Yastreb
Well-Known Member
Well, majority of the furries who speak English and frequent these forums at least. I would be careful when making any kind of statistical conclusions because you are going to have sampling bias.
Curious Observer Here: What is the Furry Fandom? [CLOSED]
- Thread starter Okapij Johnstonio
- Start date
The_biscuits_532
Eternally Confused Feline
From what I've seen the highest density of furries live in Germany and the surrounding nations.
Ziggy Schlacht
Hasn't figured out this "straight" business
FA is a US-based site I believe, and definitely anglo-centric. However, there's a ton of groups with names like "German_Furs" and "Armenian_Furs" that might help you. Obviously it's both self-declared and folks need to know they exist, but it's a start pointing. There was also a thread where someone was trying to track where everyone lived.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Oh yes, you are absolutely right. I should have rephrased it to be "a majority of furries" within Fur Affinity Forums specifically. This is an ethnographic study so it is indeed more qualitative in nature, not really based on statistics, but I like to gather that sort of information for personal reference and interest. Thank you for pointing that out, though!
It is a challenge in that the fandom is such a large, global community, with a large Internet base! I am more-so specifically studying the furry fandom's culture and such on this particular website since the project is relatively short-term. Most of my peers are actually observing local groups, even as close by as my college's student clubs (and of course, the Fencing Club at my school would not be the same as a Fencing Club in another school). I wanted to go all-out and look at something new! But, I have learned that digital ethnography, while insightful, can cause quite the information overload.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
That's really interesting. Even though I am only focusing on these forums, I'll be sure to check other groups out too! I have heard that there is a large German furry community.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Regarding #5, I am glad you were able to discover and understand those parts of yourself. Middle/High school art teachers can be brutal.
I have been intending to check Beastars out, not in relation to this project but just in general. I have indeed noticed that this community includes such diversity in regards to sexual orientation, and it is quite amazing to see.
Thank you for taking the time to reply!
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Thank you for the response! It is interesting how you brought up the fact that animal characters are pretty normalized in cartoons, books, anime, movies, et cetera, yet there is a lot of negativity directed towards furries who only harmlessly express this same interest in real-world context. Aforementioned, while I am not a furry myself, my D&D character was based after a Peruvian bird, though just to be silly. I have noticed that I lot of fictional characters I have made are actually based off of real or mythological birds, so it's pretty normal for most people to associate with animals in some way.
After reading #7, does your fiancé happen to be in the furry fandom as well?
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
I really like the name "Mambi!" Thank you for adding that you are Canadian, that is really interesting!Sure, happy to chat anytime Feel free to follow-up with anything else if you'd like! <props his head in his paws and reads the questions>
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
I've been a furry all my life really, but only really knew it as the term "furry" about a decade ago more or less.
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
The friendly people and the sense of fun. Others get childish or internetty pretty quick, but here it's all welcoming and friendly and fun! <hugs to all>
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
I have a feline soul so being a cat was easy. Obviously I intimately identify with my animal on a spiritual level, and Mambi's personality is just mine with more fur.
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
About the same time I "joined" the communit, but it's not like I signed a lease agreement or regestered with "fur international" or anything, those that knew me always knew I was feline...the rest just fit into play.
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
Yes.
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
Mambi is me but as he's presented is my avatar. I don't own a fursuit but I own several ears/tails/fangs/collar, which is more my style of expression. I wear it anytime I want to feel like myself, as I feel like I'm taking OFF a costume, not putting one on. I feel more natural in the ears/etc than without.
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
Not fursuit, but dressed in ears/tail/etc all the time!!! I felt fantastic, so free and playful and like myself again!!!
8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
Not yet, but someday soon I hope!
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
No opinion on that at all, I deal with people as individuals.
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
Everyone is different, so all of the above probably apply depending on who you ask. To me it's expression of the spirit coming across, and I don't see animals and humans as different. To many (me included) there is a sexual aspect, like anything people enjoy really, but it's not the primary motivation by a long shot. In the art it's pure expression and beauty, and in the fursona it's mental freedom to play and feel your inner animal come out as well.
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
Yes, but again not the primary motivation. It only affected my sexuality in that it expanded it, allowing me the freedom to explore both my human carnal sides and my feline passionate sides as well, often at the same time.
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
I write stories (hell, that's too tame, I create worlds!!! <the cat laughs and swishes his tail> , I love interacting with fellow furs, chatting about everything, enjoying the art (a lot!) and generally enjoying the sense of fun and welcoming involved in the fandom. We tend to have very open-minded people in the fandom of varying sexuality and age is irrelevant as well. Overall, the community just draws you in with open arms, and the hugs are cuddly. <LOL>
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
I don't like them of course. Common sense applies, and nobody likes having lies spread about them. Kind of a silly question really. <giggle> I mean, imagine if every single bathrobe wearer over the age of 60 was assumed to be a dirty sexual predator for example. Asking how they'd feel would be redundant...of COURSE they'd hate it, right? So what other answer could anyone say other than some variation of "it bothers me" or "whatever, I don't care about idiots". <snicker>
On that topic though, the misconception that when we say it's not all a sexual kink we're assumed to be lying is very irritating usually to me personally. It's like a lot of people just say "I don't understand it, therefore it MUST be a sexual thing, the perverts!", why jump right onto sex as the reason??? Makes the person feel dirty about admitting something that may have nothing at all to do at all with sex, and the more they try to explain, the more it sounds like they're making excuses! AAUUGGHH!!
