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Fursuit Cooling Vests: Everything You Need To Know
Introduction
Fursuiting is a beloved activity within the furry community, offering a unique way to express creativity and identity. However, the joy of donning a fursuit comes with a significant challenge: managing the heat. These costumes, often made from synthetic fur and other insulating materials, can quickly become uncomfortably warm, especially during long events or in hot climates. This heat can not only lead to discomfort but also pose serious health risks like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Apart from looking awesome, for most fursuiters, maintaining comfort and safety while in costume is essential. This is where cooling vests come into play. These innovative garments are designed to help regulate body temperature, providing a much-needed respite from the heat. In this article, we will explore the various types of cooling vests available, how they work, and why they are an invaluable addition to any fursuiter’s wardrobe. Whether you’re a seasoned fursuiter or new to the scene, understanding the benefits and options of cooling vests can make your experience more enjoyable and safe.
1. Understanding the Need for Cooling Vests The Heat Challenge: How Fursuits Can Cause OverheatingFursuits, while visually stunning and expressive, can trap heat due to their construction. Made from thick materials like synthetic fur, foam padding, and underlayers, these costumes are akin to wearing a heavy winter coat in the middle of summer. The lack of breathability in these materials, combined with physical activity, can cause body temperatures to rise rapidly. This is especially true in crowded convention halls or outdoor events where ambient temperatures can already be high.
Fursuit Cooling Vest
Image via Twitter
Health Risks: Heat Exhaustion and Other Potential Health IssuesThe risk of overheating is not just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. When the body’s core temperature rises too high, it can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, this can escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, loss of consciousness, and potential organ failure. Given these risks, it’s crucial to have effective strategies to manage your body temperature.
Beyond the health risks, overheating can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment. When too hot, it becomes challenging to maintain the energy and enthusiasm needed to engage with others and perform in character. The discomfort can also lead to shorter time spent in a suit, limiting your ability to participate in events. By contrast, a comfortable temperature allows for more extended and more enjoyable interactions, whether you’re performing on stage, participating in parades, or mingling with fellow fans.
Cooling vests offer a practical solution to these challenges, helping to regulate body temperature and mitigate the risks associated with fursuit wear. In the next section, we will delve into the different types of cooling vests available and how they can cater to the specific needs of fursuiters.
Example of a Fursuit and How Hot They Can Be
Image via DeviantArt
Commissioning a fursuit has never been so easy!
"They where extremely understanding and patient. They provided fast response times and amazing communication"
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Another Example Of A Fursuit That Will Most Likely Be Hot Without A Cooling Vest
Image via DeviantArt
Phase Change Cooling VestsPhase change cooling vests utilize a special material that maintains a constant temperature while transitioning between solid and liquid states. Unlike ice packs, which can become uncomfortably cold, phase change materials are designed to stay at a more moderate temperature, typically around 58-64°F (14-18°C). This makes them more comfortable for extended wear. These vests provide a longer cooling duration, usually around 2-4 hours, as they absorb and release heat over time. They are lighter than ice-pack vests and don’t require the extreme cold of a freezer—often, they can be recharged in a refrigerator or cool water. While they tend to be more expensive, the balance between comfort and cooling efficiency makes them a favorite for many fursuiters.
Evaporative cooling vests work by harnessing the natural cooling process of evaporation. These vests are soaked in water and then worn damp. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from the body, providing a cooling effect. This type of vest is lightweight and easy to recharge—just add water. They are particularly useful in dry, hot climates where evaporation occurs quickly. However, their effectiveness decreases in high humidity conditions, as the air’s moisture saturation limits evaporation. The cooling effect also diminishes over time as the vest dries out, and the user may need to re-wet it periodically. Despite these limitations, evaporative cooling vests are a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for those looking to stay cool in a fursuit.
Each type of cooling vest offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and needs. In the following section, we will discuss how to choose the right cooling vest based on your specific circumstances and requirements.
Selecting the right cooling vest involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs as a fursuiter. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations to help you make an informed choice.
Considerations for Selection Duration of Cooling Needed- The expected duration of your fursuiting activities significantly impacts the type of cooling vest you should choose. If you plan to be in costume for extended periods, a phase change cooling vest might be ideal due to its longer cooling duration. For shorter sessions, an ice pack vest may suffice, offering intense cooling for a brief time.
- The weight of the vest is a crucial factor, especially for fursuiters who are already carrying the weight of their costumes. Ice pack vests can be heavier due to the ice packs, while phase change vests are generally lighter. Evaporative vests are the lightest option but require water for activation. Consider how much additional weight you are comfortable managing while in character.
