by Lindsey
There was so much crazy cosplay at SDCC this year, it's almost overwhelming. Out of all the costumes, what really stood out to me was the promotion of CONsent. Sexual assault and sexual harassment have been consistent features in the news media for years, but 2014 in particular seems fraught with geek stories.
The next big convention coming up is a local one for GG, Inc. - Dragon Con in Atlanta! This Con is well known for being fan-focused and has a HUGE cosplay community.
So, in response to what happened with Adrianne Curry, we need to help make Dragon Con a safer environment than SDCC this year. It's a really difficult minefield to try and handle, even as a woman.
So here are the easy-to-follow rules of CONsent for conventioneers.
The next big convention coming up is a local one for GG, Inc. - Dragon Con in Atlanta! This Con is well known for being fan-focused and has a HUGE cosplay community.
So, in response to what happened with Adrianne Curry, we need to help make Dragon Con a safer environment than SDCC this year. It's a really difficult minefield to try and handle, even as a woman.
So here are the easy-to-follow rules of CONsent for conventioneers.
1. Be Polite
If this was a work/family costume party, what would you say? Focus on basic costume compliments and keep it G-Rated.
Remember, nobody asked for your lewd or critical opinion.
2. Ask Permission
It's not difficult to ask for a photo. Ask before you get in someone's personal space. Ask before you touch a prop. Just like everywhere else in the world, ask permission before you do something!
3. Remember Where You Are
Seriously, there are kids here. Don't catcall to someone across a room. Don't hump someone's leg. Even if you are dressed as a furry - YOU ARE NOT AN ANIMAL. There is a burlesque show for lewd behavior. There are parties for nudity. John Barrowman has many photo ops with groping. The lobby is not the place for this!
4. Don't Touch the Hair
Rocky Horror teaches a valuable lesson in the rules of conduct: Don't F**K with the hair! Seriously, don't touch. Don't put your hands on someone's body parts or accessories without EXPRESSED CONSENT.
5. Photography Not Pornography
Take a picture of the whole costume or not at all. You may take pictures of people in public, but not to use as an anatomy lesson or humiliation. This is NOT the place to troll for Reddit body shaming or wardrobe malfunctions. We're nerds. We've been picked on for years. Cons should be a safe place!
If this was a work/family costume party, what would you say? Focus on basic costume compliments and keep it G-Rated.
- “Your costume looks great. Can I have a picture?”
- “I love that character! Did you make your weapon?”
- “That cosplay is spot on. Nice job!”
Remember, nobody asked for your lewd or critical opinion.
2. Ask Permission
It's not difficult to ask for a photo. Ask before you get in someone's personal space. Ask before you touch a prop. Just like everywhere else in the world, ask permission before you do something!
3. Remember Where You Are
Seriously, there are kids here. Don't catcall to someone across a room. Don't hump someone's leg. Even if you are dressed as a furry - YOU ARE NOT AN ANIMAL. There is a burlesque show for lewd behavior. There are parties for nudity. John Barrowman has many photo ops with groping. The lobby is not the place for this!
4. Don't Touch the Hair
Rocky Horror teaches a valuable lesson in the rules of conduct: Don't F**K with the hair! Seriously, don't touch. Don't put your hands on someone's body parts or accessories without EXPRESSED CONSENT.
5. Photography Not Pornography
Take a picture of the whole costume or not at all. You may take pictures of people in public, but not to use as an anatomy lesson or humiliation. This is NOT the place to troll for Reddit body shaming or wardrobe malfunctions. We're nerds. We've been picked on for years. Cons should be a safe place!
Geek Girls, Inc. will be at Dragon Con for fun, panels, cosplay and NEWS.
It shouldn't be that difficult to have a safe and enjoyable experience at CON. We don't advocate violence. We don't advocate aggression. We advocate consent.
*However* if you turn this Con into some horrifying flashback of high school sexual harassment, be prepared for the most devastating virtual wedgie of your life. We have over 100 female superheroes ready to protect geeks in distress.
We know your boss.
We know your mother.
We know the management.
Cosplay ≠ Consent.
There will be consequences.
*However* if you turn this Con into some horrifying flashback of high school sexual harassment, be prepared for the most devastating virtual wedgie of your life. We have over 100 female superheroes ready to protect geeks in distress.
We know your boss.
We know your mother.
We know the management.
Cosplay ≠ Consent.
There will be consequences.
For more information and stories about the CONsent movement go here: http://www.geeksforconsent.org/tag/san-diego-comic-con/