Given that literal children are often involved in the fandom as well, and all of a sudden it takes on a whole new level of annoyance...now we get looks like we feel like we should register with child services for no reason at all, just because it's the only way to make some other people reassured that we're not going to be perverts!!!
Misconceptions about anything can be harmful...but then that's presumably why you're asking questions, right? <smile>
When I was in high school I had seen some people just wear collars, a tail, and/or ears. That was my first exposure to furries or something of the like. My peers considered it 'weird," but really why should anyone care? We are free to express ourselves. I was sheepish and never fully inquired about it.
For #13, it is actually kind of sad that sex and sexuality are still viewed as taboo or disgusting in some way. This is much of an Anglo-sphere viewpoint, too. Of course, as many people stated, not everyone has a fetish associated with this fandom but for the people who do, it is honestly no different than other kinds of kinks. Non-furries have some pretty bizarre kinks anyway. For the people who do not, it is rather unfortunate that people still hold those biases against you.
Troj
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dino Therapist
For a start, here's a Youtube playlist I've created for this purpose that I hope is helpful:
T
TemetNosce88
Guest
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
I would say I joined in early 2020, when I started being more active in the community and posting art, both my own and from others. Before that I had been a lurker since maybe 2002 or 2003, when I stumbled across some furry art online and it just clicked with me. Took me a few years more to find out there was a larger community around it.
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
FurAffinity is one of the larger and most active furry sites, so I naturally gravitated here, like a lot of people. I joined the forums in October of 2020 after the very long forum downtime, when I was sick with Covid and had nothing better to do all day.
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
I'll just link the post where I explained it here, for brevity: Post
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
I still don't, for the most part. 2 people IRL know, and they have both been significant others. One used it to try to hurt me, the other (current) one is generally supportive but not a huge fan. Otherwise I don't bring it up and have a separate online identify for furry-related things.
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
It's allowed me to explore a few aspects of myself that I wasn't really able to before, but in general it's just been a fun hobby.
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
My fursona is just myself but represented as a deer for the sake of interacting with the furry world. It's not a part of my life besides that (excluding my connection with deer, as above). I do not have a fursuit.
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
I would say it's more similar to the YouTube community in a lot of ways. There are the most popular content creators, and many of them deserve that status, but there are also many small niche creators who do amazing things if you venture off the beaten path a little ways. I wouldn't call it a hierarchy, though.
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
It's fun to combine human and animal traits, both physical and otherwise. Humans have been doing it for most of our history.
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
I draw naughty furry art, so yes, for me that's a large part of the attraction. It's allowed me to explore a few things that I find attractive in furry form that are completely unattractive to me in real life, but it has not changed my sexuality over all.
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
I like talking on forums sometimes, but really have to be in the mood for it. I talk to a small handful of people on Discord who are in the furry community, which I like better because it's easier to develop a more personal connection one-on-one than in a large active forum. I do create furry art (as above), usually NSFW but I do create SFW art from time to time. I'm working on getting better and I think I've made good progress in the year since I started.
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
There are a lot of misconceptions, which is a large reason why I keep it private from people I know. But it's one of many communities that I'm a part of that have a good number of misconceptions or stereotypes around them, especially with a weird and filmable minority being a representation for the vast majority in the public's mind.
I would say I joined in early 2020, when I started being more active in the community and posting art, both my own and from others. Before that I had been a lurker since maybe 2002 or 2003, when I stumbled across some furry art online and it just clicked with me. Took me a few years more to find out there was a larger community around it.
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
FurAffinity is one of the larger and most active furry sites, so I naturally gravitated here, like a lot of people. I joined the forums in October of 2020 after the very long forum downtime, when I was sick with Covid and had nothing better to do all day.
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
I'll just link the post where I explained it here, for brevity: Post
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
I still don't, for the most part. 2 people IRL know, and they have both been significant others. One used it to try to hurt me, the other (current) one is generally supportive but not a huge fan. Otherwise I don't bring it up and have a separate online identify for furry-related things.
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
It's allowed me to explore a few aspects of myself that I wasn't really able to before, but in general it's just been a fun hobby.
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
My fursona is just myself but represented as a deer for the sake of interacting with the furry world. It's not a part of my life besides that (excluding my connection with deer, as above). I do not have a fursuit.
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
I would say it's more similar to the YouTube community in a lot of ways. There are the most popular content creators, and many of them deserve that status, but there are also many small niche creators who do amazing things if you venture off the beaten path a little ways. I wouldn't call it a hierarchy, though.
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
It's fun to combine human and animal traits, both physical and otherwise. Humans have been doing it for most of our history.
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
I draw naughty furry art, so yes, for me that's a large part of the attraction. It's allowed me to explore a few things that I find attractive in furry form that are completely unattractive to me in real life, but it has not changed my sexuality over all.
