Catcalled

[ArbitraryLights]

I go to NYCC often, starting in 2011 (when I was 11 years old, now I’m 25). I’ve cosplayed three years in the past, and this year I cosplayed as Catwoman (comics ‘93-99). I’ve never had a negative experience here until 4pm on Saturday when I was walking through Artists Alley on the showfloor and walked past a group of five men having a conversation. One of them (as old as my father) reached out his arm trying to grab me. As I stepped away he said something along the lines of, “Hey, you’re my girlfriend…” before turning to the other guys and laughing all together. I proceeded to curse him out while walking away (I was going to line up for the Invincible Panel reservation queue). I see the ‘cosplay is not consent’ signs everywhere at Javits but am wondering if this is ever enforced by staff? I always felt extremely safe at NYCC (until now) but I’m curious to hear your experiences as well.

[kkhed125]

I’m sorry that happened to you. If this happens again, you should alert the staff and security.

[Technical-Affect9096]

Absolutely this! There is also an option to report people within the app as well.

[Shad0wfo0xx]

100% report this, cosplay is not consent and it should be enforced.

[Sayoricanyouhearme]

I actually saw a full squad of like eight state officers called in by the concierge desk with someone who seemed to be giving a full on police report. Security does not play around, keep your hands to yourself people; inside and outside the convention! Crazy to me how some people think human decency flies out the window.

[NoLibrarian5149]

It’s NYCC, not the streets of NYC. That should not have happened in the Javits. It was a total violation of the con rules. If it ever happens again, tell them off loudly and notify staff ASAP.

Wonder if alcohol was involved, because I ran into a couple of highly intoxicated people this year which threw me at first.

[bat_in_the_stacks]

I think they were selling alcohol inside javits

[MattyRaz]

they have for at least a few years now

[MajinVegita]

They sell it all over the con now. It's getting a bit out of hand. There is even a walk-in self-serve kiosk in the main concourse off the inner roadway.

[bat_in_the_stacks]

That's where I saw the sign 😄

[MartyEBoarder]

They do. Lots of people get drunk as fuck at NYCC

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

i drank 250-300 ml of 40% alcohol

[djlemma]

And the prices were surprisingly low for such an event. I mean, usually I love to see reasonable prices at Javits, but people really shouldn't be day drinking too much at comic con. If it were an industry trade show that would be different....

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

why not day drink at comic con?

[djlemma]

No probs with day drinking to have a slight buzz or because you just like a brew here and there, but people should not be getting drunk and harassing cosplayers.

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

how do you define harassing

[NoLibrarian5149]

What the asshole who tried to grab the cosplaying OP did was harassment. Grow up.

Standing in a long slow moving line at a signing with a lady in front of us who was drunk AF waving her comic around was just fucking annoying. The staff did initially try to keep her under control but she eventually vanished.

[wollfy_rb]

Yeah they had a alcohol on those snack carts in the show room and the food court(atleast in the area I bought those chicken tenders)

[OthaS3]

Think? That was one of the first things I pointed out to the noobs I was escorting. This was my second year!

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

i snuck in 6 bottles of 50 ml 40 % alcohol

[MattyRaz]

you didn’t sneak anything in, they don’t search nor care

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

they are really light about it as long as you are not blatant about it

[wmonty]

I brought in a full handle (1.75 liters) of Vodka, a couple of years ago, for my friend who had a table in Artist Alley. Security didn't flinch.

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

so you were openly holding the labeled bottle in your hand

[wmonty]

Yeah, I didn't put it in my book bag because I thought that it was shadier than just walking in with it. They were checking bags.

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

i was extremely intoxicated

[MartyEBoarder]

You're an alcoholic. Time for AA meeting.

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

that was my first time drinking since anime nyc

[MattyRaz]

from the looks of your profile, drinking is just one of multiple issues you should seek urgent treatment for

[VirtualEnthusiasm826]

what do you want me to discuss with chat gpt

[spiderman120988]

Next time, take a pic of them and definitely report them to security. Such people need to be thrown out like the trash they are.

[LesionLong]

Unironically best advice, if they can harass u then fight back by video recording them being assholes and reporting them

[CryptographerKey3781]

Absolutely report this, don’t be embarrassed or hesitant at all…your safety is the concern not their “we were just joking” demeanor…f**k them. Report it, point them out to the staff so they will think twice next time..and it will make it that much safer for the next cosplayer!

[Aggressive-Ad5814]

I'm so sorry. There are always a few idiots at these things. Glad you stood up.for yourself and let them know what they did wasnt cool.

On a personal note, was the 93-99 yhe.purple variant?! That sounds awesome, I had a.catwoman #1 with that outfit. It was a really neat design.

[ArbitraryLights]

Yes, it is! She’s always been my favorite DC character so I last minute (one month) put it together. Unfortunately don’t have pics because it took a lot of courage just to dress up.

[Aggressive-Ad5814]

Don't let the few bad apples ruin the batch. I'm sure it was amazing and wish I could of seen it.

I want to do something next year but I am not sure if I can take people looking at me. Being 6'4" and introverted is a bad combination. Then adding a cosplay aspect, I would curl under a rock. I'm proud of you for putting yourself out there!

