More Than Just a Cosplay Persona

Since 2014, I've done dozens of cosplays and created a following on multiple social media platforms. Plus, I'm an award-winning cosplayer (I don't make any apologies for calling myself that, because it's true), thanks to the two cosplay contest wins I've achieved in 2019 and 2020 (before the pandemic), cosplay model, retro gamer, activist, influencer, and last but not least, a writer for Vocal since 2018. For years, I've let people dictate what or who I should be, let alone, also telling me what I can or can't do. I'm the driver of my own life, path, and journey. I refuse for others to tell my own story. There's room for everyone to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Becoming a cosplayer hasn't been the easiest path for me. I've had to deal with body shaming, racism, and homophobia on social media over the years. There were times where I almost walked away from cosplay for good, especially during the pandemic, because of being unable to attend cons, the constant bullying online, and not having the energy to cosplay. Despite all of this, I eventually found a way to get my mojo back. I'm still doing cosplay and doing cosplay videos occasionally, sharing them on social media. I'll be celebrating 10 years as a cosplayer in August 2024. I wouldn't have imagined going from someone who jokingly made fun of cosplayers to becoming one. For years, I've considered cosplay as a hobby, but since I've achieved so much doing it, I can't say that anymore. It's my passion and I have no plans of giving it up anytime soon.

My presence at cons have decreased as of late, but there was something positive that happened last September. I attended Spa-Con in Hot, Springs Arkansas, the first con I've attended in almost three years. It was such joy and relief to see most of my friends again. It almost felt like a family reunion, but out of all the conventions I've been to, this was the most exciting and enjoyable one ever. I'll be doing a review of Spa-Con at some point. Resuming to go to more cons again is one of my goals, but for now, I'll show up at a con whenever I'm free and available. Conventions and cosplay brings people together. Many people online may not understand why I cosplay, but for me personally, it has been a lifesaver. Cosplay has allowed me to express and be myself at the same time.

I didn't have many friends in school and was the only nerd in my family. On top of that, I grew up in a toxic and hostile household. Being interested in video games, cartoons and such was amazing and today, my interest in those have never changed. I always feel like a kid and most of my friends and many followers on social media are like this. I love showing many sides of me, because in reality, no one is one way all of the time. If you showed one side of yourself and unable to show the other parts, then it comes off as fake and disingenuous.

So who is Texxx-Man Cosplay? I'm more than just a cosplay persona online and at cons. It's a brand I worked very hard to maintain and people love me. One of the things people respect me for is that I'm open and honest about many parts of my life, no matter how difficult it is to talk about certain things. Whether or not I bought or made my cosplays or props, I'm still a cosplayer. Don't let anyone shame you or think that you're less worthy of dignity and respect. You're a cosplayer and if people are discouraging you from achieving greatness, then you need to cut them out of your life. Be around people who believe in you and want you to win. Know who you are and it's not selfish to strive for more and thinking highly of yourself. The only person who can tell your story and have goals is yourself. I make my own rules when it comes to cosplay and you should too.