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
I like talking on forums sometimes, but really have to be in the mood for it. I talk to a small handful of people on Discord who are in the furry community, which I like better because it's easier to develop a more personal connection one-on-one than in a large active forum. I do create furry art (as above), usually NSFW but I do create SFW art from time to time. I'm working on getting better and I think I've made good progress in the year since I started.
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
There are a lot of misconceptions, which is a large reason why I keep it private from people I know. But it's one of many communities that I'm a part of that have a good number of misconceptions or stereotypes around them, especially with a weird and filmable minority being a representation for the vast majority in the public's mind.
Ziggy Schlacht
Hasn't figured out this "straight" business
No, she just plays a Dragonborn and a Tabaxi in DnD. She insists she's not a furry though, and takes no part in the community. Honestly, I consider someone a furry if they call themselves one. If not, they're just an anthropomorphized animal fan.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
It truly is up to the imagination, then! I suppose that is generally what humans themselves do anyways, like they may dye their hair non-natural colors, wear colored contacts, dress gothic or colorfully, and such. Also, there is no need to apologize for elaborating on details, the more the better! It is more akin to an actual interview to have branching off questions and answers.
I have heard the term "Scalies" but was unsure of how often it was applied.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
I appreciate your thorough response! That's wonderful that you overcame your social anxiety. It is nice to see how the fandom allowed you to come out of your shell and network/connect with people.Second part
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
I have to a LGBT+ pride festival. I was a bit nervous at first, but there was a good sized group of other suiters there so that helps. People loved the suits there. It was a good bit of fun, you pretty much make yourself the center of attention when you suit in public though. So after a while I put it up so I could walk around the festival without getting stopped for pictures.
8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
I have been to four. Largest one being FWA , the smallest being FAU. There are panels and events organized by the convention. There is almost always a dance competition, a fursuit parade, and a con photo that is taken at some point. There is also a rave/dance every night. People will host panels. There is a dealers den too where artists, writers, and other kinds of craftspeople will sell stuff.
The first convention for me was FAU, I did not have a fursuit then and there were about 500ish people there. I mainly just went to the events, panels, and dances. I wandered around a bit in the lobby that was about it.
The second convention I went to was the first year of ASE. I had a fursuit by then, and wore it a good bit. I did that con differently, I spent a good time trying to talk to different people and getting to know them.I met some guys and I went to their room and we just drank and chilled for a good bit. I still spent most of my time at con events.
The third con I went to, also the largest was FWA. There were 5645 people there. So far this is my favorite con. I also made the mistake of rooming with 8 people at once, but the room was cheap. FWA had a free arcade there that was a lot of fun. I went to a bunch of room parties and hooked up with people. I remember me and some friends went to the lobby one night and you aren't supposed to just have alcohol on the con floor, so we just put a bunch of jager and red bull in coffee cups and walked around with that. There was a diner near the con we went and ate at about one in the morning. I will never forget they had karaoke and there was this one drunk furry who decided to sing despacito, but he didn't know spanish. It was an interesting rendition to say the least. (Not putting him down or anything it was just the funniest shit.)
The fourth con was the second ASE, it was about a fifth the size of FWA. Nothing too memorable happened at that con, I went to some room parties, and walked around the lobby a lot.
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
There is a bit, If someone is popular they have sway over the people who look up to them or like them. That is just how it is, I don't think it is more so with furries. Most just want to be treated like anyone else, some have egos and want special treatment. It is not really an issue I don't think.
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? It it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
I think all three, many furries will actually stereotype you based on your fursona. the most notorious stereotype I can think of is that foxes are gay bottoms, another one is Huskies are social. There is some amount of truth to the stereotypes, in a way that is kind of fun. I think most people find anthropomorphic characters easier to relate to in general, because of that people can relate sexually as well.
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
The fandom does not have to have a sexual aspect for someone, for me it does though.
Earlier I said I became furry when I was first realizing my sexuality. part of the reason I was drawn was the openness towards sexuality. Many people will have their sexuality in their twitter or telegram bio. It can be hard to know if someone is gay with non furries that was especially true before dating apps. Most of the time you don't make a default assumption that someone is straight like you might with non-furries, so if you are wanting to hook up with someone it can be much easier. I can go up to someone at a con start talking to them then be flirtatious with them and there is a good chance they will be open to it.
Furries tend to be open to less vanilla things and certain fetishes are more common due to having an affinity towards anthropomorphic animals. Personally, I find fur sexually appealing. I am into BDSM. I find collars, leashes, and shock collars "fun" to use on other people. I will do sexual things with people in my Hyena suit and I enjoy it if they are in a suit too. I have met many furries who are into those things as well. There are people who take things too far and are far too public with sexual things, but they are the minority. Most furries are more respectful towards others.
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
I don't do anything creative myself. I talk on these forums and some other chats. I also host a party organizing chat with about 35 people in it. Sans rona I went to meets and cons.
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
Some people will always be negative towards things they don't understand or find unappealing. I think a lot of the misconceptions come from how varied and vast the fandom is. Some people are casually into furry stuff. Then there are people who base their entire life around being a furry. People will look at the extreme and take that away, make news stories, and perpetuate those examples because it is more interesting.
