Conventions are still doing a bad job when it comes to representation for black women!

They mostly pick black women who are racially ambiguous or light skin. Or who don't speak up on black issues.

So basically those who appeal to a white audience. CONS CAN DO BETTER IN 2021!!

If you're gonna pick black women as cosplay guests but you restrict your choices to only those who are racially ambiguous or light skin?

That tells me that you only want the appearance of diversity and progress. But don't actually want to do the work or care about black women.

Having black women at all as cosplay guests is progress. But it doesn't mean there isn't more work to be done when it comes to representation. There's diversity within black women and all types of black women deserve to have a fair chance to be represented!

Anyways I'm happy there's progress when it comes to black women gaining opportunities to be cosplay guests. But we're a diverse group where some of us have darker skin, are plus size, disabled, are advocates, and with diverse skill sets! There's more than just an handful of us!

I know this isn't a priority for people during this pandemic. I was just thinking that cons have more time to learn and do better for 2021 since most cons are cancelled for this year.

Please share this thread so more can see this and do better!

This is an important topic for me cause it's so rare for me to see someone like me as a cosplay guest. It hurts to see cons to not even consider (let alone choose) a dark skin black women. Let alone one that's plus size or disabled or that speaks out on important issues.

I can't cosplay for awhile due to my health and as hard it's been for me to not be able to do something I love. It would be nice to at least see people that look or are like me being cosplay guests. And being treated properly and valued! I just want to feel like I belong.

There's just so many talented black women, disabled people, people who speak out to make the cosplay community (and it isn't only to promote themselves). That deserves more love and opportunities!

I hate that so many lose opportunities for speaking up to make things better.

Most of the "allies" or "advocate" that cons invite as cosplay guests. Are basically people who are neutral and say stuff like "cosplay is for everyone". While doing nothing to help out besides maybe their friends who might happen to be POC (if black, mostly light skin).

Anyways just venting my frustrations about the cosplay community. We shouldn't settle for the bare minimum or the illusion of diversity. We deserve true diversity. And an environment where everyone has a fair chance for opportunities whether to have a panel or be a cosplay guest!