Out In The Open

[Invisible Emily]

Hi there,

So this upcoming weekend I will be attending a four day convention. During this four day convention I have the opportunity to cosplay different characters and I have put together four outfits. That being said as the time draws closer my anxiety seems to be climbing higher and higher. I've been to this event before and they are really welcoming about most things. I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person at this event to dress up as a character of the opposite sex, but I worry about presenting myself in this way for the first time publicly. This really is the best option I have at the moment to dress up though and it seems like a waste to go through all the trouble of putting the outfits together to not end up not wearing them. I don't mean to ramble. I was just hoping for some thoughts or guidance from people and what their first time dressing out in the open was like.

[Nikki A.]

Emily this is a perfect way to break the ice. The first time is the hardest, once you get out there it will be fun.

[TheHiddenMe]

First of all, will you know anyone at the convention? Any friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers, etc?

If the answer is no, then what is the issue? To all of the others, you will just be another attendee who is in cosplay. And you can almost guarantee there will be at least another male cosplayed there who wished he had the courage to do what you are doing. As a kid (and an adult) I was always jealous of the boys who dressed as girls for Halloween.

And if you don't go dressed, when you see another guy who is cosplaying a female character, you'll be the jealous one.

Second, you are 25. Young people these days are a lot more tolerant than fogies my age. I assume there will be lots of other young people there.

Third, I've been out and about the last 18 months, including about 15 times the last 6 months. I've never had an issue. People have either been accepting or they just ignore me.

Here's a telling story. My first time I sucked it up and went into a woman's restroom, there was no one in there. Good. Finish my business, two women. Go to the sink, wash hands, get out. Except this woman five feet to my right turns to me and says, "that's a beautiful dress". Not what I was expecting. I told her thanks.

Wear your costumes. I'm guessing there's a pretty good chance someone will approach you and say, "great costume."

Go for it. You know you want to. You can do it. You are going to do it sometime, it may as well be now.

I only wish I was as brave at 25 as you are going to be.

[DIANEF]

You see, once you cross that initial barrier you just want more. Glad you had a good time.

[Krea]

Hi Emily,
It's great that you wore your outfits at the convention & had a terrific time, as well as making a breakthru step.
Perhaps this will help you feel more confident about the possibility of going out dressed elsewhere.
Although two years might seem like a long time, maybe there are other events further afield where you could dress again before then.
Best wishes, Nic

[Nikki A.]

Glad you had a good time. Maybe there may be another event that you can attend.

[Invisible Emily]

So I know it's been a few weeks, but I'm happy to report I was able to dress up in all my outfits at the convention. It was so lovely and such a wonderful experience. I didn't talk to many people due to my anxiety creeping up again. However, with that being said I did get to speak to some familiar faces from the last time and even met some other wonderful people who were very friendly to me which was really nice. The highlight for me was going out the last night of the convention with the same group of people from two years earlier. They complimented my cosplays and were very supportive about me dressing up as my favorite characters. We even got to dance a little and I was so euphoric about being with these people again it really made my weekend that much more special. I'm a little depressed at the moment because I know I have to wait another two years before letting myself out again, but I guess it's not all bad because I know when I go in 2019 I will have no worries at all with dressing up again as Hermione and Luna. Which is really exciting to look forward to. Sorry for rambling, I just wanted to give an update and share my positive experiences. It was definitely all I could have hoped for when it came to dressing in public for the first time.

[sweetdreams]

Go for it Invisible. You won't stick out. I bet they won't even notice you. What a great opportunity to spread your wings.

[Beverley Sims]

Emily,
If you have gone out dressed before take a deep breath and overcome the stage fright that you seem to have.

Be original and present yourself in those themed costumes that you wish to show off.

[Connie D50]

Emily
Go have fun and post pictures would love to see the outfits.

[LeannS]

great glad you had a great time

Leann

[IleneD]

Opportunity is knocking, darling.
You know you WANT to do it, and probably already have the costume prepared.
Now.... you have everyone's encouragement and support.
Don't forget the pictures, Emma.

[Jaylyn]

Also you can always play it by ear. Take your outfit and test the waters then change. I bet though you'll fit right in.

[Kelly DeWinter]

I've started going to comic conventions before there were cosplay conventions,and there has been a huge shift in the cosplayers from traditional roles to transgender cosplaying. Probably 15-25% of cos-players attending flip genders on who they play or are guys playing the female character or girls playing the male characters.

The only caution I will give is to remember the #1 rule of cosplay "Spandex shows everything"

Cosplay conventions are a great way to meet a lot of talented artists and Cosplayers,

My only complaint is the growing number of 'former' Porn stars attending and charging 20-50 dollars for a photograph in what I had always thought of as a youth venue.

[Lana Mae]

First time was scary but exhilarating! You have to do it if you are felling the need to get out! This is a perfect venue for this! I say get the butterflies flying in formation and do it! Best wishes Hugs Lana Mae

[Teresa]

Emily,
Try and think what the worse thing possible could happen, Is it so bad ? I doubt it is ! Now think how good you will feel wearing those costumes, the decision is a no brainer , just go for it. You will be with like minded people being catered for by experienced people who have seen it all before. You have to go for it now you have the costumes, going out for for the first time was wonderful, I have never looked back , no regrets at all.

The only confusion is you say you have been before and yet you ask what it is like to go out for the first time, I wonder if you made a typing error and meant you've never been out before. Either way don't waste the opportunity you will only regret it .

[jennifer0918]

Do it this is an opportunity that can not be passed up. Trust me you will be fine. The key be nice, smile and if you see hatters,ignore them block them don't let them ruin your moment, you got this gurl shine like a diamond in the sky.
Good luck
Love &Hugs
J.

[DIANEF]

Been out dressed several times, first time ultra nervous, second no problem. As for Cosplay, at my age I wouldn't do it but at 25, I'd do it 100 per cent.

[rachael.davis]

Serious cosplay people will be checking your presentation, not your gender.
relax. go, enjoy

[Glenda]

Look forward to it with anticipation.....not anxiety.

[Stephanie47]

Are you going in an outfit that requires a lot of facial paint/makeup and tights such as a super hero or as a Princess such as Cinderella?

[SometimesKairi]

Most importantly young Emily, WHO are you gonna cosplay as?

I want to cosplay as Velvet from Tales of Beseria but now way could I ever pull that off lolol

[Rachael Leigh]

Emily this seems like a really good opportunity to get out and enjoy your time dressed, as others have said going to something like this no one will care how your dressed. Once your dressed and out the door and mingling you will relax and
prob won't be able wait till the next time.
Hope you enjoy it
Rachel Leigh

[Salina]

I echo what everyone else is saying. Go for it!! Have a blast and please post pics!!

[docrobbysherry]

Emily, I am currently at a T event out of state. And, will be wearing 8 different outfits over 5 days and nites. I suggest u wear the costume u feel u look the best in first. After the first day, you'll have made friends and be fine! Be careful not to leave anything at home. I thot I was doing well when I remembered makeup remover as I was going out the door. Then, forgot my hair brush!

Sherry has quite a number of cosplay and anime Friends on FB that crossdress. I'd be very surprised if there weren't a number at your event. Also, a very non passable T friend goes to cosplay conventions. I've seen countless pics of him and pretty, costumed, young women he's met and made friends with at them.