Most of my life is pretty normal, I like skateboarding, video games, and mountain biking. I study computer science at college currently and just happen to be a furry too.
If you want to interview me live I would be open to it.
This also might be of interest:
Your experiences at your third convention in particular sounds like so much fun! I can only imagine sharing a room with eight other people...
Is there anything specific or unique to a furry convention compared to other cons (aside from the fact that all or most attendees are furries)? What kinds of different activities are hosted there?
Unfortunately I have become pressed for time but I would have otherwise loved to do a live interview. However, thank you so much for that URL! I am amazed with it! It's such an insightful and organized page, I cannot believe I haven't discovered this. Also, by the way, I grew up in the midlands! I always love seeing other South Carolinians.
Zhalo
Rez the Wolfdog
I have never been to another con besides a repti-con, that is more of an expo thing. I do have a program from the last con I went to though if you want an idea of the kinds of events.
Ziggy Schlacht
Hasn't figured out this "straight" business
Think you posted Friday twice. Looks like Saturday had the real good stuff.
Troj
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dino Therapist
1) I joined the community in earnest (as opposed to just observing or consuming its content from the sidelines) when I happened across a fursuit dance video one day while watching cartoons on Youtube. I loved that one video SO much that I went and watched more like it, and then I registered for the local furry convention. I had an amazing time, met some lovely locals who became good friends, and the rest is history.
2) Just wanted to chat with and get to know other furries, and initially joined what appeared to be the most active and popular sites for interacting.
3) I was originally an aardvark, based on a suggestion from an acquaintance. Years later, long story short, I bought a dinosaur fursuit off of a friend who couldn't fit into it, and ultimately adopted the dino as my fursona. My in-suit persona is kind and friendly, but also witty and mischievous. The art I've received or have commissioned runs the gamut from cute to fierce to sexy to cool.
4) I was fairly discreet in graduate school, because I knew the fandom had a negative reputation, and also worried that I'd be sanctioned for doing anything that was seen as "unprofessional," weird, crazy, or unseemly. As I gained trust and confidence in the fandom as a whole and cleared the academic and career-related hurdles in my path, I became more unapologetic, proud, and open about being a furry. At this point, most of the people who know me at some level know that I participate in the fandom in some capacity, at least, even if they're only aware of the broad strokes. There are settings and situations where I of course do not or would not be inclined to bring up being a furry, but I don't hide it or deny it, because there's nothing shameful or bad about it in the first place.
5) The fandom has offered me some wonderful memories and experiences I'll cherish forever, friends I wouldn't have met otherwise, and opportunities for growth and self-expression.
6) I use my fursona as an online avatar in several places, I enjoy collecting art of my fursona, and I fursuit.
7) Love fursuiting--in fact, I had years of mascotting under my belt before I joined the fandom! It allows me to interact with people in ways one usually can't in regular life. I've had some wonderful, fun, authentic conversations and interactions with people over the years that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and it always makes me feel great to hear that I've made someone's day.
8) I've been to numerous conventions. They are exhausting for sure, but an absolute blast. The type of experience one has will of course depend on the size of the con and its internal culture. I tend to prefer more easygoing conventions where I can wander the con space and chat with people casually, and cons that interact or interface with the public, because my favorite thing is seeing people's reactions to furries.
9) Wherever you find humans, you'll find hierarchies--though, sometimes they'll be invisible, or unacknowledged. It stands to reason that a community like the fandom will tend to celebrate people who are seen as desirable qualities, talents, and/or social connections, or who have achieved great things according to the community's rubric. The genuinely nice thing about the fandom is that people can become popular just by being seen as kind, helpful and good. But, like a lot of communities and tribes, the fandom has a tendency to put people on a pedestal just for having a particular talent or skill, or for just being ultra-visible, even if they're not particularly good, nice, or ethical people otherwise, and this obviously creates problems. There are also people who are highly motivated to become celebrated or popular, and who'll do some pretty obnoxious things to try to gain that attention or fame--but, that's not a problem limited to furries!
10) I've always been fascinated and charmed by animals. Anthropomorphic animal characters combine the most unique, enviable, and interesting aspects of animals with relatable human qualities and abilities. You can imagine being something better or greater than your boring human self, or imagine yourself relating to a being who is greater, better, or meaningfully different from a regular person, but who still possesses relatable feelings and motives. I'd also say that for many of us, real and/or fictional animals have always felt safe and comforting, compared to humans, who have the capacity to sometimes be fickle, cruel, and/or confusing and unpredictable.
11) I currently have a three-day ban from Facebook for testing their "no sex or nudity unless it' possesses artistic merit" policy with pin-up art of my fursona, so you tell me.
I'd say the fandom has allowed me to feel more comfortable with myself in this regard, and definitely played a critical role (even years before I knew the community itself actually existed!) in shaping or sharpening some of my particular tastes and preferences. Broadly, I'd suggest that furry porn and furry erotica often both allow for a suspension of disbelief and separation from reality and the familiar that allows one to entertain fantasies (both sexual and non-sexual) that would otherwise be or feel impossible, overwhelming/overly intense, or unpleasant. Furry characters aren't quite people, and they aren't quite animals---they occupy a liminal space in between; so my brain doesn't sort and define them the way it does various real-world phenomena.12) I fursuit, I attend cons, I attend local meets, I socialize with furries online, and I commission and share art.
