Attending AnthroCon with my boyfriend for the first time was a dream come true. We were both eagerly anticipating participating in the parade—an event that promised to be the highlight of our convention experience. But the recent rule change, which bans the showing of any human skin, has left many, including myself, disheartened.

At its core, AnthroCon is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all walks of life to embrace their passions without judgment. However, the new 'No Human Skin' rule feels counterintuitive to this ethos. This policy does not account for the varying degrees of costume coverage that attendees might have, and instead, unwittingly discriminates against many.

For those who can only afford partial costumes or simply costume heads, this rule feels classist. It's crucial to remember that AnthroCon should be accessible to everyone—not just those with the resources to afford full suits. Cost shouldn't dictate the level of participation or enjoyment one can have at this convention.

Moreover, this rule poses significant challenges for attendees who are disabled. Some may experience mobility issues, making it difficult to wear full suits for extended periods. The policy could inadvertently isolate a part of our community that AnthroCon should be prioritizing in its efforts to include all.

There's also a health and safety aspect to consider. For those in full suits, the heat outside can become exhausting and even dangerous.

Let's come together and urge AnthroCon to reconsider this rule. By reverting to the original guidelines, we can ensure that AnthroCon remains a place where every attendee, regardless of financial standing or physical ability, can participate fully and enjoyably.

Join us in signing this petition to call on AnthroCon to change its parade rules back to their original form, creating a welcoming environment for us all.

Photo credit goes to Blue Hasia.