Fitting in

I've been having a weird issue with fitting in the Otaku seen. I used to attend many conventions with friends who were really into it! I love anime, art, culture and especially people. As of late though I attend stuff by myself and it's been harder to really fit in. Unlike my wingmen who tend to cosplay and are actually part of the culture I've been told that I really don't look like the kinda guy who goes to those events. In fact I've noticed unsettling stares as if I'm a cop showing up to crash a party. Of course this makes it hard to really meet someone. I seem to blend in well with many other social cultures, sports, techy stuff, and many art but not this one which feels the closest to my heart. Sometimes I feel like maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree. Anyone else has this problem?

I'd almost want to say that it might be because you're black. Like no offense at all but people in general are a bunch of asshats. I've got a ton of black buddies who are Otakus and they get the same treatment, i find it quite retarded.

yeah i mean, the best thing you can do is go to have fun and f*ck what other people say. I started having a lot more fun at conventions when i went for me and my enjoyment. the more you think about it the more you notice it. just let loose and have fun :) me and my con friends arent exactly the average con goers either, but we've found lots of people like us!

I'm very outgoing and I just like being with people. When I can't be social it makes my experience a lot less enjoyable. My motivation to attend goes down.

I know that feeling but mainly because I have on a costume no one knows. Lol I just push out the looks and focus on what I'm there for. Tho if ya need a friend at otakon next yr let me know. Ill hang out with ya.

Hmm... I don't know what to tell you. People say that I don't strike them as an anime type of girl, but I am. They all freak out when they find out I am (normally excitedly if they are into it too, otherwise they just brush it off), but that is in normal life situations. When I go to cons, though, I do cosplay. If you just chat people up and show that you are actually within the fandom, I'm sure you will be fine :) And then when people see you hanging out and laughing with others at a con (some of which are probably cosplaying) they will know that you obviously belong ;)