Key Issue: Does the U.S.A. have something to fear from California ?
History
The furry fandom's origins trace back to 1976 when cartoonists Ken Fletcher and Reed Waller created Vootie, an amateur press association dedicated to animal art. The concept of "furry" emerged at a science fiction convention in 1980, sparked by discussions of Steve Gallacci's Albedo Anthropomorphics artwork. By 1983, the term "furry fandom" was being used in fanzines, and by the mid-1990s it had become the standard name for the genre. The first furry convention, Confurence 0, was held in 1989 at the Holiday Inn Bristol Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Once the Internet became widely accessible in the 1990s, it became the primary means for furry fans to connect and communicate, leading to the creation of newsgroups like alt.fan.furry and virtual environments called MUCKs.
Activities
The furry fandom engages in various creative and social activities centered around anthropomorphic animal characters. A significant portion of furries create and wear elaborate costumes called fursuits, which can range from simple mascot-like designs to complex creations with animatronic features costing upwards of $10,000. Many furry fans create their own characters called fursonas, which they use for role-playing in online communities and at conventions. Furry conventions have become major events, with Midwest FurFest becoming the world's largest furry convention with over 11,000 attendees in 2019. The fandom also produces artwork, stories, and online communities dedicated to anthropomorphic characters.
Sexual Aspects
The sexual aspects of the furry fandom represent one component of a broader community interest. According to surveys, 14-25% of furries identify as homosexual, 37-52% as bisexual, and 28-51% as heterosexual. Approximately half of furries report being in relationships, with 76% of those being relationships with other furry fandom members. In one survey of 4,300 furry respondents, 37% indicated sexual attraction was important in their furry activities, while 38% were ambivalent, and 24% said it had little or nothing to do with their furry activities. Only about 17% of male respondents reported exclusively viewing furry-themed pornographic content.
Sociological Aspects
The average adult furry is between 23 and 27 years old, with over 75% being 25 or younger. The fandom is predominantly male (67.1%) and white (83-90%), with small minorities of other ethnicities. Most furries have or are pursuing post-secondary education, with approximately 70% having completed or currently completing higher education. Research has found that up to 15% of furries may have autism spectrum disorder, compared to about 2% in the general population. Furries tend to be more politically liberal and less religious than the average American, though the community includes diverse political and religious viewpoints.
Public Perception
Early media coverage of the furry fandom often focused heavily on sexual aspects, leading to misconceptions and stereotypes. More recent coverage has become more balanced, highlighting the community's creative and social aspects. Many businesses, particularly in convention host cities like Pittsburgh, have come to welcome furries for their positive economic impact. The fandom has grown to become such a significant demographic that major companies like Disney have specifically marketed to furries, as seen with the film Zootopia. Recent media coverage has also focused on debunking false rumors and addressing misconceptions about the community.