Hello all! Today I will be posting about the steps to make a genderbent cosplay, based on my experiences with genderbent Hiro Hamada. This works for the two main types of genderbends; male → female / female → male.
 |
| I honestly thought this picture was so cool it has to be included |
If you will be cosplaying the opposite gender, you might need to take extra steps such as getting a binder or vice versa. (Excuse my ignorance, I have no idea what steps guys take to cosplay girls.)
But before we begin; I'd like to address a fairly sensitive topic in order to later avoid offending anyone: gender stereotypes. This is all up to the cosplayer, but this post will center on genderbends that use gender stereotypes and play off of them to convey the point more clearly. I do not enforce gender sterotypes, I will just be referencing them so your cosplay can be more clear that it's genderbent. I believe in more than two genders and equality for all genders and sexualities. Please keep this in mind as you read. Thank you.
~♂↔♀~
Step 1: Pick Your Character/Gender & Find Inspiration
So, decide who'll you'll be genderbending first of all, and the gender you'll eventually be cosplaying. The more well known the character, the easier it will be to convey your point across.
Next, try to find some good examples of fan art or other genderbent cosplays for that character. But just remember: don't copy. It'll be so much more fun to come up with your own design instead of just using the design of some fanart. And might I add, that could very easily turn into stealing if you don't give proper credit and/or contact the artist beforehand.
Step 2: Create A Design
Depending on how complex your character's outfit is; you might need to sketch this out. For Hiro, it was fairly simple so I really just mapped it out in my head and with Cosplanner.
This is the part where you can incorporate gender sterotypes in order to convey your point. Yes, of course I know not all girls just wear skirts and dresses, some don't even wear them at all. But it helps get the point across that it's a genderbend. Not all girls have long hair; but it tells the viewer that you're not just cosplaying the original character.
Other things you can do for a male to female genderbend are lots of jewelry, heels, and a lot of makeup.
As for a fem. to male genderbend, try short hair, shorts or pants, and looser clothing.
Step 3: Get Your Materials & Assemble
Try to find things that fit your design as closely as possible, or better yet; make your outfit from scratch. Since Hiro wears fairly normal clothes, I got all of my cosplay from Amazon.
Work out the little details and get your final cosplay together. There's not much to say at this point, really.
Step 4: Rock Your Cosplay & Be Ready To Explain What A Genderbend Is To Your Parents
What a cheesy title, but now it's really up to you. Behave like the character, but incorporate masculine/feminine traits as you see fit. Maybe change your walk, voice, or posture, Just don't go too far and lose the original personality of the character you're portraying. And if your parents ask "What character is that?" and eventually, "What's a genderbend?" be prepared to explain.
~♂↔♀~
Over all, a lot of genderbending is up to you. Have fun with it and don't be afraid to change a few minor details. As long as you don't lose sight of the character, you'll be fine. ☻
~Tenshi
