Cosplay uncovered: Tackling sexual harassment at Comiccon

MONTREAL — Cosplay enthusiasts packed into the panel room Saturday at Montreal Comiccon to discuss the issue of sexual harassment at conventions.

It was the first such panel discussion in the Montreal Comiccon’s nine-year history.

“I’m so grateful that so many people came. I hope this subject will be more public in the future,” said panel leader Pascale Deshaye, who approached Montreal Comiccon organizers because she felt there was a real need within the “Geek community” to discuss the issue.

“We come to these conventions with friends, or sometimes by ourselves for the first time and we’re excited to share our costumes and to talk about the characters,” he said.

“We don’t expect to have people ask us lewd questions or grab us, because they misunderstand and think our costume is an invitation.”

The session lasted for an hour and many men and women voiced their relief at  finding like-minded cosplayers who understand how touchy it can be to navigate conventions.

“This is about showing our creativity and enjoying it with our fellow geeks. It’s about respect,” said cosplayer Dannyx Michaud.

READ MORE: Montreal Comiccon kicks off

Cosplayers are encouraged to speak out if they feel someone has crossed the line.

At the Montreal convention, organizers have outlined what constitutes inappropriate behaviour.

Hugging, kissing and groping are on the list.

But if the harassment takes another form, organizers want participants to come forward.

Cosplayer Marc-Olivier Barbeau has the following advice for those attending conventions:

“Just ask. Ask if you can take the picture. Ask if you can get in their personal space.”