I really need advice

Well, you see a local fair is coming up in my area, it’s known as “Asian American Expo”. During this time, it show cases many different aspects of Asian culture. My mom wanted to bring my friend and I since she saw some sort of thing about cosplay, and knowing that we love to cosplay she told me about it. I did a little research, and from the few photos I saw, not many people were cosplaying. The ones that were cosplaying were in the Cosplay and Lolita fashion show. I’d like to point out that I’m very self-conscious. If I’m wearing something that makes me stick out from a crowd, I start getting nervous and scared. Basically, I’m a wreck, and it feels like everyone is staring at me. If I cosplay, and the only cosplayers there are the ones in the fashion show, I’ll feel really embarrassed. Although, at the same time, I desperately want to cosplay with my best friend since she’s tagging along! Should I just back out and go there in plain clothes or just not give a damn and cosplay with my best friend?

Well even if they are looking at you remember no one knows it's you you're a character. And your friend will be there go support you. I have been there done that kinda situation. But since no one really knew it was me it really didn't matter. I had fun got my picture taken a lot and in the end I had so much fun I forgot to be embarrassed. And I was by myself. Only. Four others showed up and made a good friend on the side. So either way I think you'll be fine. Just go for it.

No problem. I hope you two have ton of fun. Doh didn't mean to rhythm there. I always wanted to go to that festival.

Darkry, I have avoidant personality disorder. That means when I'm the center of attention, I get panic attacks, pain, and I internally freak out for the duration. If I can walk out in a crowded street wearing a colorful skirt (a kilt) with a furry bag on the front (sporran), I think you can pull off cosplay, with a friend, at an event where there are other cosplayers. Worst case scenario, everyone will think you're advertising for the fashion show. Don't be afraid to express yourself ;) Cosplayers are like actors. Their creativity is born when they don a character. As the old song that hardly anyone remembers goes: Express yourself.

If both you and your friend cosplay and there's actually events related to it, go for it. Sure, you might stick out a little bit but no one is going to think any less of you for it. If anything, you'll be one of the more unique people there versus all the people who go in normal street clothes.

I think The Asian American Expo is more about asian culture rather than anime/manga or games. Cosplay wouldn't exactly be unheard of there, but I don't think it'd be half as common as a con for example. More than likely you'll stand out a lot and be the catch a lot of stares. I'm not sure exactly how cool the people there are, maybe they're used to cosplay, but there's also that possibility of offending a few people. People who might be trying to establish that there's more to asia than anime/games. For example, imagine going to an Italian American expo dressed as super mario. But again, They're probably used to cosplay and I doubt you'd be the only person doing it. That said, I don't think you should do anything that makes you uncomfortable and that you might be embarrassed about or regret afterwards. But if it's something you really want to do, which it sounds like it is, then just go for it. As they say, you only live one.