Be a path maker, not a gatekeeper. A first look at this stellar Inuyasha set with @chameleahncos as Sango. Props to @kainosaurus_ for holding Hiraikotsu (the boomerang) for the epic action shot! This last weekend, I was watching a panel featuring my friends @pdherron and @nighjonah as they talked through their experience on the reality show “Baking It.” It was a deep conversation that covered topics ranging from chosen family, sexuality, race, and how to be “unapologetically you.” In the course of the conversation, @nighjonah said one thing that resonated. It was, “be a path maker, not a gatekeeper.” In life and in creative endeavors like cosplay and photography, there are those who gate keep. Those who seek to keep people they deem as “unworthy” or “undesirable” out. Sometimes it’s malicious and other times it’s subconscious. We all know the type, seen them in action, or even participated in gatekeeping ourselves. But here’s the thing, gatekeeping is purely self-defeating. Not only do you prevent progress in others, you are so focused in keeping people out that you prevent progress in yourself. You all are stuck at the same gate, unable to move or grow. And eventually, those you try to keep out will find a different path in or even build a new door. You were simply an obstacle to overcome and they are free to grow, learn and move forward. All while you are still at the same gate. We have to ask ourselves, how is that fulfilling? How can we sacrifice our own personal growth to stifle others? In our final days on this planet, are you going to be more excited about the people you held back or are you going to look back, in fondness, at the fulfilling experiences you had. I encourage you all to abandon your post at the gate. Choose exploration and growth. Be the path maker who pioneers ideas and supports others doing the same. That is the only way for you, and your community to grow. #sango #sangocosplay #inuyasha #inuyashaedit #inuyashacosplay #animecosplay #animecosplayer #cosplay #cosplayphoto #cosplayphotoshoot #cosplaylife #mangacosplay