
Furry identities are not new to modern day society. The furry fandom of today has its roots at least as far back as mythological story telling, fables and religion. We have examples of documented cultural interest in anthropomorphism as far back as Egyptian, Japanese and Greek mythology. And of course the magical fables of Aesop and countless examples of children’s literature…from Alice in Wonderland to cartoons like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. Disney movies and theme parks are filled with the wonders and joy of animation and human-like animal characters portrayals. Children instantly adore the likes of Bambi, Mickey Mouse and Jiminy Cricket. Sci-Fi and fantasy too have their characters. Who can’t love Chewbaca in Star Wars. And my favorite Lord of the Rings is full of characters that bring humanness to plants and animals, like the overly patient Ents, the Great Eagles and intelligent moths. Same too for my childhood favorites like the gentle and powerful lions in both the Wizard of Oz and The Chronicles of Narnia. We might not call them all furries, but the fascination with anthropomorphism is a natural human interest. It is part of our desire, I think, to be in a fully connected world and to live to our fullest.
Some identify very strongly with wanting to be part of this anthropomorphic expression of culture. Some find an ally-ship and others are joyful explorers. Society has often misrepresented furry culture in media and I hope that continues to change with understanding. This can cause difficulties just as difficult as those experienced by those say in the LGBTQ community. I am very happy to help navigating those discussions about identities and relationships. My wish is that all furries and furry friends are proud and joyful.
Here are some resources to foster connection and belonging.
Furry Conventions
- Alamo City Furry Invasion (San Antonio, TX)
- Anthrocon (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Anthro New England (Boston, MA)
- Anthro Northwest (Seattle, WA)
- Bewhiskered (Durham, NC)
- Biggest Little Fur Con (Reno, NV)
- Calfurry (Calgary, Alberta)
- Fur Camp Michigan (Soil, MI)
- Furcation Land (Las Vegas, NV)
- Fur-eh (Edmonton, Alberta)
- Furnal Equinox (Toronto, Ontario)
- Furpocalypse (Stamford, CT)
- Furry Cruise (Miami, FL)
- Furry Weekend Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
- Furry Weekend LA (Los Angeles, CA)
- Further Confusion (San Jose, CA)
- Howloween (Vancouver, BC)
- Las Vega Fur Con (Las Vegas, NV)
- Midwest Fur Fest (Rosemont, IL)
- Paw Con (San Jose, CA)
- Texas Furry Fiesta (Dallas, TX)
- Texas Furry Siesta (Dallas, TX)
- Vancoufur (Richmond, BC)
Other Furry Resources