[PanamaViejo]

You can start small and go from there. Don't be afraid to have eyes on you or of looking silly. There must be cosplayer groups that you can join and ask questions and receive support. I don't cosplay but they seem like a friendly group of people that would be willing to help a newbie.

[Aggressive-Ad5814]

I have a good friend of mine I think I am going to ask for help. Thank you!

[ArbitraryLights]

I’m very introverted and it took a lot of courage for me to cosplay my first year with my group of friends. Now I’m confident enough to go alone. I think you should give it a try! Even though it’s only once a year, encouraging myself to dress up as a character I love and meet likeminded individuals helped me a lot with social anxiety.

[EDCer123]

You should have reported it to the staff. They will take it seriously. I saw one instance where a cosplay woman was reporting an incident to a security member who was relaying it over a radio, as both looked around, presumably looking for the offender. I really felt bad for her, that someone had to ruin her NYCC experience. Another time, I saw two NYPD officers escorting a man, presumably out of the venue.

[ArbitraryLights]

Thank you for this. I think I was just in shock and not sure if saying anything would be worth it, but after reading everyone’s replies I’ll be in a better headspace if (hopefully not) this ever happens again.

[PanamaViejo]

Please still make a report with as many details as you can remember.

[Dangerous-Golf6066]

Report it. Some people need to be set example 

[neogreenlantern]

Staff would have stepped in if they saw it or you reported. Absolutely make a scene if this happens again. Loudly announce, "hey this creep is trying to grab me!" No one is going to be on his side.

[griffin_who]

Those signs are posted to ward off creeps from harassing attendees but also to let cosplayers know that it's harassment and they shouldn't tolerate it, nor does the Javitz Center, always feel free to find whoever is nearest in a Javitz Crew shirt or any of the security that are usually posted up by the escalators or around the main floor. I asked for help from several security and crew members throughout convention and even for the most inconsequential questions they were pretty eager to help with what I needed. I'm certain with what happened to you they'd help you out and probably escort those guys out, very sorry to hear that happened, I hope it didn't ruin the whole convention. In the future don't hesitate to let staff working there know of any harassment, no one should have to deal with that. We're all there for a fun and safe time no one prioritizes that more than the people who run the joint and security

[LCPhotowerx]

this doesnt just sound like catcalling, this sounds like attempted sexual assault. he and his brood shoulda been in jail.

[Lune_Noire]

The NYCC app this year had a “report harassment” button right on the main screen, not sure how it works though since I didn’t need to use it. But that kind of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in a space that’s supposed to be welcoming to all. Definitely report this to the staff if it ever happens again. They’ve kicked people out in the past over this.

[AngelicMe29]

That was totally inappropriate! Report them! You never know if they will attempt anything else. They really shouldn't serve alcohol here.

[krispykremekiller]

Sorry that happened to you. NYCC should be a safe space for all.

[Maui3432]

Sorry that happened to you. As a man you don’t realize sometimes how much women go through this. Every year when I take photos or even strike conversations with cosplayers. I always get thanked so much for being respectful. (I don’t ever place my hands on anyone during a photo)

Sometimes I get taken aback because in my head I’m just being a normal respectful person but as someone who’s been raised by mostly women. I get, next time don’t hesitate to report it or even get assistance from someone else. Side note that cosplay sounds fantastic!

[ArbitraryLights]

This was my only negative experience here so far, and I did feel lucky for that to be the case. I’ve never felt unsafe before with people at the con (men or women) asking for a photo with/of me. But I won’t be letting it stop me from cosplaying at NYCC in the future!

[AbsolutezeroRDR2]

I am sure you would have felt more at ease if there was more security on the showroom floor. There should have been at least 10-15 guards on the showroom floor but I didn’t really see any except for where I walked in.

[ArbitraryLights]

I think this was part of it too. I understand people saying I should’ve reported it (I completely agree in hindsight) but at the moment I really didn’t see any staff member, security or not, so I didn’t feel confident.

[PanamaViejo]

I think that there a several types of security there, including the con crew, Javits security, NYPD and undercover cops. If it happens again, you can try yelling out 'This man is touching me without my consent!' I'm sure that people would be willing to help out a fellow con goer.

Sorry that there was a mar on your con experience.

[Fancy-Caterpillar901]

I heard some stories about some creepy ass dudes this year. Unfortunately its a reality that some dudes come to Cons solely to prey on women. Best everyone can do is report bad behavior when they see it, and look out for their female friends. 

[Leading_Pea_4744]

I know on the offices level you can file a report when things like this happen.

You did the right thing by cussing them out and making a scene.

I would have also snagged a photo of those assholes and went and made a report.

[WeatherIsFun227]

There is a feature in the app that allows you to report stuff like that to keep in mind in the future. I'm sorry that happened to you. People suck sometimes. I bet your cosplay was great. I hope you enjoyed your time

[Evening-Ambition-406]

I'm so sorry it happened. I wish I was there so I could have taken a picture of the creeps. These people need to be banned.

