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A female cosplayer in a blue striped catsuit with huge ethylene vinyl acetate foam wings on her back and pointed horns on her head. She is named Tif von Batsy (Tif von Batsy). ) Performance.

"I want an eye-catching costume, I don't want to wear a costume that everyone else wears," said von Batsy, who plays Miraj’s Soul of Satan: Halphas, a member of the anime world of Fairy Tail Guild.

"I like people asking me about my clothes. I don't always choose clothes that people are familiar with."

von Batsy's striking costume not only distinguishes her from other role players, but her entire existence is also an anomaly, because she is a black role player coexisting in a space with few participants. von Batsy's mother is Austrian and her father is African American. She considers herself black and white, but according to her, people only consider her black.

"I heard people call me a'black girl', or'she's just a black man,' or'you speak the right [English] for black people.'"

Although she often endures acrimony and criticism of her race from peers and strangers, von Bazzi thinks being mixed is interesting because it gives her two points of view.

"I hate to assume that someone will be a racist, but sometimes I can feel it; it is usually subtle or very obvious." Princess Ann or fairy Iridsa, but she said she refused to let others define her.

"I live my day," Von Bazi said. "I just always understand my surroundings and circumstances."

As a veteran of anime and manga conventions, she has been participating in these events since she was a teenager, when she and her mother started designing costumes. "I have always been an anime fan and like to dress up like Disney and other cartoon characters," she said.

von Batsy described her experience as one of the few role-playing people of color. She said: “I hope to see more people of color participate in role-playing, including black men. I think those who participate should welcome black role-playing. I also want to see more people of color in this industry, including more black anime characters."

One reason there may not be so many role players of color is that traditional anime is usually characterized by people with white skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. On the other hand, black characters are often seen as stupid and stupid, and black anime is often portrayed as stereotyped metaphors, such as big lips and dark skin—features that are reminiscent of the three treasures of the Jim Crow era.

"We just want to have an equal basis," von Bazzi said. "Some people think that they can only become one of this or that kind of people, because that is what they think they must be. More people need to go out and change. Have to be different, not afraid to get out of your comfort zone."

The role played by von Batsy is happy, positive and friendly. She chose it because, according to her, she likes to dress up as a character she likes and associates with. She also likes to help others and move around, just like the character she portrays.

Even though von Batsy tried to show optimism and openness, she acknowledged the challenges facing the cosplay field. Von Batsy has met some people, and they find her to play a role with a different skin color is offensive. They told her that it was wrong to play someone who was not black.

"This is how I look at it: When playing cosplay, you dress up because you are related to the character-it has nothing to do with skin color. You don't need to imitate the actual skin or race of others. The industry needs to accept black role-playing who want to be any role. We did not disrespect white people; we did not wear white skin. I don’t know how to get rid of this racist mentality."

Based on the trend toward more inclusiveness in the fan space, the industry seems to be taking notice and slowly beginning to change. Recently, Miles Morales became the first Spider-Man of color, and Disney will launch a live-action movie "The Little Mermaid", with a black actress playing Ariel. More and more white voice actors no longer play people of color, and more and more studios are pushing voice actors to be of the same race as the characters they play.

"Most people hate comedy heroes becoming black," von Bazzi said, "but it shouldn't matter. We need more diverse roles. People have to be blunt and do the right thing-hire people to do them. What can be done, not just as a symbol."

Von Batsy believes that it is important not only for herself but for others to dress up as different people. "This is a level of empowerment. I like positivity, and I believe people should ask "Why can't we do this?" "I want people to know that they will look great and they need to hear and see more of this encouragement."

Von Batsy discovered her purpose of playing cosplay, and she encouraged others to find their own way. "Be confident," Von Bazi said. "What people will tell you not to do, you must have determination and confidence. Do what is most important to you!" 

This story appeared in the December 2021 issue of Denver Voice

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