For the past month or so I've definitely seen an increase in pointless/anonymous hate being thrown by so called "fans" of many cosplayers. Whether it's because the picture just so happens to show lots of skin (actually more so on these pictures) or a fully covered up one, there's just so much nonsensical hate being flung around. Many of these people feel entitled to talk down on female cosplayers or straight up slut shame them for the type of cosplays they mainly make. With the rise of Patreon being a means for cosplayers to take this hobby to the next level, it's ramped up with the many different niches within cosplay Patreons. To an extent I can understand where the hate is coming from since I too was skeptical of it when I first saw Patreon take hold.
As I've seen Patreons grow and having pledged to many, it's a definite excitement to see exclusive photos and even cosplayers experiment with different types of material/shoots. Whether it's POV style cosplay lewds, or artistic nudes, I get a feeling of happiness seeing these girls have so much confidence in their bodies. Something I hope to fully have for myself one day. Visiting certain cosplayer pages can bring me headaches if I peek into the types of comments that are being written. It truly looks like these individual scumbags lost all sense of manner and feel empowered being rude. Whether it's derogatory comments like "Just do porn already, all your cosplays show off your boobs" or straight up threatening their lives, that kind of behavior just needs to be stopped.
Several years ago I wrote an opinion piece that was very similar in tone to what I'm discussing now. How people give cosplayers so much shit in proving their nerd cred or people wondering if these cosplayers have a right to make outfits with knowing little to nothing about the subject. One example of massively unwanted hate is with my wonderful friend Momokun Cosplay. I consider her one of the leading ladies in making the lewd niche popular on Patreon. Hell, I was part of it for a few months and it was quite something. Regarding the characters she's chosen to lewd up, people were up in arms when one specific character was chosen. Given the character's portrayal as a child in the anime, Momo went with the adult version. Complete with swimsuit version and all. I am aware she wasn't planning on lewding the character but hey, people have change of minds a bunch. That argument is one of the leading points haters make when it comes to Momokun.
Not to mention linking to absurdly false websites like Encyclopedia Dramatica as a source of facts to justify hate towards people like Jessica Nigri. I am here sitting beside myself whenever I see hate thrown to ANY cosplayer I'm a devoted fan. I even try to leave positive comments here and there to help drown out the hate. Even trying to convince haters that their comments are wrong. Though I'm quick to realize it's nigh impossible to change the hearts of neckbeards who act all high and mighty behind a keyboard hating on cosplayers simply cause they're successful. We live in a day and age where hobbies can be monetized for people to make a living instead of the dreary corporate like jobs we've grown up with hearing about. I have some friends who are full on artists, living off of commission work and it warms my heart so so much.
There are dozens upon dozens of other examples I could bring up in terms of what I have seen lately but I don't want this to be a lengthy post since it is already. Many of the cosplayers are some dear friends of mine and have helped me through some of the darkest times of my own life. Some like Jessica I even consider to be family in terms of the kind of friendship/relationship I have with them. I know it's a tall order to request but could you guys just take a damn chill pill and let cosplayers be successful with their work? They put in so much effort to share with us as well as inspire too! Below is a link to the last post I made regarding this subject matter, take a read if you want more details.
TL;DR: For god's sake be kind and go use the energy for something MUCH more productive/fulfilling rather than hating on women just cause they make sexy outfits for a living.
https://thelightningpalace.blogspot.com/2014/09/cosplayers-being-disrespected-and-why.html
