LOCATION: PANEL 2 - LONGHORN ROOM

A much needed Q&A based discussion panel over what is it like to be African American in a community dominated now by a different complexion. I give a detail talk about what happens when you’re debuting as a cosplayer with dark skin versus peers of a lighter color getting accepted in terms of what’s aesthetically pleasing and not. I recount several adverse and positive experiences that will help educate peers on what to do when you’re faced with negative critical just because you don’t look like the anime character your cosplaying. This topic is very enlightening and needs to be talked about more when attending conventions and your counterparts happen to turn blind eyes to what you experience in this community that they may not know about. Towards the end I provide resources to help you get started on Instagram if you want a breakout video to boost your cosplaying appearance and tips on how to combat racism and turn it into a positive within this community.

PANELIST: Chelsea Washington