I talked with cosplayer Lupie Lotus about her experience in cosplay while having a disability. Little did I know that the conversation would turn into something that lit up my entire day. Lupie Lotus is a unique individual with a spirit that will inspire you or make you smile. It's a rare occasion to meet someone who is a positive light of beaming sunshine with a voice of tenacity and resilience. There is no mountain that her evanescent cannot conquer or a stone that her life experience has not uncovered. From being abled-bodied to navigating life's obstacles with an autoimmune disease and overcoming suicide attempts, Lupie is a superhero of unwavering faith and talents that far exceed what I expected when starting our interview.
Unfortunately, our interview wasn't a visual recording because of the recent storm that knocked Georgia off its feet, a revelation of times of flooding that made wifi connection challenging. Lupie lives in rural Georgia in a small town called Americus. We briefly started the interview over the phone before pushing the record button. I like to do this to get a vibe of how I can approach the interview. Right away, I knew our conversation was going to be significant based on the tone of Lupie's voice. She was excited, pleasant, and ready to tell her story with a realness that I knew was coming behind the humor, life experience, and cosplay.
Lupie shared with me that her love for cosplay was ignited at birth, a passion she inherited from her mother. Her response seemed a little exaggerated to me until I learned that her mother had been creating her own characters decades before cosplay became a popular social trend. It was her mother's love of theatre, playwriting, and performing arts that sparked Lupie's desire to be true to herself while embodying any character she chose to transform into.
Lupie followed in her mother's footsteps, being an innovator and entrepreneur, something that seems to run in their bloodline as her son is one, too. Lupie has a cosmetics line, teaches how to build cosplay props, and is a motivational speaker. On top of all this, Lupie has an incredible support system who is as truthful as she is regarding any aspect of life. That's the type of support system we all need and shows how well Lupie is loved and admired by those in her circle.
Lupie also shared some obstacles she has encountered as a cosplayer, bringing awareness to conventions needing more areas for medics on standby for attendees with disabilities. In addition to calling out the naysayers who postulate that common characters should not be cosplayed with disability, in Lupie's words,
Harley Quinn may not be in a wheelchair, but she is today! [when Lupie is cosplaying Harely Quinn].
For a more in-depth look into Lupie's journey, I invite you to listen to the full podcast. You can also follow Lupie Lotus online to stay updated on her latest projects and adventures.
IG: Lupie_Lotus
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