This week, Kate and Larkin are thrilled to chat with professional cosplayer Alia Pyatt, aka Magical Black Girl Alia, who discusses her experiences as a Black female cosplayer. While her time in cosplay has been overwhelmingly positive, she’s also seen her fair share of racism, sexism, and ableism in the community. Tune in to learn about the rampant gatekeeping that has driven many cosplayers out of a hobby that was once an escape for them.

CW: Suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, visit this support site for help.

Support legal aid in Minnesota: https://legalrightscenter.org/

Support the People's Bail Fund of Minnesota: https://pbfmn.org/

Support the ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/give/now

Support Magic Wheelchairs: https://www.magicwheelchair.org/

Follow Alia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalblackgirlalia/

Follow Alia on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicalblackgirlalia

References

https://www.csustan.edu/sites/default/files/2023-11/borjonashley_article-the-social-phenomenon-surrounding-b_ashley-borjon.pdf

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