Performers PCM Cooling Vest
Image via EZCooldown
Ease of Use and Maintenance- The ease with which a cooling vest can be prepared and maintained is another essential consideration. Ice pack vests require freezing and replacement of ice packs, which can be cumbersome if you lack easy access to a freezer. Phase change vests are more user-friendly, often only needing refrigeration. Evaporative vests require the least maintenance, just needing water to recharge, making them convenient for travel and conventions.
- Budget constraints can also influence your choice. Evaporative vests are generally the most affordable, followed by ice pack vests. Phase change vests are typically the most expensive due to the specialized materials they use. It’s important to balance cost with the features and benefits you prioritize.
There are several reputable brands in the market known for producing quality cooling vests for fursuiters. Here are a few popular options:
- TechKewl: Known for their phase change cooling vests, TechKewl offers a range of sizes and styles. Their vests are praised for comfort and long-lasting cooling.
- Glacier Tek: Another leader in phase change vests, Glacier Tek provides durable and reliable options that maintain a safe, cool temperature without becoming too cold.
- FlexiFreeze: Specializes in ice pack vests, offering a variety of designs with different numbers of ice packs for customizable cooling.
- HyperKewl: Focuses on evaporative cooling technology, providing lightweight and easy-to-use vests that are popular for their affordability and convenience.
Each brand and model has its unique features and benefits, so it’s worth researching and possibly trying different options to see what works best for your specific needs.
In the next section, we’ll cover how to properly use and maintain your cooling vest, ensuring it provides maximum comfort and effectiveness during your fursuiting activities.
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4. How to Use and Maintain Your Cooling Vest
Proper Usage Tips
Preparing the Vest for Use
- Ice Pack Vests: Before using an ice pack vest, ensure the ice packs are fully frozen. This typically requires placing them in a freezer for several hours. Once frozen, insert the packs into the vest’s designated pockets. Be mindful of arranging them evenly to distribute the weight and cooling effect.
- Phase Change Cooling Vests: For phase change vests, you need to activate the cooling material by placing the vest in a refrigerator or a cool environment until the contents solidify. Some models may require a few hours, while others can be ready in less than an hour. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
- Evaporative Cooling Vests: To activate an evaporative cooling vest, simply soak it in water until fully saturated. After soaking, gently wring out excess water to prevent dripping. The vest will begin to cool as the water evaporates.
- Wear the cooling vest over a base layer, such as a moisture-wicking shirt. This helps protect your skin and allows for better temperature regulation. Ensure that the vest fits snugly but comfortably, allowing for a full range of motion. Check that all fastenings are secure and that the cooling packs or materials are evenly distributed. It’s important to test the vest’s fit with your fursuit to ensure it doesn’t restrict movement or create discomfort.
Difference Between a Fursuit With and Without a Cooling Vest
Image via Fur Affinity
Maintenance and Care Cleaning Instructions- Ice Pack Vests: Remove the ice packs before cleaning the vest. The vest can usually be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can degrade the materials. Allow the vest to air dry completely before reinserting the ice packs.
- Phase Change Cooling Vests: Similar to ice pack vests, phase change vests should be cleaned with care. Remove the cooling elements before washing. Hand wash the vest in cold water with a mild detergent, then lay flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the materials.
- Evaporative Cooling Vests: These vests are generally easy to clean. Rinse thoroughly after use, especially if you’ve used them in chlorinated water or seawater, to remove any residues. Hand wash with mild soap as needed and air dry. Ensure the vest is completely dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
- Store your cooling vest in a cool, dry place when not in use. For ice pack and phase change vests, avoid leaving the packs in the freezer indefinitely, as this can lead to deterioration. Instead, store them at room temperature and freeze or cool them as needed. For evaporative vests, ensure they are fully dry before storing to prevent mold growth. It’s also a good idea to store the vest flat or hung up to maintain its shape.
By following these usage and maintenance guidelines, you can extend the life of your cooling vest and ensure it provides optimal comfort and cooling whenever you wear your fursuit. In the next section, we’ll explore real-life experiences and testimonials from fursuiters who have found cooling vests indispensable in their fursuiting adventures.
Staying cool and comfortable in a fursuit is essential for enjoying the full experience without compromising safety or performance. Cooling vests offer a practical solution to the challenges posed by the heat, providing different levels of cooling depending on the type and duration of use. Whether you prefer the intense cold of an ice pack vest, the steady cooling of a phase change vest, or the lightweight convenience of an evaporative vest, there is an option to suit every fursuiter’s needs.
It’s important to consider factors like the duration of cooling required, the vest’s weight, ease of use, and cost when choosing the right cooling vest. Proper usage and maintenance will ensure the vest’s longevity and effectiveness, making it a reliable companion for fursuiting adventures.
