In the spirit of Pride Month, we shouldn’t forget people who look at gender as a spectrum they can be fluid throughout and don’t subscribe to the binary set forth by a puritanical society. We chatted with non-binary cam model, Magical Mae (they/them), about how fantasy has helped find their true self.
First, I have to say that your cosplay is really awesome. They seem to reflect a collision of reality and an animated world. Like a truly grounded Roger Rabbit-type of aesthetic. Is this something you go for when putting together your outfits?
Thank you! I have always loved animation and cosplay came with it, that mix of live-action and whimsy, you caught me. Roger Rabbit, The Mask, and anything Robin Williams’ was in, were definitely huge inspirations to my current aesthetic and overall vibe, on and off the camera. My goals when putting together a look is to create a feeling, even if its not a perfect recreation, I want you to FEEL like you’re sitting with the characters. I love feeling like I’m part of the magic, and it’s nice to hear it’s reading that way!
Is there a particular cosplay that you feel like is most like you, in as much as it feels like the most authentic you?
Ooo! This is a toughie! I am going to have to admit I have 4 different Harley Quinn wigs aren’t I? Haha! She’s def my original go-to, I love her chaotic nature. But right now I am currently loving my Mothman and “Lovette de Clown” fits, I’ve created easily four looks each in the last year! I have to say if the character is chaotic good in nature I do feel it’s easy to be authentic in the play. (I wonder if this is saying something about me! Heehee!)
You identify as an enby, which (from an outsider’s perspective) makes a lot of sense given the wonder and enchantment in your presentation. While coming into understanding with your embrace of gender fluidity, did your love of fantasy aid that?
I have always been immersed in fantasy, some of my earliest memories is being sucked into Princess Mononoke and the Little Mermaid, pretending I was a mermaid or a forest spirit. When I started my gender journey almost 10 years ago, at first I struggled feeling right within myself. It wasn’t until I [realized] I resonated with Drag Queens and the performance of femininity that it clicked why I felt so great in costume. To me, it’s the merging of the two, to turn myself into a high-femme faerie queen.
As an addendum to that last question, do you find it weird that people who challenge non-binary folks can suspend disbelief for dinosaurs in the modern world, but can’t seem to wrap their heads around that gender can exist in a spectrum?
I do wonder how we can know and believe that frogs changing gender, as the films put it “life finds a way” that can be the basis of the biggest dinosaur franchise transforming how we see dinosaurs to the day, and yet people still struggle to comprehend this! When it comes up I try explain the concept that I’m just a lil guy, who thinks wearing pretty dresses is fun. Sometimes that clicks with people, other times I have to compare myself to an actor playing a part. Trust if I thought I’d be good at it, I’d draw on the beard I can’t grow naturally. But I fear that’d be too much change for my regulars, Haha!
We’re unfortunately in a world that is attacking Queer communities, but I would venture this is perhaps the time to show up to be visible and share art and strengthen the community. As we’re celebrating Pride, what is something being a part of the LGBTQIA community that you are proud of?
It been tough lately with the news, I find myself struggling with my X, whether I should change it back, like many I know. Maybe you’re right and now is the time more than ever to be present in people’s lives. What I’ve been trying to do is wear my “they/them” buttons and elaborate costumes off camera. I also encourage others to break out of their shells and wear clothes that make them feel good, from within. I’ve had a few people tell me last year that I inspired them to wear clothes that got them a ton of compliments, and I’m STILL living off those comments!
