CONsent: Convention Etiquette

It seems like many fans may need some etiquette lessons and reminders for convention season. So here are the easy-to-follow rules of CONsent for conventioneers.

1. Be Polite If this was a work/family costume party, what would you say? Focus on basic costume compliments and keep it G-Rated. “Your costume looks great. Can I have a picture?” “I love that character! Did you make your weapon?” “That cosplay is spot on. Nice job!” Remember, nobody asked for your lewd or critical opinion.

2. Ask Permission It's not difficult to ask for a photo. Ask before you get in someone's personal space. Ask before you touch a prop. Just like everywhere else in the world, ask permission before you do something!

3. Remember Where You Are Seriously, there are kids here. Don't catcall to someone across a room. Don't hump someone's leg. Even if you are dressed as a furry - YOU ARE NOT AN ANIMAL. There is a burlesque show for lewd behavior. There are parties for nudity. John Barrowman has many photo ops with groping. The lobby is not the place for this!

4. Don't Touch the Hair Rocky Horror teaches a valuable lesson in the rules of conduct: Don't F**K with the hair! Seriously, don't touch. Don't put your hands on someone's body parts or accessories without EXPRESSED CONSENT.

5. Photography Not Pornography Take a picture of the whole costume or not at all. You may take pictures of people in public, but not to use as an anatomy lesson or humiliation. This is NOT the place to troll for Reddit body shaming or wardrobe malfunctions. We're nerds. We've been picked on for years. Cons should be a safe place!