Emily Savill Photography
Weird in Lancaster - Zenkaikon 2019
Zenkaikon is my favourite convention, for a multitude of reasons; it isn't too small or too large, there is a great amalgam of different nerdy interests, and there are thousands of devoted fans and cosplayers, all enthusiastic about sharing their passions with close friends and total strangers alike. I would be remiss of me to not mention one very important detail that helps push Zenkaikon to my most anticipated event of the year: it is right in downtown Lancaster, which means that I don't have to book a hotel room or travel, and I get to share my local knowledge with my out of town friends and any passerby who needs help finding the best bagel shop (Harvest Moon) or the best ice cream (Penny's).
The company you keep at conventions is nothing to skim over. I love the short-lived friendships, that form as quickly as they dissolve, usually from bonding over aggressively enthusiastic compliments and 5 minute discussions on the state of the alternative fashion community or light-hearted arguments about who's OTP is best. i also love when you make bonds that last and become true friendships, or at the very least great online friendships. The sense of community that is felt at conventions is much like those you get from living in small towns like Lancaster City, and I think that's what makes them such a great combination.
For this Weird in Lancaster, I met up with a few Lancaster locals and PA locals to photograph their amazing cosplays and talk about what drives them to attend Zenkaikon and other conventions.
Chriss Nelson
Weird in Lancaster: What’s your favourite thing about being weird?
Chriss Nelson: My favorite thing about being weird is that you get to meet and get along with so many other interesting people with different interests!
WL: Why did you choose to attend Zenkaikon?
CN: I chose Zenkaikon because I live nearby and I've gone every year since I went to college at Millersville. It's always been fun with local friends!!
WL: What do you like to do when you're at a convention?
CN: What I like to do most at the con is spend time with friends, buying things at the vendor hall, eating Asian food, and taking pictures of our favorite characters. I also love going to queer panels and AMVs to learn about new animes I might wanna watch. I spend any other free time in the game room; I have so many board games I wanna buy!
WL: How would you describe conventions to someone who just doesn't seem to get it?
CN: A convention is like Halloween, but instead of one night of costumes and candy, you get three whole days of fun costume-themed events where you can buy merch and talk about your costumes with other people who love the same things!
WL: What do you like about conventions and cosplay?
CN: I love dressing up and seeing how happy other people are when I cosplay their favorite characters. It's cool to give them the chance to meet Columbia
WL: How long have you been attending conventions?
CN: This is my sixth year at Zenkaikon. I went to my first con, NYC Comic Con in 2010-11? And Philly comic con the next year. But consistently since 2013.
WL: Do you feel more accepted at conventions than you do back home?
CN: I am always happier at Zenkaikon than anywhere else in the world. I'm genderqueer, so I always feel like I get to meet other queer folks and especially queer folks who have similar interests at Zenkaikon.
WL: You work with a group called Trans Minor Rights, can you give a quick explanation of what their mission is?
CN: Our goal is to empower transgender youth by allowing them make decisions regarding puberty blockers so that they have time to determine whether or not they’d like to transition.We aim to get 3,843 signatures* on an official petition to show to Pennsylvania Congress and encourage them to pass a law protecting the confidentiality of transgender minors (age 14+) and allowing them to legally obtain puberty blockers without requiring consent from a parent or guardian.
WL: Why does this kind of volunteer work call to you?
CN: I started my LGBT activism in 2012 when I first started college. LGBT issues were taboo in my hometown and, having a sneaking suspicion I was bisexual, I wanted to learn more. In December of 2014, a 17-year-old girl named Leelah Alcorn took her own life. Leelah knew she’d never get to be the person she knew she was because her family denied her the medical treatment that she needed to transition. Leelah wanted her death to mean something. She wanted her story to spur others to promote understanding of transgender people. I was inspired by her to learn more about and be more active in the trans community.
WL: What can folks who are interested in helping Trans Minor Rights or similar groups do?
