Crossplay is a form of cosplay where someone dresses up as a character of the opposite sex and, though it is often seen at conventions where females dress up as male characters, male-to-female crossplay is still seen as taboo.
Frequent attendees of anime conventions will know that there are certain unspoken rules they must abide by as a courtesy to all other fans: male-to-female crossplay is one of those rules. Japanese photographer Naoko Tatibana, who is known for her creative participation in the LGBT events including transgender model photography, disagrees with this stigma and opened a studio in Tokyo, Japan called Taiyodo, a cross-dressing studio that encourages men to beautify themselves freely. Tatibana expresses that "cosplay is about transformation," so there should be no sense of shame if one wishes to crossplay for a day.
Cross-Gender Cosplay Captures
Male to Female Crossplay Photos by Naoko Tatibana are a Taboo
Trend Themes
1. Cross-gender Cosplay Acceptance - The trend of male-to-female crossplay is breaking taboo as more people embrace its creativity and inclusivity.
2. LGBTQ+ Representation in Cosplay - The trend of involving cross-dressing in cosplay encourages gender identity exploration, leading to more diverse representation in the community.
3. Body Positivity in Cosplay - The trend of crossplay empowers individuals to break gender stereotypes and love their bodies through creative expression and self-discovery.
Industry Implications
1. Cosplay - The cosplay industry can embrace cross-gender cosplay as a positive trend, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the community.
2. Photography - Photography studios can offer services that cater to the cross-dressing community, expanding their market and promoting acceptance of gender identity fluidity.
3. Fashion - Fashion industries can collaborate with cosplayers to create more gender-neutral and inclusive clothing options that allow for self-expression regardless of gender norms.