The testimonials from fursuiters highlight the real-world benefits of these vests, underscoring their role in enhancing comfort and safety. By incorporating a cooling vest into your fursuiting gear, you can extend your time in costume, perform better, and enjoy interacting with others without the worry of overheating.
As the furry community continues to grow and evolve, innovations like cooling vests make it easier and safer to participate in events and express oneself creatively. We encourage you to explore the different options available and find the cooling solution that best fits your needs. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the magic of fursuiting to the fullest!
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Indonesian furries make public debut at the Indonesia Designer Art-Toys Expo
印尼兽迷首次亮相印尼设计师艺术玩具展
It All Began With A Dog
Steve Lafler is a renowned underground cartoonist who has made appearances here before. Now thanks to Cat-Head Comics we have a chance to see where he started with Dog Boy: Choice Cuts & Happy Endings. From Previews: “The 328-page oversize volume collects the best of Lafler’s pioneering 1980’s alternative comics title Dog Boy, known for its undulating psychedelic twists, coupled with low-brow tropes that border on slapstick. The date is 1982, the early dawn in the alternative comics movement. Steve Lafler, bohemian cartoonist, taps into his unconscious mind and finds his inner Dog Boy: An unruly man-child equipped with a Golden Retriever head!” It’s available now in trade paperback.
image c. 2024 Cat-Head Comics
MTG Bloomburrow: A Furtastic Adventure
Bloomburrow: A Furtastic Adventure
Anyone who plays any sort of TCG has undoubtedly heard of Magic: The Gathering. Having been around for more than 30 years, it’s been one of the most popular card games to ever exist and has constantly evolved and expanded over the years. This year however, they released a new set that is especially exciting: Bloomburrow!
Disney Dreamlight Valley Review
What happens if you take Animal Crossing and inject Disney into it? Well, outside of a modded Animal Crossing, you get Dreamlight Valley. A fun, though a bit tedious, game from Gameloft that sees you traveling to the titular valley in order to restore it and reverse a curse that caused the villagers to lose their memories living there.
Therians vs. Quadrobists
I am a therian and postfurry. I have been a therian for 7 years and I've watched the community grow drastically. People are thinking therianthropy is a trend and spreading tons of misinformation like "It's a mental illness, you need gear and quadrobics, choose your theriotype, I chose therianthropy."
I just can't anymore. I wear my gear practically everywhere because I don't really care for people and their looks anymore. I don't even care about the daily death threats and comments anymore! I care about my poor community falling into a "trend" and absolute chaos. I sometimes wish therianthropy didn't blow up. It was still very underground when I joined--a couple of videos, forums, websites--but now everything's different.
IDK if that's me being nonaccepting of these new, young therians who are most likely not an ACTUAL DEEPLY CONNECTED therians, or if it's just me seeing the damage social media has done to this world. I stay up all night sometimes, doing research on different topics, trying to understand them, or trying to find evidence to support a claim that's false. I spend my nights just trying to save at least my community.
I don't know what to do anymore. I'm tired of seeing all these new therians posting videos on TikTok about quadrobics and gear. That's not what therianthropy is about. That is a form of expression to the community, yes, but it's not entirely about that. It's just there to make you feel comfortable in your own body.
I know this was a lot, but I'm really trying my hardest to see if I'm overreacting and delusional or I'm just confused and trying to do good for these maybe actual problems.
Sincerely,
Willow (14)
* * *
Dear Willow:
Thank you for your timely letter. For the last couple of years, I, too, have been thinking about this issue. I'm not a therian, but it is interesting to see how a new generation is trying to change the definition of "therian."
Since I am posting this on my website, please indulge me while I explain a couple of things that my readers might not know (but you probably do, since you said you have researched this.)
What IS a therian?
According to Therian-Guide.com, a therian (or therianthrope) is " someone who experiences animalistic traits. There are some therianthropes who identify as something animalistic which may not have existed on earth. Theriomythics (mythical beasts such as dragons) are among these and it is an individual choice if they consider themselves to be therianthropes or otherkin. There are many theories as to why therianthropy is experienced. Some believe their therianthropy to be caused through reincarnation or misplaced souls, while others attribute it to scientific or psychological reasons such as imprinting, an innate predisposition, abnormalities in neurological wiring, or any of a number of various other theories."
