Crossplay (cosplay)

Crossplay (a portmanteau of "cross-dressing" and "cosplay") is a type of cosplay in which the person dresses up as a character of a different gender. Crossplay's origins lie in the anime convention circuit, though, like cosplay, it has not remained exclusive to the genre. While it is similar to Rule 63 (gender-bending) cosplay, it can be differentiated by the performer becoming completely immersed in the codes of another gender, rather than picking and choosing what behavior enhances the performance.^[1]

In most countries that play host to hobbyists who would call themselves cosplayers, female-to-male crossplayers (females costumed as male characters, sometimes abbreviated "FtM") are far more common, due to a variety of social and cultural factors.^[2] As bishōnen are portrayed in manga and anime as liminal beings, it is considered "easier" for women to cross-play as bishōnen than it would be for them to crossplay as a male character from a Western series.^[3]

Male-to-female crossplayers (males costumed as female characters) are somewhat more common outside Japan. Originally, in the United States, a popular anime series for MtF crossplayers was Sailor Moon, creating "humorous effect and social levity".^[4]

Crossplay has seen some controversy from anti-LGBTQ activists and has been compared by critics to drag. In 2023, following the passing of an anti-drag law in Florida, crossplay was banned from that year's TFcon. Refunds were made available for individuals who felt unsafe attending.^[5]