#supercon

Convention Experience Part 2:

Even though I went with my uncle, he was working, so I had to explore the con by myself. That felt like a big deal. I grew up with strict parents, so being out on my own made me feel a little nervous, but also really free. It made me feel independent, but I also had a couple of experiences that forced me to grow up quickly and learn how to be more aware and protective of myself in public spaces. What stood out the most was how accepted I felt. I used to hide the things I liked, but at Supercon, everyone was proudly expressing themselves. I met people who were just as passionate as I and didn’t care about being judged. It reminded me that fandom isn’t just about shows or characters, it’s about finding a place where you belong. Building my costumes over the years even helped me develop my style. I still wear things I used to wear for cosplay, like the vampire fangs I’ve recycled countless times now. Over the years, I’ve naturally gravitated toward friends who are creative and share the same interests in shows. Events like Supercon show how youth culture is changing. It’s becoming more open and expressive. I saw people of all ages and backgrounds there. Some were even cosplaying characters who shared their disabilities, and that kind of representation stuck with me. 

Convention Experience Part 1:

When I was younger, around 14, I was really into anime and cosplay, even if I didn’t talk about it much. I got bullied in middle school and early high school for liking things that weren’t considered “cool,” so I learned to keep it to myself. However, attending Supercon helped me see my interests in a different light. It even helped me see myself in a different light. 

I’ve attended Supercon twice so far, and both times it had a significant impact. What first drew me in was my uncle. He’s a professional cosplayer who is frequently invited as a guest to prestigious events. His handmade Star Wars costumes are so realistic that they appear to be straight out of the movie. I always admired the effort and creativity he put into his work. Since anime and fandom were already a massive part of my life, I wanted to explore that world myself and get to know the community up close and personal. The first time I went was in 2020 during the pandemic. I dressed up as Himiko Toga from My Hero Academia. At the time, I didn’t know how to protect myself. I was still just a kid and didn’t realize that not everyone at these events had good intentions. I let random people take pictures of me, including some older men, without giving it a second thought. Looking back, that made me uncomfortable in ways I didn’t understand until later. When I went again the second time, I was older and more aware. I set better boundaries and only took pictures with other girls around my age. I also understood the layout of the con better and felt more in control of my time there. 

@FloridaSupercon I may or may not be in Miami for #FloridaSupercon2025 👀🎭