#BIPOCVampDay is Sept. 17-19 and we talked to the creator of the event, Jamila C. of Black Bettie Cosplay.
Midwest BSFA: How’d you get into cosplay?
J.C.: I have been doing costuming for a long time. I studied it in college and sewed from a young age. I learned that people were dressing up to conventions after I graduated and wanted to continue making costumes as a hobby.
Midwest BSFA: How did you come up with the idea for #BIPOCBVampDay?
J.C.: I was inspired by the Black Fae Day event this year. As someone absolutely obsessed with vampires since childhood, I’ve always noticed a lack of Black and POC vampires in the media despite the diverse lore that actually exists around the world. Also, I know many BIPOC friends that have experienced backlash for being Black and cosplaying as a vampire. This day is to encourage more representation and showcase all the amazing vampire mythology and characters that do exist but aren’t at the forefront.
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Our co-founder was recently featured on PUNK BLACK’s website for her cosplaying! Check out the interview 
We recently chatted with cosplayer/author TaLynn Kel about her geek journey, dealing with racism when it hits close to home, challenging allies and what she gets out of cosplaying. 
Cosplayer/geeklanthropist Sistah Geek, co-host of the 
Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance 