+Title: A Leaf in the Crosswind
+Date: 2017-10-27 23:47
+Category: other
+Tags: Avatar, cosplay
+
+I cosplayed as [Korra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korra) (from _The Legend of Korra_, sequel series to _Avatar: The Last Airbender_—see [also previously](http://unremediatedgender.space/2017/Jan/avatar-the-last-genderbender/)) at—let's call it "Republic City" Comic-Con the other month. Saturday only—conventions are just my excuse to crossdress in public; there's not actually two and a half days' worth of things to do.
+
+I had gotten into the _Avatar_-verse due to a trans (I mean, ostensibly; she—I'm supposed to say _she_—doesn't seem to be trying to pass much) acquaintance of mine, who recommended _Last Airbender_, but I watched _Legend of Korra_ first, because the protagonist is a cool 17-year-old girl rather than [some lame 12-year-old boy](http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Aang).
+
+So I got a [premade costume](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EAI63JE/); I _basically_ managed to fit in the women's XL, despite busting some stiches in the back of the top when trying it on. Modulo my curls, I at least have the correct _hair_ for this role—if nothing else. I was a little bit nervous that someone in progressive "Republic City" [might take offense at](https://clutchmagonline.com/2015/10/dear-cosplayers-leave-the-blackface-alone/) my Maybelline 235 "Pure Beige" foundation being a few shades darker than my actual skin tone—although much fewer than if I were going for show-realism—but that turned out not to be an issue. (Somehow _just_ pretending to be female is OK—only I can't help but wonder what people might make of the 'race' tag on [some of my favorite blogs](http://unremediatedgender.space/2016/Oct/exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin/).)
+
+I guess I could have gone as Asami. I even endorse [one Tumblr user's headcanon that](http://rambleonamazon.tumblr.com/post/97980403389/you-know-whos-trans) we have something in common. (I like to imagine that the title of the [graphic novel continuation](http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Turf_Wars) was originally spelled as _TERF Wars_ before they decided to cut that subplot.)
+
+
+
+While waiting in line at a coffeeshop before the con, a woman complemented me on my lipstick and asked me what color it was, although I didn't remember (760 "Gone Griege", for the record). I was _beaming_.
+
+I can imagine an actual aspiring trans woman receiving such a comment, and [interpreting it as confirmation](http://upandoutcomic.tumblr.com/post/166474292641/a-nice-lil-observation-if-you-enjoy-my-work) that she passes, complementing each other on their appearance just being something that women do. I had no such delusions; the woman was humoring me. But it still felt good.
+
+The booth for signing up for the afternoon cosplay competition also offered signup for a speed-dating event later in the evening, an opportunity which I siezed eagerly. The staffer asked me if I wanted to sign up for a men's slot, or for the unsegregated "queer" session afterwards. I opted for the former ("Despite everything," I said).
+
+The cosplay contest did not have a "crossplay" category, and I did not win. I maintain that "Pickle Rick" was _overrated_.
+
+Despite having plenty of time to change, I decided to stay in costume for speed dating. One or two of the other attendees asked me why I had chosen to dress up as Korra. "Because she's _awesome_," I said. Which is true, if not a complete answer to their question.
+
+I wonder if they bought it.
projects / Ultimately_Untrue_Thought.git / commitdiff
