How to become a Furry

Welcome to the fascinating, colorful, and diverse world of furry fandom! If you’ve ever wondered how to become a furry or are simply intrigued about this passionate community, then you’ve landed in the right place. Today, we’ll delve into the depths of the furry fandom, from its origins and cultural significance to practical steps on how to become a part of it. We’ve also peppered this article with tips to help you navigate the fandom and develop your unique furry identity.

What is Furry Fandom?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of becoming a furry, it’s essential to understand what the furry fandom is. The furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics. These characteristics can include, but are not limited to, intellectual expression, facial expressions, the ability to speak, walk on two legs, and even wear clothes.

The roots of the furry fandom can be traced back to the early 1980s, and it has been growing ever since. Today, it is a globally recognized community that encompasses a diverse range of art, literature, cosplay, and online roleplay.

The Appeal of Furry Fandom

One might wonder, what draws people to the furry fandom? The answers are as varied as the fandom itself. For some, it’s the love for anthropomorphic animal characters. For others, it’s the freedom of expression and the welcoming, inclusive community that the fandom offers.

Some furries enjoy the fandom purely as a hobby. They appreciate the artwork, stories, and games featuring anthropomorphic characters. Others delve deeper, creating a ‘fursona’ (furry persona), attending conventions, and even wearing fur suits.

How to Become a Furry: An Overview

Embracing the furry fandom doesn’t necessarily mean you have to don an elaborate fur suit (although you certainly can!). Here’s an overview of the journey to becoming a furry:

1. Understanding the Fandom
2. Creating Your Fursona
3. Engaging with the Community
4. Crafting Your Fursuit
5. Attending Furry Conventions

Now let’s delve into each step in more detail.

1. Understanding the Furry Fandom

The first step in becoming a furry is understanding the fandom. This involves learning about its history, culture, terminologies, and nuances.

Reading furry literature, exploring furry artwork, watching movies and cartoons with anthropomorphic characters, and checking out online resources such as furry forums and websites can provide a wealth of knowledge and insights about the fandom.

2. Creating Your Fursona

Your fursona is a vital part of your identity within the furry community. It is the anthropomorphic animal character that represents you. A fursona can be any species, real or imaginary, and can have any traits, characteristics, or personality that you desire. This process is highly personal and creative. Some tips to get started with creating your fursona include:

• Choose Your Species: Pick a species that you feel a connection with. This can be based on your personality, physical traits, or simply a species you admire.
• Personality Traits: Decide on the personality traits of your fursona. This can mirror your own personality or be completely different.
• Physical Characteristics: Design your fursona’s physical appearance, including color, markings, clothing, and accessories.

Remember, there are no right or wrong choices here. This is your personal creation, and it should reflect what you want it to be.

3. Engaging with the Community

Being a furry is about more than just

creating a fursona; it’s about being part of a vibrant, inclusive community. There are various ways to engage with the furry community, both online and offline.

• Online Platforms: There are numerous online platforms where furries congregate. Websites like FurAffinity, furry Reddit groups, and Discord servers provide an excellent starting point to interact with other furries, share your fursona, and enjoy the vast amount of furry content out there.
• Local Furry Groups: Search for local furry groups in your area. These groups often organize meetups, mini-conventions, and other social events.
• Social Media: Follow furry influencers, artists, and creators on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

The most important aspect of engaging with the community is respect. Respect others’ fursonas, respect their art, and maintain a positive and supportive demeanor.

4. Crafting Your Fursuit

A fursuit is a costume that represents a furry’s fursona. It’s important to note that not all furries have or want a fursuit; some prefer to enjoy the fandom in other ways. However, if you decide to take this step, there are a few ways to go about it:

• Commission a Fursuit: This involves hiring a fursuit maker to create a custom suit for you. This is the most expensive option, but it ensures your suit will be professionally made and unique to your fursona.
• DIY Fursuit: If you’re handy and artistic, you can attempt to create your own fursuit. There are many online tutorials and guides to help you with this process.
• Pre-made Fursuits: An economical option is to buy a pre-made fursuit. These won’t be unique to your fursona, but they’re a good starting point if you’re unsure about investing in a custom suit.

No matter the route you take, it’s important to remember that a fursuit is not a requirement to be a furry. It’s simply an optional way to express your furry identity.

5. Attending Furry Conventions

Furry conventions are a key part of the furry community. These events provide a great opportunity to meet fellow furries, participate in panels and workshops, and immerse yourself in the furry culture.

When attending a convention, remember to respect others and their space, especially those in fursuits. Also, keep in mind that each convention will have its own rules and guidelines, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these beforehand.

Misconceptions and Respect in the Furry Fandom

It’s important to acknowledge that the furry fandom has been subject to misconceptions and stigma. It’s often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular media. However, like any fandom, it’s about shared interest and camaraderie, not something to be ashamed of.

As a furry, it’s crucial to respect all members of the community. Each person’s fursona is a representation of their identity, and it’s important to treat these with kindness and understanding. Always remember that the furry fandom is an inclusive space that values diversity and freedom of expression.

Embrace Your Furry Journey

In conclusion, becoming a furry involves understanding the fandom, creating your fursona, engaging with the community, potentially crafting a fursuit, and attending furry conventions. Throughout this journey, remember to be respectful, open-minded, and above all, have fun!

The furry fandom is a wonderfully diverse and inclusive community filled with creativity and passion. Whether you’re interested in art, storytelling, cosplay, or simply enjoy anthropomorphic characters, there’s a place for you in the furry community. Embrace your journey, and welcome to the furry fandom!