It’s (Not) a Men’s World

For the past 25 years, the German cosplay community has provided a creative space for geeks and nerds. In particular, FLINTA individuals from Generation Y regularly engage in this often time-consuming hobby: they recreate characters from pop culture in costume—often male characters, whose expressions, gestures, and visual appearance they imitate. But where does the strong interest come from for women or non-binary people to step into male roles? And why is this branch of fan culture no longer just appealing to teenagers? The reasons for the engagement of women and non-binary individuals in male roles are revealed through the cosplayers’ deep interaction with media and characters as they reflect on their own identity, gender, and sexuality. The community presents itself as a safe space that offers support and acceptance beyond family and work contexts, creating a sense of belonging.