Actor Lynda Carter, best known for her role in the 1970s live-action television series Wonder Woman, has gone viral after she praised a Black cosplayer's Wonder Woman costume in response to the cosplayer's posts addressing criticism she received about dressing up as the iconic superheroine.
On Sunday, April 6, a cosplayer named Bibi took to X (formerly Twitter) to show off her Wonder Woman cosplay, or "costume play," after being told she shouldn't dress as Diana Prince, AKA Wonder Woman, because she's Black.
She wrote:
"It's kind of wild that I almost did not make this cosplay because some people felt I shouldn't cosplay Diana because I'm Black. I'm so glad I never listened!"
"I really enjoyed making this cosplay! I love Wonder Woman! I love characters that represent strength and kindness."
You can see her impressive costume below:
@bibicosplays/X
@bibicosplays/X
Bibi proudly displayed her Wonder Woman bracers and body suit, which she made from scratch, along with a light-up lasso and cape.
In her viral thread, she remarked on the joy she gets from being seen by children as the characters she's dressed up as "despite my skin tone."
Bibi noted that cosplay is an "escape" for her, adding:
"It allows me to become my fave characters & connect with others. It's a lot of fun!"
She also took the opportunity to remind everyone that they should stop "putting people in boxes," and emphasized that cosplay "about having fun as your fave characters!"
After her tweet went viral, Carter, the OG Wonder Woman, weighed in with her thoughts—and to praise Bibi's outstanding look, writing:
"Excuse me? Of course you should cosplay! Wonder Woman dwells within. EVERYONE knows this."
"Bibi…you are a Wonder Woman. Love the cape! 💕"
Needless to say, Bibi was over the moon to receive Lynda’s support, tweeting:
"*cries* Thank you so much!! 💕☺️ And you're exactly right!! This means so much to read."
Lynda Carter has long been a champion of the inclusive representation of Wonder Woman, as she discussed with TEDWoman founder Pat Mitchell during a TED Talk in October of last year, saying:
“People identify with her because she is you and me… [H]er strength, her resilience, her humanity, her goodness, and her ability to kick butt. She is not gonna to take it from anyone.”
A sentiment that the people commended both Wonder Women for.
And Bibi received all the love for her Wonder Woman cosplay.
According to Bibi’s website, she hails from Canada and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She started her own Black, disabled, and queer-owned small business called Bibipins in June 2020. Her online store sells high-quality and fun pins, stickers, jewelry, and compression items.
We're glad to see that she isn't letting some narrow-minded bigots stop her from doing what she loves!
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images