KEEP CONS SAFE: TIPS AND ADVICE FOR A BETTER NEW YORK COMIC-CON
This year, New York Comic-Con is taking harassment on their convention floor more seriously than ever before. Their brand-new anti-harassment policy is comprehensive and offers a great deal of protection for attendees. Still, we here at ComicsAlliance wanted to offer some tips for ensuring you and others around you have the safest, most fun convention possible.
ON THE FLOOR:
- Do read and understand the harassment policy of the convention and how to report any situations that might occur — to you or someone else. New York Comic-Con has a zero-tolerance harassment policy that does not allow things like stalking, intimidation, physical assault, and inappropriate physical contact. The con also allows you to report harassment via the NYCC app should you need assistance.
- Do not grope anyone, even if you think it’s “only in fun” or that you won’t be caught because you’re on a crowded convention floor.
- Do not force kisses or hugs on anyone. Even if you want to assume a situation welcomes it, be aware of other people’s interest or lack thereof. Some people even have health issues that make rough touching painful or disturbing. Respect boundaries.
- Remember that comics professionals are often captive audiences behind their tables, and that it’s not always easy for them to walk away from uncomfortable situations. Be extra careful not to create those uncomfortable situations.
- Don’t make sexual comments that could possibly be construed as creepy, especially around people who are not your close friends. In general, if you have any doubt at all about making sexual comments, just don’t make them.
- Ask before you take a photo of a cosplayer. Some cosplayers are fine with having sexy photos taken of them but others have different feelings on how they want to be photographed. The respectful thing to do is to ask to take a photo and be sure that you’re not taking photos only from behind without the cosplayers’ knowledge.
- Don’t make rude comments about anyone’s gender, race, sexual orientation, appearance, or anything that would make people feel unwelcome for being who they are.
- Treat others with respect, regardless of gender (or your sexual interest in that gender). Everyone has just as much right to be there as you do.