Empathy in Cosplay: The Heart of a Stronger, More Inclusive Community
Published on 11 November 2025 by Mia Chen
Cosplay should be a realm of creativity and passion—a place where individuals can embody their beloved characters, engage with one another, and delight in the experience of fandom. But let’s face it. Of late, it hasn’t consistently been that way.
Sometimes the very act of creating a costume, going to conventions, or sharing a new cosplay can feel shadowed by negativity. The judgment, gatekeeping, and toxic competitiveness that seem to have crept into cosplay can make it that much harder for some of us to do all of the above and feel good about it.
What’s going on? And, even more significantly, how do we resolve the issue?
The Rise of Toxicity and empathy in Cosplay
In certain circles, cosplay has long since crossed the line from being a pastime to being a stage for seeking validation, for strutting one’s stuff, and for engaging in some pretty ruthless comparisons. Instead of being a space where everyone supports and encourages one another, some have made it a judgment zone, where they rain down holy fire upon the heads of those who somehow haven’t measured up.
It begins in a minor way. One makes a remark about another’s physique, saying it doesn’t quite match up to the character they’re trying to portray. Next, the appearance of the character is criticized and the comment that it lacks in this area is passed off as “constructive” criticism. To some, it sounds like a compliment wrapped up in pleasantries, but really it’s just another instance of pretending to be positive while spreading negativity.
Social media has only amplified the issue. The obsession with numbers—followers, likes, and engagement—has turned cosplay into a competition. Many now chase unattainable beauty ideals, often resembling poorly edited digital images. The thirst for clout has reached such extremes that, for some, it has become the ultimate objective, while for others, it is merely a stepping stone on the journey.
But here’s the thing: Cosplay wasn’t constructed on perfection. It was constructed on passion.
Why Empathy is the Missing Piece
At its core, cosplay is about transformation—not just of fabric and foam but of people. When we put on a costume, we step into a character’s world, their story, their emotions. But somehow, we’ve forgotten to extend that same understanding to each other.
Empathy is what holds a community together. It’s what allows us to see another cosplayer and appreciate their effort instead of nitpicking their flaws. It’s what makes us support beginners instead of shutting them out. It’s what reminds us that everyone has different struggles, different resources, different reasons for cosplaying.
Not everyone has the money for expensive materials. Not everyone has the time to perfect every detail. Not everyone fits society’s mold of who “should” be cosplaying certain characters. And that should be okay. Because cosplay isn’t about limitations. It’s about creativity.
Recognizing Toxicity in the Community
If we want a better cosplay space, we need to be honest about what’s harming it.
- Gatekeeping – Saying only certain people should cosplay a character because of their appearance, skill level, or budget.
- Body Shaming – Making cosplayers feel like they don’t “look right” for a role based on their body type, race, or gender.
- Harassment – Crossing boundaries, making inappropriate comments, or treating cosplayers like objects instead of people.
- Social Media Obsession – Valuing followers and engagement over genuine passion and connection.
If you’ve experienced any of this, you know how discouraging it can be. And if you’ve unknowingly contributed to it, now’s the time to reflect and do better.
Choosing Empathy, Choosing Change
So how do we bring empathy back? By making small, conscious choices—every single day.
- Instead of critiquing, compliment. A simple “That looks amazing!” can mean everything to someone.
- Instead of gatekeeping, encourage. Welcome newcomers, share tips, and remind people that cosplay is for everyone.
- Instead of tearing down, uplift. A cosplayer struggling with their first outfit doesn’t need judgment—they need support.
- Instead of chasing clout, reconnect. Remember why you started cosplaying in the first place. Passion, creativity, joy.
Most importantly, stand up when you see toxicity. Call out unfair criticism. Support cosplayers being harassed. Be the kind of cosplayer you wish you had when you started.
Building a Future Where Everyone Belongs
Cosplay isn’t just about looking like a character—it’s about the love for the craft, the friendships, the shared excitement of bringing fictional worlds to life. That magic fades when negativity takes over. But we can take it back.
It starts with empathy. It starts with us.
If you believe in a more accepting, positive cosplay community, check out Unite for Acceptance in Cosplay. Let’s create a space where everyone belongs. Because cosplay is for all of us.
Mia Chen
Hi, I’m Mia Chen—a freelance blogger who lives for travel, food, and finding hidden gems. Whether it’s chasing street food in Bangkok or sipping coffee in a quiet café, I’m here to share the laughs, bites, and stories from my thoughts. 🥢✈️
“Will travel for food, write for fun, and probably get lost along the way—but hey, that’s where the best stories happen!”
