The furry fandom is, at its base, an internet subculture. However, much like how what defines a bear in the bear community is something largely up for debate, the definition of what a furry is is not as clear as one may expect.

 

            The furry fandom, at its loosest definition, consists of people with a common interest in anthropomorphic animal characters. This can range from simple interest to sexual attraction to such characters. How they express their interest in such characters varies greatly in the community.

 

            The people themselves, however, usually do not believe that they are the animals. Leading furry website FurAffinity’s forum rules blatantly warn that any suggestions to cast off their humanity and try to be animals will result in the suggesting party being laughed at.

 

            Within the fandom, there is a great abundance of diverse interests. Costuming in fursuits (“fursuiting”) is a popular element of the furry fandom, but a large portion of the fandom does not participate in fursuiting nor have any interest in such. Perhaps due to the nature of fursuits being something of a staple at larger anime conventions (and the lack of understanding from those outside the community), fursuits are often misinterpreted to be the definition of what makes a furry. Other ways furries express themselves include creating artwork, often digital, and roleplaying as their fursona.

 

            One common character for artists to draw is their own author avatar: their “fursona.” This character is, as the name implies, the way they portray themself in the fandom. Costuming of fursonas is not uncommon amongst the aforementioned fursuiters. Having yourself drawn with a friend’s fursona is also a popular activity. People are not limited to one fursona or one character. It’s acceptable to have multiple fursonas. However, not every original furry character is necessarily a fursona: some are just the author’s own original characters. Outside of fursonas, other popular subjects include characters in pop culture.

 

            However, not all art is necessarily considered “safe,” or entirely appropriate. One infamous aspect of the furry fandom is the amount of sexualization in the fandom. Indeed, pornographic and extremely suggestive art is commonly mixed in amongst more innocent artwork.  However, due to this excessive focus on sexual content, it’s common for furry characters to have unhealthily idealized bodies. This also resulted in the misperception that furries have sex with animals.

 

            Much in line with idealized bodies exist unusual, often unexplainable designs. It’s entirely possible—and incredibly common—for furries characters to have haircuts like humans, which can even be different colors than their fur. It’s even possible for a character to have both fur and styled facial hair without explanation of how they shave.

 

            As a whole, the furry fandom is a diverse group of fans. Furry characters themselves range from something more like animals, to characters that are practically human with fur. Part kink, part fandom; it is a unique subculture that one must look deeply into to have a full understanding of.

 

Furry Terminology

• Furry – No clear, simple definition, but at its simplest, refers to the fans of anthropomorphic characters and the anthropomorphic characters themselves.

• *Fur – Usually used to describe furries with another kink or emphasis. Ie: Furries drawn with a heavy emphasis on muscles are MuscleFurs.

• Furry Con[vention] –  Large, coordinated gathers often with artists, sales, and events. Similar to anime conventions.

• Fursona – Portmanteau of furry and persona. One’s author avatar in the furry fandom. Essentially, it is the character designed to be the “furry you.”

• Fursuit – Portmanteau of fur and suit. Refers to the often colorful custom-made mascot costumes worn by fursuiters.

• Fursuiting – Those who participate in costuming involving the above mentioned fursuits.

• Feathery - Can be used to describe anthropomorphic characters based on birds and other feathered creatures. Uncommon

• Kemono  – （ケモノ, Beast）Refers to the Japanese furry community.

• Mate – Term occasionally used as an alternative to partner, boyfriend, wife, etc.

• Scaly – Can be used to describe anthropomorphic characters based on lizards, dragons, and other feathered creatures. Uncommon

 

Related websites: 

http://www.furaffinity.net/

 

Flags: http://savvyred.deviantart.com/journal/Pride-Flags-Colors-explained-379547414