CN: We're actually looking for more volunteers currently! Our meetings are open to the public at the Brasserie in Lancaster on the first Sunday of every month at 2pm. We also have a list on our website transminorsrights.org of organizations across PA that assist trans youth. You can give money directly on the Trans Minor Rights website.
WL: What can we as a community do to help trans kids and adults feel more comfortable and safe in society? How can we help change the minds of those that are hateful to the trans community?
CN: Part of being a good ally is just standing up for people. When you see hate happening, step in. If you can, go to town halls at your school and in your community to stand in support of trans student and community members. Always do what you can to learn about the trans community from the trans community.
WL: Where can we see updates and upcoming events for Trans Minor Rights?
CN: We have a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TMRexecs. We also have a discord where we discuss upcoming events and other news in the community and about the org. Feel free to join us at https://discord.gg/phAvQ2
WL: Are there other trans programs or organizations your involved with or enthusiastic about?
CN: Yeah, Slothicorns on Kickstarter only has another two weeks to hit their goal. And this week, in the spirit of Give OUT Day on Thursday, we are giving 10% of our proceeds to The Attic Youth Center in Philly. I've been encouraging friends in the community to donate because I think it's a great cause!
WL: How did you first discover your nerdy interests?
CN: I discovered anime when I came across a song from Inuyasha on YouTube in 2010/11. But I was raised on Marvel, X-Men, etc.
WL: Whats the hardest part about expressing yourself?
CN: It's been hard talking about my love of cons, anime, DnD, etc to people at work and in my family. But I've gotten used to it and I try to relate it to things in their life that they get excited about. I've actually met several people at work who also play DnD!
WL: How do you think Lancaster can improve for those who don't fit the mould?
CN: I think Lancaster already does a good job. The city, at least. There are tons of LGBT churches and programs and a bunch of creative spaces for art, DnD, board games, card games, music, etc.
WL: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start attending conventions or cosplaying?
CN: My advice would be to just do it! Go to a local con, get your costume from pieces at GoodWill and have fun!
WL: What would you like to see improve in the convention community?
CN: Zenkaikon hasn't had much of a problem with this, but I know other cons have had people policing cosplays based on race, gender, size, etc. It shouldn't matter. If a character speaks to you, cosplay it!
WL: What is your favourite cosplay that you’ve done?
CN: My favorite cosplay is Columbia. Everyone loved her so much last year that she was the first cosplay I've ever reprised for a second year.
WL: What costumes are you working on for the future?
CN: I want to expand on my pastel lollita and I'm planning on doing Thor and King (with my hubby as Ban) from Seven Deadly Sins. I want to cosplay goth chicks, cute dolls, macho men, and queer characters all at the same time! I just look up to so many.
WL: Where can people follow you on social media?
CN: I don't post about cosplay often, but you'll find some makeup selfies and cat photos at @chrissalek on Instagram!
Leah Lloyd
Weird in Lancaster: What’s your favourite thing about being weird?
Leah Lloyd: I never wanted to look just like anyone else, I never wanted to spend my time and money trying to keep up with current fashion. I prefer to wear clothing and decorate my home with things that make me happy, and the fact that everyone else thinks I am “weird”, well, it just makes it very easy to shop for me during the holidays!
WL: Why did you choose to attend Zenkaikon?
LL: I live locally, so it’s affordable and convenient. A few years ago, some friends from out of town agreed to join me on a whim, and we all had such a fantastic time that it is now part of our annual con circuit.
WL: What do you like to do when you're at a convention?
LL: I run maker panels, usually related to sewing or accessories, and the rest of the weekend, I am in a costume. If the schedule to make a photo shoot works out, then that is a bonus.
WL: How would you describe conventions to someone who just doesn't seem to get it?
LL: A con is a safe place to share your love of something that may be non-mainstream, and a place to experiment with something might be on the edge of your comfort zone. If you want to wear a purple wig, you are welcome at a con. If you want to meet people who a familiar with a tv show that you enjoyed as a child, you are welcome at a con. If you want to wear high heels but you’re a guy, you’re welcome at a con. It’s a place to let your hair down without worrying what the people at the grocery store will say.
