# Cross-Gender Cosplay Captures Male to Female Crossplay Photos by Naoko Tatibana are a Taboo By Elise Ying-Hei Ho | Published 2012-11-13 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/male-to-female-crossplay References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/11/11/male-to-female-cosplayers-and-japans-cross-dressing-double-standard/) & [taiyodo.in](http://taiyodo.in/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geeks-rule-hellsing) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take), disagrees with this stigma and opened a studio in Tokyo, Japan called Taiyodo, a [cross-dressing studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/costumeplay-ai) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cross-gender Cosplay Acceptance:** The trend of male-to-female crossplay is breaking taboo as more people embrace its creativity and inclusivity. - **LGBTQ+ Representation in Cosplay:** The trend of involving cross-dressing in cosplay encourages gender identity exploration, leading to more diverse representation in the community. - **Body Positivity in Cosplay:** The trend of crossplay empowers individuals to break gender stereotypes and love their bodies through creative expression and self-discovery. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Cosplay:** The cosplay industry can embrace cross-gender cosplay as a positive trend, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the community. - **Photography:** Photography studios can offer services that cater to the cross-dressing community, expanding their market and promoting acceptance of gender identity fluidity. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Diverse Battle Royale Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catalyst-legend.md) - [Transforming Camera Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transforming-camera-toys.md) - [Women-Exclusive Gaming Tournaments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benefit-cosmetics-1.md) - [Representation-Focused Toy Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laverne-cox-1.md) - [Inclusive Tampon Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tampon-for-men.md) - [Neo-Mexican Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/para-morelio.md) - [Gaming Style Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-x-martine-rose-campaign.md) - [Manga-Style Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hisashi-eguchi.md)