10 Years as a Black Female Cosplayer: Celebrating Body Positivity and Being Your True Self

Cosplaying has become a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and positivity. As I mark a significant milestone of 10 years in the world of cosplaying, it's only fitting to reflect on the journey that has been filled with body positivity and fun.

Cosplay has been a part of my life for a whole decade now, and it’s wild to think about how far I've come since my first costume. From sewing together my first outfit in a tiny apartment to now attending conventions and meeting fellow fans, cosplay has always been a space where I can truly be myself. But it's not just about the costumes or the conventions—over the years, I’ve learned so much about body positivity, confidence, and the joy of being unapologetically me.

In this post, I want to share what 10 years of being a Black female cosplayer has taught me about embracing my body, celebrating my identity, and, most importantly, having fun along the way.

1. Cosplay Is for Everyone, No Matter Your Body Type

When I first started cosplaying, I won’t lie—I had my doubts. I didn't see many people who looked like me in the cosplay community, and I wondered if I could ever truly pull off a character. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years: cosplay is for everyone. Whether you're plus-size, petite, tall, or short, your body is the perfect vessel for your costume. In fact, your unique take on a character can make your cosplay even more special.

I’ll never forget the first time I cosplayed a character who didn’t “fit” the traditional mold. I was nervous, but when I looked at myself in the mirror, I realized something incredible—I looked amazing. The confidence I felt that day gave me the courage to push forward, and that moment changed everything for me. Cosplay became about embracing who I was, not about trying to fit into someone else’s idea of perfection.

2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others—You’re Your Own Unique Star

It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially with social media showing us the best of everyone’s cosplays. But let me tell you something: you can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your cosplay is unique to you. It’s about the fun of crafting something from scratch, the joy of bringing your favorite characters to life, and the excitement of being part of an amazing community.

I’ve learned to stop worrying about whether my cosplay is as “perfect” as someone else’s. Instead, I focus on what makes my version of the character special. And guess what? It’s my personality and creativity that make it shine. So, let go of the comparisons and focus on what makes you happy.

3. Cosplay is About Fun and Making Connections

I think sometimes people forget that cosplay is meant to be FUN. It's not about competing for the most accurate or the most extravagant costume—it's about joy, creativity, and making friends. Over the years, I’ve met some of the most amazing people through cosplay, people who share my love for characters and fandoms and who have become lifelong friends.

Whether we’re geeking out over our favorite anime or helping each other perfect our wigs, cosplay is a place where you can connect with others who get you. And honestly, some of the best memories I have from conventions aren’t from the panels or photo ops—they’re from the random moments of friendship and fun.

4. Being a Black Female Cosplayer: Embracing Your Identity

As a Black woman in the cosplay community, I’ve sometimes faced challenges—whether it’s dealing with microaggressions, limited representation, or feeling like I didn’t belong in certain spaces. But over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my identity and celebrate it in every cosplay I create. I love showcasing Black characters or putting my own spin on characters from different cultures.Here's to many more years of cosplaying, body positivity, and, most importantly, fun!