Description for Schedule: A panel designed to celebrate cosplay, cosplayers, cosplay enthusiasts, and convention culture! Cosplay has something for everyone, so come join us for a brief discussion on the history of cosplay and reflect on the best parts of modern cosplay and its community! Panel Overview: A convention-friendly extension of my Undergraduate thesis! - Host's introduction/ what type of cosplayer I am - A brief history of the origins of cosplay - Convention culture: variations of dance halls and masquerades - Cosplay and identity - Cons as a kid/teen/adult - Mental health and cosplay (interview with Nich Lyle, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional and Certified Trauma Professional) - Cosplay and friendship - Running Panels/meetups - Digital sticky note wall for the audience to share their own experiences and memories: ways that cosplay has altered their lives for the better, a happy memory, when cosplay made you feel confident in yourself, Etc.
