Cosplayers, cosplayers, and content creators from all parts of the globe came together on Saturday for a special online event to show off their own fairy and magical creature looks in an event known as Black Fae Day. Thousands of Black content creators across many social media platforms dressed up as elves, witches, fairies, mermaids, and other magical creatures in fantasy.
The idea was first created by JupiterJazz (@maximilli_lo) on Twitter after she was inspired by photos of Kenji K (@flowersfromkenji) in a fairy princess look.
“I’ve seen other black costumers and influencers who have been flexing their ethereal looks and I’m a fan! We need a day dedicated to this!” JupiterJazz wrote in the original Twitter post in early March. “Black Fae Day isn’t limited to just people who identify as female. Everyone can join in, but do participate in ways that align with the purpose- to uplift and include dark skinned individuals in the realm of fantasy. Black people have imagined themselves larger than life too.”
The king requests your presence #BlackFaeDay pic.twitter.com/cfC5gikj5V
— Gabe Hicks (@GabeJamesGames) May 8, 2021
Black Fae Day quickly drew attention on social and soon thousands of Black and BIPOC content creators were making their own looks for the event. On Saturday, Black Fae Day even started trending on Twitter with over 28,000 tweets to celebrate the occasion. Some cosplayers made their fae looks based on video games and TV series, while others made their own original looks.
🧚🏾♀️✨Just fae queen tingz ✨🧚🏾♀️#BlackFaeDay
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📸: @_ceruri pic.twitter.com/UiwyL8CctI— 🐉✨Gold Dragon Yussa Agenda✨🐉 (@feycrafts) May 8, 2021
The day also sparked a discussion on how many fantasy series lack representation. “Black people have rarely been considered when it comes to the mystical and magical,” writer erinymoore wrote on The Blerd Tribune. “Any cosplayer of any color can be any character. Fair skin is not the only option and this day is a reminder of that. Black people deserve to be seen as nymphs and sorcerers. This is a day to show that not only can we be seen as mythical beings but we excel at it”
Happy #BlackFaeDay! I based my look off of Brightwing from WoW!
Enjoy!!
Costume made by me! 💚🧚🏾♀️ pic.twitter.com/h1cuPcGHkH
— Akakioga @ Black Fae Day 🧚🏾♀️ (@Akakioga) May 8, 2021
Since the day became a huge hit among Black content creators, JupiterJazz wrote on their Twitter that Black Fae Day will continue to be an annual event for the second Saturday in the month of May.
Be sure to check out the hashtag #BlackFaeDay on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for all the incredible looks that were created for Black Fae Day.