13) Oh, you know the usual misconceptions---that being a furry is all about sex, that murrsuiting is at all common or accepted, that furries all believe they are animals, that furries are all necessarily zoophiles or pedophiles, and that all furries adhere to a specific, narrow stereotype of being infantile, pushy, annoying, and "cringe."
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Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
You encountered a light-colored white-tailed deer? That's so cool!
Regarding #2, I had never heard of Fur Affinity until I begun this study. Before discovering this website, I was trying to get a general idea of the fandom through Instagram (the only social media I had), but eventually decided that I wanted to use a platform more concentrated/fandom-specific. I was rather amazed when I found this website, learning that it is the largest online furry community.
Would you mind elaborating on #11 a bit? Are these traits you find attractive in furry form animal-like traits or are they human traits that are otherwise not attractive in real humans? Or did you mean something else? You don't have to answer that if you do not want to!
Thank you for responding!
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Thank you so much for posting that link earlier! Very helpful! Your response here is light-hearted and thorough as well!1) I joined the community in earnest (as opposed to just observing or consuming its content from the sidelines) when I happened across a fursuit dance video one day while watching cartoons on Youtube. I loved that one video SO much that I went and watched more like it, and then I registered for the local furry convention. I had an amazing time, met some lovely locals who became good friends, and the rest is history.
2) Just wanted to chat with and get to know other furries, and initially joined what appeared to be the most active and popular sites for interacting.
3) I was originally an aardvark, based on a suggestion from an acquaintance. Years later, long story short, I bought a dinosaur fursuit off of a friend who couldn't fit into it, and ultimately adopted the dino as my fursona. My in-suit persona is kind and friendly, but also witty and mischievous. The art I've received or have commissioned runs the gamut from cute to fierce to sexy to cool.
4) I was fairly discreet in graduate school, because I knew the fandom had a negative reputation, and also worried that I'd be sanctioned for doing anything that was seen as "unprofessional," weird, crazy, or unseemly. As I gained trust and confidence in the fandom as a whole and cleared the academic and career-related hurdles in my path, I became more unapologetic, proud, and open about being a furry. At this point, most of the people who know me at some level know that I participate in the fandom in some capacity, at least, even if they're only aware of the broad strokes. There are settings and situations where I of course do not or would not be inclined to bring up being a furry, but I don't hide it or deny it, because there's nothing shameful or bad about it in the first place.
5) The fandom has offered me some wonderful memories and experiences I'll cherish forever, friends I wouldn't have met otherwise, and opportunities for growth and self-expression.
6) I use my fursona as an online avatar in several places, I enjoy collecting art of my fursona, and I fursuit.
7) Love fursuiting--in fact, I had years of mascotting under my belt before I joined the fandom! It allows me to interact with people in ways one usually can't in regular life. I've had some wonderful, fun, authentic conversations and interactions with people over the years that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and it always makes me feel great to hear that I've made someone's day.
8) I've been to numerous conventions. They are exhausting for sure, but an absolute blast. The type of experience one has will of course depend on the size of the con and its internal culture. I tend to prefer more easygoing conventions where I can wander the con space and chat with people casually, and cons that interact or interface with the public, because my favorite thing is seeing people's reactions to furries.
9) Wherever you find humans, you'll find hierarchies--though, sometimes they'll be invisible, or unacknowledged. It stands to reason that a community like the fandom will tend to celebrate people who are seen as desirable qualities, talents, and/or social connections, or who have achieved great things according to the community's rubric. The genuinely nice thing about the fandom is that people can become popular just by being seen as kind, helpful and good. But, like a lot of communities and tribes, the fandom has a tendency to put people on a pedestal just for having a particular talent or skill, or for just being ultra-visible, even if they're not particularly good, nice, or ethical people otherwise, and this obviously creates problems. There are also people who are highly motivated to become celebrated or popular, and who'll do some pretty obnoxious things to try to gain that attention or fame--but, that's not a problem limited to furries!
10) I've always been fascinated and charmed by animals. Anthropomorphic animal characters combine the most unique, enviable, and interesting aspects of animals with relatable human qualities and abilities. You can imagine being something better or greater than your boring human self, or imagine yourself relating to a being who is greater, better, or meaningfully different from a regular person, but who still possesses relatable feelings and motives. I'd also say that for many of us, real and/or fictional animals have always felt safe and comforting, compared to humans, who have the capacity to sometimes be fickle, cruel, and/or confusing and unpredictable.
11) I currently have a three-day ban from Facebook for testing their "no sex or nudity unless it' possesses artistic merit" policy with pin-up art of my fursona, so you tell me.
12) I fursuit, I attend cons, I attend local meets, I socialize with furries online, and I commission and share art.
