Navigating Unwanted Attention

You Don't Owe Anyone a Response

The most important principle: you are not obligated to respond to unsolicited commentary about your body, your clothing choices, or your appearance. A non-response, a brief acknowledgment, or a direct request to stop are all valid responses. You do not owe strangers, acquaintances, or even well-meaning friends an explanation of your choices.

At Conventions

Convention spaces have specific dynamics around cosplay and attention. The cosplay community's "cosplay is not consent" principle applies clearly: wearing any costume, regardless of how revealing, is not an invitation for touching, photography without permission, or unsolicited commentary about your body. Know where the convention's harassment reporting desk is at the start of your day. Most large conventions have security staff trained to handle these situations.

Prepared Responses

Having a few prepared responses for common unwanted comments reduces the cognitive load of dealing with them in the moment. Options range from deflection ("Thanks, I'm going to head back to my friends") to direct feedback ("Please don't comment on my body") to humour, depending on the situation and your preference. Practicing these in advance makes them easier to deploy.

The People Worth Your Energy

The vast majority of people at conventions and in daily life are not making unwanted comments. Investing energy in community — people who appreciate your craft, creativity, and presence — is a meaningful counterbalance to the minority who behave badly.