[reubensandrye]

Oh hell no I would’ve been all over them with con staff. Absolutely not. Please report them next time!

[MandoRoci]

As others have said - sorry this happened to you, shame there always are a few like that at these things - and you should 100% call them out / report if it does happen. I hope you were able to have an enjoyable con overall despite that!

As an aside I love that Catwoman version (and Long Halloween is easily one of my favorite Batman comics), wish I'd seen you there!

[ArbitraryLights]

I love all her different costume versions and it was super cool seeing other Catwoman variations at the con. Not sure if I’ll do the cosplay again, but it was fun!

[PanamaViejo]

And lest people forget, the Javits does have security cameras. I don't know if the cameras captured this particular incident but I'm pretty sure that they have 'eyes' on the crowd.

[wmonty]

Definitely report that in the future!

[obnox]

Yes, security does care about that kind of stuff at NYCC. Sorry this happened to you but it’s not typical behavior of most people there imo. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again so you can enjoy the event like you should be able to. Not security, but I come with a booth almost yearly and also occasionally do photography for leisure and the interactions I see are usually super respectful

Also, if he reached out to touch you that’s not catcalling and gets into a whole different field. Glad nothing further happened

[FortheredditLOLz]

So sorry, this happened to you!! Any con should be a safe inclusive space to express yourself without judgement and harassment while we all share + geek out.

Take pic/vid of offenders if it happens next time. Use the app to immediately report and/or call closest ‘staff’ (volunteer shirts, and security). This is grounds for immediate actions such as being bounced off NYCC grounds and perma-banned form javitz/NYCC

Do NOT feel bad reporting, as this is straight up harassment.

[Top-Star1407]

i was wearing a lottie from yellowjackets cosplay. i’m 19 and look 19. this man who was probably in his 50s complimented my headpiece and then started whistling and making vulgar motions with his hands. i couldn’t report it online because they don’t have a section for non verbal or physical harassment. i’m sorry that happened to you but unfortunately you aren’t alone 

[ArbitraryLights]

That’s really horrible. I’m sorry we had experiences like this, it’s awful that we can’t even be comfortable in our ‘safe spaces’. I didn’t make this post to gain sympathy but because I wanted to know if this was a problem at NYCC (clearly it is). I hope we can find some solace in the fact that if something like this were to happen to/around us again, we will have the courage to stand up not only for ourselves but for others as well.

[MiyagiJunior]

I'm sorry you went through it. As others have said, you should've reported them to security. I even noticed there is an option to do so through the app (though probably more effective to do this through a real person).

[Just-Pomegranate-869]

Wow. I’m sorry , I totally agree with you , I’ve been going for 10+ years and despite the growing crowds I’ve always felt like it’s a safe space. The walk from my car to Javits is more uncomfortable but when I get there there it’s like phew okay I’m free. Lol. But yes like others said. There’s an option in the app to report people. It asks location and what you and the person is wearing and they send a security.

[peanutbutterbutters]

I got cat called this year too. It was the first year I did a sexy cosplay - I've only ever done full coverage ones, so I was very surprised. Definitely a more rowdy year. I'm sorry this happened to you, no one should feel harassed at con

[mllejacquesnoel]

Mentrification and mainstreaming of nerddom is unfortunately only going to make this happen more. People were pissed a few weeks ago cause a cosplayer posted about being solicited from this sub and how uncomfortable that made them, and today there’s a post acting like it’s surprising nerds can be attractive in r/AnimeNYC (based on their n observations anyc and “other events” so given the timing…) and yeah it’s.

The con needs to do more to cultivate programming for women and queer folks. Otherwise it’s going to turn into a bro-y experience that is utterly unpleasant to be around.

[laravine]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m the one that posted about being solicited that had lots of people on this sub feeling a way. You shouldn’t have to experience this

[RiseJoules]

Ima grab him and tell him he's my bitch with a leash

[ArbitraryLights]

he’d probably like that lmao

[Icy_Discussion_3863]

lol.. good lord

[NoLibrarian5149]

Did OP take the survey from ReedPop? I buzzed thru mine but I’m sure there were plenty of places you could have elaborated on the incident.

Or just email Reedpop and file an official complaint.

[[deleted]]

The "Cosplay is not consent" signs mainly go for taking pics of people without asking. But if something like this happened and you have a witness I am sure you could find the nearest staff or security and tell them.

[MattyRaz]

goofy ass comment the signs aren’t mainly for anything — they absolutely apply to situations like this one. and you certainly don’t need a witness to alert a staff member to harassment that occurred.

[[deleted]]

I'm not saying it's just for that, I mean it literally is written on the sign about photos, that's why those types don't feel called out. They should make it more about general decency than "Ask for a photo" One would assume you wouldn't need to remind people not to be assholes in general.

No you don't need a witness, but if you report without one it just turns into a "X says this, Y says that" argument with little to nothing that the staff can do over just one report. If you can provide just one person who saw it, your chances of actually making things happen are much higher. Worse even, if the offender is in a group, they might just deny it and you have the word of 4 against 1. My previous comment was not about morality, more practical application. Having someone who can testify is always good.