13) Oh, you know the usual misconceptions---that being a furry is all about sex, that murrsuiting is at all common or accepted, that furries all believe they are animals, that furries are all necessarily zoophiles or pedophiles, and that all furries adhere to a specific, narrow stereotype of being infantile, pushy, annoying, and "cringe."
It seems like you have had so many wonderful experiences being a part of this fandom. It's great that you have become confident and unashamed with this part of your identity! With the fact that you fursuit, I do wonder if it is expensive or difficult to obtain a fursuit?
The first time I encountered a fursuiter at a convention (I was in middle school), to be frank, I was astounded! It's funny how you take joy in seeing others' reactions!
Regarding #13, yes, those are the stereotypes I have always heard, unfortunately. I honestly harbored a few of those notions just because of consensus behavior, but I hate to judge a group I don't know, so that's why I decided to focus my project on this fandom. In particular, I had always wondered if furries truly believed themselves to be animals (like the Otherkin group or something), but yeah...evidently not true!
Mambi
Fun loving kitty cat
Some do like myself so overlap can exist, but that's not the standard furry model no.
Ziggy Schlacht
Hasn't figured out this "straight" business
Regarding furries thinking they're animals - lots of furries probably describe themselves as having animal traits, and that often defines their fursona choice. But there's a difference between "I'm very catlike" and "I'm literally a cat." Granted, if you don't feel like engaging nuance, it's easy to confuse the two.
Then again, there are people who insist they're secretly fairies, or elves, or god knows what else. This isn't furry specific.
Then again, there are people who insist they're secretly fairies, or elves, or god knows what else. This isn't furry specific.
Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Hi, guys!
Thank you to everyone who has given honest and thoughtful responses to my inquiries. I have gathered so much descriptive knowledge and I have learned about the variety of personal perspectives and experiences you all have had! I am glad I have been given the opportunity to actually communicate here.
Since the interview portion of this project is due tonight, I do not need any further responses. However, if anyone wants to continue posting today or whenever they absolutely can, especially if they are in the process of writing a response they have yet to post.
Thank you to everyone who has given honest and thoughtful responses to my inquiries. I have gathered so much descriptive knowledge and I have learned about the variety of personal perspectives and experiences you all have had! I am glad I have been given the opportunity to actually communicate here.
Since the interview portion of this project is due tonight, I do not need any further responses. However, if anyone wants to continue posting today or whenever they absolutely can, especially if they are in the process of writing a response they have yet to post.
Mambi
Fun loving kitty cat
No problem, happy to help you out. Good luck, and feel free to drop by anytime!
If ya can, let us know how it goes please! <hugs for luck>
Troj
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dino Therapist
To be sure, there are otherkin and therians in the furry fandom! It's just a mistake to assume that furry=therian/otherkin or, even, that therian/otherkin=furry.
So, my first fursuit was a Stitch costume built in China and bought off of Ebay, for $200. This was before I considered myself a member of the fandom!
My dino cost $2000. Initially, three friends and I split the cost and shared the suit, and I purchased their shares from them when they moved away, and I wanted the suit all to myself.
I first caught the mascotting/fursuiting bug in college, when I volunteered to be Clifford the Big Red Dog for a Scholastic Fair, and loved the whole experience. Later volunteered at a museum, and got to occasionally play their mascot for special events.
So, my first fursuit was a Stitch costume built in China and bought off of Ebay, for $200. This was before I considered myself a member of the fandom!
My dino cost $2000. Initially, three friends and I split the cost and shared the suit, and I purchased their shares from them when they moved away, and I wanted the suit all to myself.
I first caught the mascotting/fursuiting bug in college, when I volunteered to be Clifford the Big Red Dog for a Scholastic Fair, and loved the whole experience. Later volunteered at a museum, and got to occasionally play their mascot for special events.
Stray Cat Terry
테리 / 特里 / テリー
Meowies! Sorry for the ignorance, I barely got enough time to write them all down >p<
Now straight into the Q&A! Whoa.. the amount of the questions are grand..!
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
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8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? Is it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
Alright! Guess that's all for me! Wish you the best luck for your college project! OwO
Now straight into the Q&A! Whoa.. the amount of the questions are grand..!
1) When did you join the Furry Fandom, and why? Did anyone introduce you to the fandom?
2019, as stated in my profile. I mean, yeah it's for Question#2, but really... I never knew Furry is called Furry >p<
But when I actually made my mind that I'm a Furry(again, that's before I knew Furry is Furry), perhaps it's like 2014 or something.
No one introduced me to the fandom but myself. In fact, people around me didn't even make the gaps clear--anthros, furries, feral animals or non-feral(animal characters with human culture stuff)--the walls were pretty transparent. I never knew that it should be made clear, as well. Now I know it.
But when I actually made my mind that I'm a Furry(again, that's before I knew Furry is Furry), perhaps it's like 2014 or something.
No one introduced me to the fandom but myself. In fact, people around me didn't even make the gaps clear--anthros, furries, feral animals or non-feral(animal characters with human culture stuff)--the walls were pretty transparent. I never knew that it should be made clear, as well. Now I know it.
2) When and why did you join the Fur Affinity Forums? What draws you to this website over other platforms?
