The Access Review: Do the Next Right Thing
Daisy Brookes/Ekko Cosplay
Today we were meant to be running a piece on Secret Cinema but it was felt by the the team at The Cosplay Journal that a more pressing piece was needed right now. That something needed to be said.
“You are lost, hope is gone, but you must go on and do the next right thing”
It’s a grey morning. I've been at a loss for words, not sure what to say or do. How to act, how to venture out in to the day without breaking down. I really thought today was going to be the day where we saw the start of change and instead we’ve been shown the bitter truth, the majority of this country is complacent when It comes to cruelty. I am heartbroken.
The most vulnerable people in your life are about to suffer the results of this. I consider myself a hopeful person but today I feel so lost. This time last year I was deeply depressed and suicidal and right now I feel that fear creeping in. We hoped for a change for the better and we’ve been shown that the general public don’t care. They believe the lies of a racist, xenophobic, privileged man. A fool who has blagged his way to the top by stepping on the poor, the disabled, the LGBTQ+, the weak and small. Only a coward would have done this. A villain.
But we can’t let this be it. Take today to be sad, commiserate the loss, mourn. Comfort your friends, reach out to those who you know this will affect the most. We are hurting. Take today, because tomorrow we have to get back up. We have to get back up and fight in every way we can. I will not be left to die under a fascist regime. I will not allow the suffering of those in need.
In the last 24 hours the UK has become a scarier, harder place for many of us, especially in the cosplay community. Many of us have disabilities. Many of us are LGBTQ+. Many of us have mental health problems. Many of us people of colour. Many of us are vulnerable to the harsh whims of the government that has been voted in today. The uncertainty that lies ahead of us is terrifying. This community prides itself on being one with open arms, that gives a home to those who need it and celebrates every single one of them. We are one of the few communities with no barriers to newcomers, and we are more diverse for that. We are stronger for that. We have to unite amongst us, support each other, take care of one another.
Now is the time. Time to make a change ourselves. To do the next right thing.
“And with the dawn, what comes then? When it's clear that everything will never be the same again? Then I'll make the choice to hear that voice and do the next right thing”
If you are struggling with today's news please take the time to reach out, to family or friends or any of these free hotlines and organisations.
Samaritans - 116 124. Free to call from any phone and available 24h every day.
Saneline - 0300 304 7000. 4.30pm–10.30pm every day.
Papyrus Hopeline - 0800 068 414. Weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm, email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text if you prefer not talking over the phone 07786 209 697.
Citizen's Advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
