, fame or money at all; I mean, at the end of the day, I’m a masked entertainer. I do it so I can give people, especially little kids, hope. Hope that there is good in the world, that there are people willing to take the mantle of a hero even though it’s hard, the hope that there’s life through the tragedies — the same hope Spider-Man has given me. Cosplaying has made me a different person, one I’m actually proud of. It still hurts to this day about my friend’s murder, but I will do everything I can to make him proud.” Even when coping with a traumatic experience or death of a loved one, people can find strength and happiness in cosplay.

Geek 4 Life Linda B shared, “The first con I went to was a Star Trek convention when I was 19. I went as a Next Gen medical officer. It was the first time I went out in public in costume when it wasn’t Halloween. I felt brave enough to not hide my geek and took the T to the Hynes for the con. I felt empowered. I even entered a costume contest, knowing I wouldn’t win (and didn’t). That’s the day my inner geek came out and hasn’t looked back.” From the moment I met Linda she has not let anything in life hold her back or keep her down. She is an amazing woman.

Wearing a mask or a literal suit of armor can give us the security blanket we need to push ourselves to be better. (For those with sensitivity to light or sound, or who are overwhelmed by crowds, I suggest a helmet or giant head costume. They help with sensory deprivation, which some people enjoy or find comforting. It’s my favorite because no one knows who you are so you can be body silly with gestures. You may want a handler, though.) For some it might show as confidence or bravery, while for others it may be more cathartic, bringing an inner sense of peace or hope.

Since my first cosplay, I have discovered a lot about myself. Cosplay has provided me with the ability to be bravely myself with strangers, to challenge my anxiety and follow the path that leads me to the type of person I want to be: a strong hero in my own story.

Are you ready to take your chance at cosplay or improving your life? Let the superheroes and larger-than-life characters inspire you and bring you closer to a community of passionate people at a comic con.