Again, 2019. Almost as soon as I discovered the Furry fandom and the fact I'm not alone in the world, I Googled for communities and FAF was the first place to be shown. Then, I joined in! UwU
I might say it's just a 'luck' thing. If any other furry community were there before FAF, I can say I wouldn't be here in FAF now.
Currently, however, I find no reason to seek other communities as FAF is great enough for me, despite the dramas and stuff.(and fortunately I'm never involved)
I might say it's just a 'luck' thing. If any other furry community were there before FAF, I can say I wouldn't be here in FAF now.
Currently, however, I find no reason to seek other communities as FAF is great enough for me, despite the dramas and stuff.(and fortunately I'm never involved)
3) Why did you choose your specific animal(s) to represent your fursona(s)? Do you identify with the animal? Is it based upon a real pet you have or had? Is it just for a "cool" or "cute" aesthetic?
My top priority on choosing sona is the personality match, so of course I identify with the real life counterpart--the domestic cats. I think it's better to get more specific into certain cat species but I think the general domestic cat family is okay for me, for now.
However, I had no cats of all pet species as my pet, only hamsters, goldfishes, snails, dogs, etc throughout my lifetime. I never even tried.
Yes, domestic cat is cool and/or cute depending on circumstances. I love how it is =UwU=
However, I had no cats of all pet species as my pet, only hamsters, goldfishes, snails, dogs, etc throughout my lifetime. I never even tried.
Yes, domestic cat is cool and/or cute depending on circumstances. I love how it is =UwU=
4) How long did it take for you to feel comfortable expressing this part of yourself to others? Does your friends or family know that you are a part of the furry fandom?
Like... 6 years? Even so, I could only share them to the few I trusted. It's been long after then for me to feel comfortable to share it to random strangers on the internet. Real life people? Still a no. Because I expect hostility thanks to my 'certified' formula on humanity which based off from my past experiences. And I doubt I ever will, but who knows.
A few knows I am, and half of them are also Furries. But my family? Nope. I don't wanna risk myself on a relationship that's hard to unlink. UnU
A few knows I am, and half of them are also Furries. But my family? Nope. I don't wanna risk myself on a relationship that's hard to unlink. UnU
5) What has the furry fandom offered you? Self-discovery? Confidence? New connections?
Self discovery... I did it myself, but the fandom did help me establish it more firmly on the later stages.
Confidence? Yeah! I swear the Furries have far higher ratio of open-minded and respectful people than those outside the furry fandom, seriously, not a bias--at least my experiences say so.
New connections? Of course. Who wouldn't appreciate new people to interact with when those people are far more respectful than whom one used to encounter? UwU
Confidence? Yeah! I swear the Furries have far higher ratio of open-minded and respectful people than those outside the furry fandom, seriously, not a bias--at least my experiences say so.
New connections? Of course. Who wouldn't appreciate new people to interact with when those people are far more respectful than whom one used to encounter? UwU
6) Do you only use your fursona as an online avatar? Do you own a fursuit? In other words, in what aspects of life is your fursona involved in?
If it means appearance-wise, of course, online only. I can't shift myself into an anthropomorphic animal from a human form... But if you mean ethnically, no. I and my sona are highly synchronized, if you ask me. UwU
Fursuit? Sadly, no... I'd definitely want to if I have a chance. Currently, there're far more aspects to take care of than buying a fursuit(or partials) and maintaining them... UnU
The involvement of my sona in my real life? Well, I built up my sona based off from myself with some sugars and dreams at first. But ironically, I started to reconstruct my ego from my sona, which improved my life in a positive way including confidence and the solutions against hardships, but not limited to. ^w^
Fursuit? Sadly, no... I'd definitely want to if I have a chance. Currently, there're far more aspects to take care of than buying a fursuit(or partials) and maintaining them... UnU
The involvement of my sona in my real life? Well, I built up my sona based off from myself with some sugars and dreams at first. But ironically, I started to reconstruct my ego from my sona, which improved my life in a positive way including confidence and the solutions against hardships, but not limited to. ^w^
7) If you have a fursuit, have you ever gone out in public wearing it? How did this make you feel?
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8) Have you ever gone to a furry convention? What was the experience like?
Wish I had, but A) it's rare in my country(South Korea) and B) I didn't have time and courage to attend those, I was a timid person.. And it was too late for that when I finally could, as Covid struck the globe. Sigh...
9) There was one thread I had found discussing the possible hierarchy within the furry community, where fursuiters and good artists seem to be the most "admired" or "at the top." How true is this statement? Do you feel as if there is a hierarchy within the fandom?
As a person who had experienced more in general artist world before stepping in furry fandoms, I believe this is simply the characteristics of general art fandoms.
Yes, it's true, but it's not an issue of the furry fandom alone. It's the issue of general art fandoms.
Do I feel it within the furry fandom? I might have less or no experience of this in furry fandoms, but so far, I think furries are less corrupted, if not being the same as other fandoms.
Yes, it's true, but it's not an issue of the furry fandom alone. It's the issue of general art fandoms.
Do I feel it within the furry fandom? I might have less or no experience of this in furry fandoms, but so far, I think furries are less corrupted, if not being the same as other fandoms.
