I have been in the cosplay community for about five years now. I absolutely love the majority of the people in the community, but sadly, like most communities, there are the people that ruin it.

When I first got into the cosplay community and way before my time, there was what is known as glomping. This is basically where someone runs up to another person and hugs them while tackling them. People got hurt, cosplays ruined and personal spaces destroyed. Luckily, glomping is not as common as it once was.

But that doesn't mean the cosplay community has gotten better. There are a few people now that are taking up-skirt pictures of cosplayers, grabbing props and breaking them, people grabbing both male and female cosplays inappropriately, and others making sexual comments towards cosplayers.

Cosplay does not equal consent.

We are just normal people who enjoy dressing up as our favorite characters. Even though you may see your favorite character, please, don't run up to them screaming and charging at them. Speak to them, ask them about the series, ask about their props, ask for a picture, ask if it's okay to give a hug. If they decline a picture or decline to you holding a prop, respect it.

Cosplayers do not owe you anything, they aren't someone on a pedestal, they are just like you, but in a costume. I think this is something people always forget in the cosplay community. While putting on a costume may make you feel and make others see you as a different person, you are still you at the core. The costume does change who you are as a person and it should not change how people treat you. Cosplayers should be treated like a human being, they should be treated with the same respect you would anyone else. Because harassment, big or small, needs to stop.

There are many people trying to bring out awareness for the inappropriate actions taking place in this community. Some cons now put out signs or have areas people to go to if they feel unsafe. Okay To Not Be Okay is an organization that started with two cosplayers who grew tired of hearing their friends stories of assault and mistreatment. It is a beautiful collaboration local photographers, cosplayers, and others that are shedding light on this subject and bringing awareness. They cover everything from photobombing to stopping people from taking inappropriate pictures.

Even you can help. If you see anyone being harassed, report it to the security or volunteer at the convention and aid the person. Do not be a bystander. Make sure they are okay and try to not escalate the situation until more help comes. I hope one day the cosplay community will be free of this, but for now, be active and alert. Be a friend to your fellow cosplayer, and do what is right.