WL: What do you like about conventions and cosplay?
LL: I make a lot of costumes, and conventions are important to me as a place to wear them – otherwise they just live in the attic and no one ever gets to see them except me.
WL: How long have you been attending conventions?
LL: My first SF convention was a tiny little con in Manhattan in 1983. In the early 90’s I was fairly active in the New England con circuit, but since I was attending with a partner, when that relationship ended it left a bad taste in my mouth and I took a long long break. It wasn’t until 2008 that I started attending cons again, and I am glad I came back.
WL: Do you feel more accepted at conventions than you do back home?
LL:I am a 50-year-old woman in a 20-year marriage. If my husband hasn’t accepted my weirdness by now, then there is no help for him!
WL: How did you first discover your nerdy interests?
LL: I was nerdy as a child. I was one of the few girls playing AD&D in the 1970’s. I loved mythology and Lord of the Rings, Xanth, Conan, HP Lovecraft, and anything by Tanith Lee. I joined the SCA when I was 14.
WL: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start attending conventions or cosplaying?
LL: Just do it! There are no Cosplay Police telling you that you can’t come inside because you don’t have a 6’ worbla prop and screen-accurate armor. If you want to go to a con, then just go. Find someone wearing a t-shirt or a costume from a fandom you enjoy, and strike up a conversation. Something as simple as “I like you costume!” is a great ice breaker. I promise, anyone who made their costume or prop will be more than happy to talk your ear off about it!
WL: What would you like to see improve in the convention community?
LL: In a perfect world, convention staff volunteers would attend all of the pre-con meetings, and there would never be miscommunication at the con regarding lines, security, or panels. I am fortunate to not experience this too often, but one staffer with a bad attitude can ruin someone’s weekend.
WL: What is your favourite cosplay that you’ve done?
LL: I can’t possibly choose just one! I am very proud of my Queen Amidala Senate costume, I spent weeks rhinestoning a Harley Quinn corset, I made a Victorian Cthulhu bustle dress with tentacles, and right now I am working on a cybergoth twi’lek.
WL: What costumes are you working on for the future?
LL: Currently I am finishing up a screen-accurate Cersei gown from Game of Thrones, and Mera’s Jellyfish dress from Aquaman, both for DragonCon 2019.
WL: Where can people follow you on social media?
LL: I can be found on IG @lamiacreations
Brandon Farver
Brandon came down from Northern Pennsylvania to attend Zenkaikon and don his Spiderman/Captain America mash-up costume.
Weird in Lancaster: What is your favourite cosplay that you’ve done?
Brandon Farver: Starlord
WL: What costumes are you working on for the future?
BF: Cid Highwind from final fantasy 7 and Solid Snake
WL: Where can people follow you on social media?
BF: Facebook facebook.com/gambitpool and Instagram @bfarve_COSPLAY
Trixal Emote
Weird in Lancaster: What’s your favourite thing about being weird?
Trixal Emote: I'm much happier this way.
WL: Why did you choose to attend Zenkaikon?
TE: Zenkaikon is the first con I ever attended, as well as the convention I met my fiance, and where he proposed so I'd say Zenkaikon at this point is an absolute must for me.
WL: What do you like to do when you're at a convention?
TE: I love participating into anything cosplay related. Contests, masquerades, and taking other cosplayers pictures and becoming friends with them.
WL: How would you describe conventions to someone who just doesn't seem to get it?
TE: There's plenty of things I don't get either. As long as nobody is being harmed and everyone's having fun, live and let live.
WL: What do you like about conventions and cosplay?
TE: The freedom from my anxiety. They inspire me to truly express myself and shine.
WL: How long have you been attending conventions?
TE: Since I started cosplaying, six years ago.
WL: Do you feel more accepted at conventions than you do back home?
TE: My con family supports me more than anyone I know. Conventions are my home.
WL: How did you first discover your nerdy interests?
TE: It began with books. When I realized video games, anime, and manga also provided the same fictional escape, I was hooked.
