It all comes down to two simple things: Dressing up and having fun.
To me cosplay is a way to express creativity and love towards a fictional character or universe. Cosplayers show their passion by bringing their favourite characters to life wether it be from buying the costume and wearing it or crafting it themselves from scratch.
Cosplay should never be about body type or body weight, skin colour, religion, age, gender and abilities.
Cosplay should not be restricted to canon character designs and creators have a right to show as much or as little skin as they want and interpret their love of a character whatever way they want. In that context cosplay IS NOT consent. Cosplaying certain characters does not mean others are allowed to take pictures, or touch them without asking for permission first. Cosplayers have the right regardless of how they are dressed to feel safe and respected always.
Otome junkie 