Where are you from originally, or where do you reside currently? “I’m originally from New York. A town in Long Island called Glen Cove.”

How long have you been cosplaying? “This is my 3rd year cosplaying.”

What characters have you cosplayed? “I’ve cosplayed a C.O.G soldier from Gears of War, Iron Man, Stacker Pentacost from Pacific Rim, a Silverback from Gears of War, and my 1st mash-up, Iron Merman.”

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1. What inspired you to start cosplaying?

My son thought it would be great physical therapy for me. Then my niece (Sellexie Cosplay) Talked me into going to my 1st con (Metrocon) in Tampa, Fl. I’ve been hooked since then.

2. What do you do when you are not cosplaying?

I’m either designing, writing and recording music, swimming, or kayaking.

3. What costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far and why?

By far the Silverback. It was the largest so far and had moving elements. I had to make it so that it would walk when the wheels from my chair turned.

4. What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying?

Do what you love, so you’ll love what you do. So many are getting into it for the wrong reasons now that its popular. Be true to your self. Don’t worry about being the best. The cosplay world is awesome. People will love what ever you do just because they love the same things you do. Remember it’s not cos-work, it’s cos-play!

5. What is one thing the cosplaying community can do better when it comes to dealing with each other?

Letting others just be themselves. The cosplay world as a whole is great. It’s much better than outside of cosplay. But it’s also a slice of humanity. So you will get a small bit of what’s wrong with humanity also. We must stand up to those who try to tear down this awesome way of life. Where else would you see a 60 year old lawyer hanging out and having a meaningful conversation with a 16 year old school kid about Dr Who? *laughs*

6. What challenges have you found as a disabled cosplayer?

My main challenge as a handicapped cosplayer comes at the cons. For some reason some people at cons seem to think it’s cool to sit on the floor in walk ways. Not cool for handicapped or non-handicapped people. Also it’s sometimes hard to get an elevator. And some cons are still not handicap-friendly.



7. Do you find that you are treated any differently from other cosplayers because of your wheelchair?

Not at all. Some may seem surprised at first, but I’m treated just like any other cosplayer.

8. What would you say to other disabled individuals who are skeptical about cosplaying because of their physical status (body type / disability / race / gender / etc.)?

Just do it! Cosplay is for EVERYONE! I am handicapped, black, old, and new to all of this. And I still cosplay! *laughs*