WL: What’s the hardest part about expressing yourself?
TE: I hold myself to unrealistic expectations sometimes. Which can lead to me clamming up instead of coming out of my shell.
WL: How do you think Lancaster can improve for people who don’t fit the mould?
TE: Conventions like Zenkaikon are exactly what we need. That isn't limited to conventions either.
WL: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start attending conventions or cosplaying?
TE: The easiest answer is: Just do it. Honestly, the majority of the community is accepting and helpful and welcoming to those who want to join in with all the fun.
WL: What is your favourite cosplay that you’ve done?
TE: Rose Quartz had gotten the most love, both from me and everyone who's seen it.
WL: What costumes are you working on for the future?
TE: Ideally, I'd love to do Alice Angel from Bendy and the Ink Machine, and my other me, Pink Diamond.
WL: What would you like to see improve in the convention community?
TE: Honestly, I'd like to see any gatekeeping and elitism disappear.
WL: What's the weirdest thing about you?
TE: I think peanut butter is disgusting. Lol.
WL: Where can people follow you on social media?
TE: On Facebook: @TrixalCosplayModeling On Instagram: @trixalcosplay
Meg Krofcheck
Weird in Lancaster: What’s your favourite thing about being weird?
Meg Krofcheck: Being weird is who I am. I’ve always been weird, so my favourite thing about it is that I get to be myself.
WL: Why did you choose to attend Zenkaikon?
MK: I have wanted to go to a con for years and never had anyone to go with. This was my first one and I live right in the city.
WL: What do you like to do when you're at a convention?
MK: I enjoyed the meet ups and shoots the most. I met SO many new people, its great.
WL: How would you describe conventions to someone who just doesn't seem to get it?
MK: I have to describe this to people all the time. Haha. Conventions are where you get to express your love for something out loud with a bunch of other people who want to do the same thing. It’s a big love fest full of weirdos who already know you’re a weirdo.
WL: What do you like about conventions and cosplay?
MK: Cosplay is an opportunity for me to express creativity through wearable art. It’s a way to combine art and fandom and creativity all in one place with others who appreciate the time, effort and money that takes.
WL: Do you feel more accepted at conventions than you do back home?
MK: I do feel like I can let my guard down more at a con. People have been really open about things they struggle with, social anxiety and other issues that aren’t as easily discussed outside a con. I’ve made a lot of new friends that were open and welcoming right from the start.
WL: How did you first discover your nerdy interests?
MK: When I was old enough to read. Haha. I’ve got literally hundreds of books and most of them are scifi/ fantasy. I’ve been a nerd my whole life.
WL: What’s the hardest part about expressing yourself?
MK: Fear of rejection. Of being told I’m “too old” to wear a Hogwarts robe, too old for “playing dress up”. I was a closet lover of anime and dungeons & dragons and all things nerd but kept it to myself so I could fit in.
WL: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start attending conventions or cosplaying?
MK: I would say pick a con closer to home to take some of the extra steps like travel out of the equation. I would also say pick a few cosplay options that have a more simple look. It’s easy to get frustrated or not know how to time manage a cosplay if you’ve never done it before. Do something simple, plan way ahead, take your time.
WL: What would you like to see improve in the convention community?
MK: A list of suitable places for shoots on the site
WL: What is your favourite cosplay that you’ve done?
MK: My Kirishima fantasy au from My Hero Academia. I’ve only ever seen other cosplayers do the fantasy au outfit, not the dragon part. It was a huge challenge and I’m really proud of it.
WL: What costumes are you working on for the future?
MK: I’ll be going to Otakon in July, I’m currently working on Uta from Tokyo Ghoul and Parzival from Ready Player One.
WL: What's the weirdest thing about you?
MK: I think the list would be shorter if you asked what is NOT weird about me, haha.
WL: Where can people follow you on social media?
MK: IG @mesuokami_cos Fb: Meg Krofcheck
To end, here are some of my favourite snapshots of my friends! I love them all so much! Thanks for putting up with having a pink plastic camera shoved in your face!
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