Bart Bernhardt
Observer
Science CosPlay
So I think I'm going to get a little bit real for a second. I think I'm among the generation where being a nerd wasn't socially acceptable. Being a science enthusiast meant Dungeons & Dragons kit and all of that sort of stuff. There was this real ostracism and trauma associated with that, and to walk into this community with overt celebration of education and pop culture all in one place was actually powerful for me, and to hear people talk directly about what this meant to them, and having body issues, or esteem issues or anxiety and saying like, "This community makes me feel good about myself," that was a real moment for me. So I was actually touched.