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Mark Wesley Pritchard
Founding member
Bio
Award-winning cosplayer, cosplay model, influencer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @thecosplayerfromtexas
Instagram: @thecosplayerfromtexas
TikTok: @thecosplayerfromtexas
Stories (208/0)
Miles Morales Suit Review
Greetings, true believers! The last time I reviewed a Spider-Man suit was about a year ago. It was my Captain Spidey suit from Zentaizone. Unfortunately, back in late March, it was stolen. It was in one of my backpacks and all of a sudden, a thief or thieves swiped it off a bench while I was charging my phone outside of a Walmart, just feet away, on a bench. I should’ve taken my bag with me and smart enough not to leave it unattended. It was devastating and wondered if I would ever have the courage to be Spider-Man again.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Geeks
Silence Is Never An Option
2020 has gone off to a rough start. The coronavirus pandemic currently has over 17 million cases. On top of that, the loss of jobs, high unemployment, numerous cancellations of large events, and so on. It has also taken the lives of over 150,000 people in the United States.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
A Message to Anti-Maskers
I’m at a loss for words right now. It seems like a majority of people have an issue wearing face masks. In the past few weeks, I’ve watched numerous videos online of people getting upset at businesses trying to enforce the rules by being asked to wear face coverings. In most of these situations, the so-called “Karen’s.” To me, they’re being entitled, selfish, and think that everything revolves around them. They think that attending large gatherings is more important than keeping themselves and others safe. Reading and hearing the number of new coronavirus cases were disturbing. On Sunday, there were 10 million COVID-19 cases and half a million deaths worldwide. This virus is not just a small flu. It has already taken tens of thousands of lives. If you think that COVID-19 is a hoax or a conspiracy, you are sorely mistaken. Everyone needs to take this pandemic seriously, young and old. It’s important that everyone listen to state health officials and follow the CDC guidelines. It’s only going to get worse before it starts to get better.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Longevity
5 Years of Marriage Equality
June 26, 2015: the day that love won. Five years ago today, the Supreme Court ruled that marriage equality was the law of the land, which they voted 5-4. At the time, I was working at a non-profit in Springdale, Arkansas as a administrative assistant when I heard the exciting news. The United States became the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. It was a win for LGBTQ+ people, allies, and activists everywhere. As of June 2020, there are 29 countries that marriage equality is recognized. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
Geek Spotlight: Naoise O’Hare
Do you love retro gaming? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to interview Naoise O’Hare. Based out of Dublin, Ireland, his love of retro games goes deeper. His video game collection would make everyone’s jaws drop. With 24,000 followers on Instagram, Naoise’s posts are always exciting to see and I love the Atomic Purple Game Boy Color that he has. Enjoy my interview with him down below.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Gamers
A Landmark Win for the LGBTQ+ Community. Top Story - June 2020.
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ people are protected from workplace discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, also known as Title VII. This comes days after the Trump administration rolled back protections from LGBTQ+ people, where health care providers can refuse to treat them because of their religious beliefs. This is a huge win for us, but our work is not done yet. In the midst of a pandemic, today’s historic ruling is a step forward.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
Trans Lives Still Matter
On the fourth anniversary of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting that occurred in Orlando, the Trump administration recently announced that they have rolled back non discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people that were under the Affordable Care Act. It’s a shame that they’re rolling back these protections during a health crisis. According to the new rules, gay and transgender people can be refused care because of the provider’s religious beliefs. Not only it’s discriminatory, but it goes against HIPPA laws. The new rule is expected to take effect in mid-August. However, advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), are planning to file a lawsuit to challenge the ruling.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
A Letter To My Younger Self
In honor of Pride Month, I decided to write a letter to my younger self. I knew that I liked boys, dating back to the first grade. My now estranged parents never knew of this and I hid my sexuality until I was in my early 20s. They were conservative and from an African country called Liberia. If I had came out to them at seven years old, they would’ve disowned me anyway, harmed me, put me through conversion therapy, or all of the above. When I came out of the closet at 24, I still hid it from them until I finally told them in an open letter I’ve written here on Vocal about a month ago.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Motivation
Black Lives Still Matter
When will it ever end? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself. The “it” I’m referring to is police brutality and racial injustice. The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day and the manner of how he died broke my heart. The video of a police officer pinning Floyd on the ground, using his knee and pressing the back of his neck for several minutes, pleading that he couldn’t breathe, was disturbing. It was heartbreaking to watch and was in tears.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
All in the Name of Equality . Top Story - June 2020.
Greetings, Vocal readers. Pride Month has finally arrived. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we have to remember that we’re still fighting for equality for all LGBT people. I know that marriage equality has been legalized for almost five years, but queer people are still being discriminated against and denied services. We have an election coming up in November and if President Trump doesn’t get re-elected, the next commander-in-chief has to be committed to fight for the rights of gay and lesbian people and condemn discrimination of all forms.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Humans
Pre-Quarantine Moments: Fayetteville, AR Comic Show
In case you haven’t noticed, a majority of conventions, not only here in this country, but in other contries, have other been postponed to later in the year, summer, or cancelled altogether. I’ve recently asked cosplayers on my social media pages if they felt comfortable or nervous about attending a con this year. A large number of people said that they’re mostly concerned about bad hygiene from others. I’ve been a cosplayer for about six years and I’m really big on hygiene. I make sure that I take a shower before attending a convention and taking another one when I get home from one. In my opinion, hygiene is something that all cons should address and there should be strict rules about that to prevent others from getting sick. Also, they should have social distancing measures implemented. I’m confident of attending a con this year, but doing it safely and responsibly.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Geeks
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ and ‘Street Fighter II’ Reviews
It’s been a while since I’ve done a game review. Since I’m currently on paid leave from work because of the coronavirus pandemic, I playing video games to keep myself occupied. For the first time on Vocal, I’ll be reviewing two games at the same time. Those are Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition. I’ll share my own personal ratings for both games near the end of this article.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Gamers