10) What is the reasoning behind anthropomorphizing the animals? Is it for aesthetic? Is it easier to relate to? Is there some sort of sexual nature to it?
I personally won't mind whether it's anthropomorphic animals or actual animal characters, but I agree that an anthropomorphized animal character is easier to make use of human tools and garments than not. This shall be the reason, at least for me.
Yes, it is.
Sexual nature? It depends. But one thing for sure is that it works in the same level as human characters, for me.
Yes, it is.
Sexual nature? It depends. But one thing for sure is that it works in the same level as human characters, for me.
11) (This question is intimate, so feel free to skip it over) For you, do anthropomorphic animals serve as some sort of fetish? Has the fandom affected your sexuality in any way?
Fetish? I guess not? It truly feels great to make it furry way, though.
I personally love cuteness and coolness of animalistic characteristics, and it's no doubt making things greater even if we step up to talking about sexuality. However, it's not necessarily connected to each other.
Did it affect my sexuality? I don't think so. I identified with my sexuality regardless of Furry things, but it kinda helps when it comes to expressing my sexuality. Perhaps... like parsley decoration on a cream pasta? Ow<☆
I personally love cuteness and coolness of animalistic characteristics, and it's no doubt making things greater even if we step up to talking about sexuality. However, it's not necessarily connected to each other.
Did it affect my sexuality? I don't think so. I identified with my sexuality regardless of Furry things, but it kinda helps when it comes to expressing my sexuality. Perhaps... like parsley decoration on a cream pasta? Ow<☆
12) How do you take part in the community? Do you just talk on the forums? Do you roleplay or tell stories with your characters? Are you an artist? Do you craft fursuits?
Taking part in the community? For me, whether it's the furry fandom or any others, I act the same--I observe, join the party if anything gets my interest, or lurk around if not.
I do tell stories with my characters, as long as certain circumstances allow me to. As for RP, I seldom do them because A) it's so hard to find RPers that match me (cuz people usually perfer uh.. let's say 'exotic' tastes) and B) it's so hard to stick around as I don't usually have chance to stick around for long and focus for RPs. I chose not to waste their time.
Yes, I am an artist, majoring digital 2D artworks. I was a wandering artist long before I became a Furry, so I'm "jack-of-all-trades(almost) but a master of none" style of an artist.
Plus, since there are already many experienced and/or well-known artists, I perfer not to break into their league and just observe them from time to time. However, I still care to draw stuff for my own satisfactory purposes and post a few of them on FA. When anyone shows interests on my arts, I'm grateful. =UwU=
I also accept commissions, but I don't have an official disclaimers or rules stuff--unlike most artists who can be seen around--so it's usually discussed and decided flexibly. Neither I'm willing to make my commissions become my active income method, I'm just chilling.
And I don't craft fursuits. I can't, never even tried though.
I do tell stories with my characters, as long as certain circumstances allow me to. As for RP, I seldom do them because A) it's so hard to find RPers that match me (cuz people usually perfer uh.. let's say 'exotic' tastes) and B) it's so hard to stick around as I don't usually have chance to stick around for long and focus for RPs. I chose not to waste their time.
Yes, I am an artist, majoring digital 2D artworks. I was a wandering artist long before I became a Furry, so I'm "jack-of-all-trades(almost) but a master of none" style of an artist.
Plus, since there are already many experienced and/or well-known artists, I perfer not to break into their league and just observe them from time to time. However, I still care to draw stuff for my own satisfactory purposes and post a few of them on FA. When anyone shows interests on my arts, I'm grateful. =UwU=
I also accept commissions, but I don't have an official disclaimers or rules stuff--unlike most artists who can be seen around--so it's usually discussed and decided flexibly. Neither I'm willing to make my commissions become my active income method, I'm just chilling.
And I don't craft fursuits. I can't, never even tried though.
13) There are many misconceptions about this fandom. How do you feel about these misconceptions (that you are aware of)?
As far as my knowledge serves right, any fandom(but not limited to) in humanity suffers similar--if not the same--issues about misconceptions.
Drama happens, haters emerge, haters offend, parties defend, dramas happen, third parties misunderstand, hetars emerge... and it revolves over and over then firmly establish the general impression of a fandom. That's how it is, at least for me.
I feel that it's natural, nothing to concern, nor I can do anything about it. However, I'd like to inform the uninformed, and remove as much misconceptions as possible.
If conflicts remain even then, that's really out of my hands. I'll just move on and live my life--our time is valuable and deserve better stuffs than conflicting over differences. UwU
Drama happens, haters emerge, haters offend, parties defend, dramas happen, third parties misunderstand, hetars emerge... and it revolves over and over then firmly establish the general impression of a fandom. That's how it is, at least for me.
I feel that it's natural, nothing to concern, nor I can do anything about it. However, I'd like to inform the uninformed, and remove as much misconceptions as possible.
If conflicts remain even then, that's really out of my hands. I'll just move on and live my life--our time is valuable and deserve better stuffs than conflicting over differences. UwU
Alright! Guess that's all for me! Wish you the best luck for your college project! OwO
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Okapij Johnstonio
Active Member
Thank you for that point of clarification!