In truth, the idea of therians and otherkin has been evolving for decades. When I first got into the fandom actively about 15 years ago (I have been a furry all my life, but not always active), "otherkin" was defined purely as someone who identified as some kind of mythological or other-dimensional being--most often beings such as elves and dragons--who either originated in another earthlike dimension or from another planet. Today, the idea of otherkin and therian often blend together, or one term is seen as a subgroup of the other (as in all therians are otherkin but not all otherkin are therians ... OR! All otherkin are therians but not all therians are otherkin). For this reason, a lot of people throw up their hands and say it doesn't really matter what the exact definition is, and then they group otherkin and therians under the umbrella category called alterkin or (less common) alterhumans. Now! For fun! Guess what? Here are a bunch of categories under alterkin!
Types of Alterkin:
· Angelkin/demonkin: those who identify with angels and demons
· Celestials: those who identify as higher space/dimensional beings
· Fictionkin: those who identify with fictional characters
· Godkin: those who identify with various gods and goddesses (small “g,” not big “G”)
· Lycans/Lycanthropes: werewolves
· Mythkin: could be a simile for otherkin if you define otherkin in narrow terms
· Objectkin: yes, indeed, people who identify with objects; often, this is an inanimate object in the form of a toy such as a doll (think Toy Story, Brave Little Toaster)
· Otherkin: those who identify as various mythologicals; or, sometimes, an umbrella term
· Plantkin/Phytanthrope: those who identify as a plant species
· Spacekin: those who identify with bodies in space (e.g. suns, planets, moons, asteroids)
· Therians: those who identify as animals in some form
· Werebeasts: associated closely with therians and referring to people who can transform spiritually or sometimes physically into animals (werewolves, werebears, etc.)
Whew! To be brief, all of these variations of people who believe they are--in part or in whole--something other than human. This otherness can be emotional or psychological. Now, there are some alterkin--especially lycans--who say they can in some ways physically shift. Usually, this is not a complete transformation like you might see in The Twilight Saga or An American Werewolf in London, but instead a partial transformation. I have had some lycans tell me that their incisors get longer or they grow tails or more hair or pointy ears, that sort of thing.
Therians are one of the topics I discuss in The Furry Book: The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the Furry Fandom. In this excerpt, I explain that not only do therians shift but there are different kinds of shifting:
"Shifts can occur either on purpose, such as through meditation, lucid dreaming, or some other mental discipline, or involuntarily, such as when certain outside stimuli set off a shift. This can be things such as being surprised or shocked or upset by something, by finding oneself in an environment that inspires animal instincts (e.g., a camping trip in the wilderness or a trip to a zoo or animal sanctuary), or by being among other therians. Also, there is something called a 'vacillant' or 'suntherian,' which are therians who have more subtle shifts, rather than abrupt shifts, between human and nonhuman identities."
"Therians might shift into just one kind of animal or they might have multiple animal form possibilities (called polytherians). Some polytherians might shift into just a certain genus of species (cladtherians), such as any type of canid (wolf, dog, fox, coyote, African wild dog, etc.)."
"Finally, there are two types of non-shifting therians: simple nonshifters who do not experience any kind of mental, spiritual, or emotional shift but who still feel they have an animal spirit or soul within them, and contherians, who are constantly experience their animal form in one way or another."
At this point you may have noticed that in none of the above discussions do I once say that therians galavant around on all fours while wearing tails and ears. This phenomenon is quite recent, originating in Japan and inspired by an athlete named Kenichi Ito, who set a world record by running a 100-meter dash on hands and feet. As with many furry-related things, the influence of Japanese culture on the American fandom in particular is strong, and sometime in the 2000s, quadrobics became popular with young therians. Because it is fascinating to watch, especially when performed by a person wearing ears and tail, the media glomped onto it after various posts on TikTok and YouTube brought the sport to life. Consequently, many younger furries and therians are now enamored by the concept that a therian is someone who partakes in this four-legged practice.
Of course, this is incorrect. Quadrobics is not what being therian is about. Or alterkin, for that matter. Although some of the quadropists assert they do identify with animals in some way, I sense that most of them pursue the activity just for fun and to get noticed on social media.
As with furries, you have to beware of the gatekeepers. No, you don't need to do quadrobics to be a therian. No, you don't need to wear anything to be a therian. No, you don't even have to pick a single type of alterkin if you don't want to.
To be blunt, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do, and you don't have to listen to what anyone tells you to do (not even Papabear LOL; just take all my writing here with a grain of salt and do what you feel is right for you.)
Willow, I'm going to tell you what I tell many people who write to my column: You are not responsible for your community or what other people think of it or even how they define it. You are too young to get anxiety and heartburn because you are so concerned about how others think of therians.
Choose your own path. Let others choose theirs. If others don't like you or say mean things to you because they have created a mould that you refuse to be poured into, then that is their problem, not yours. If a bunch of quadrobists want to call themselves "therians," then even though you and I might disagree with that definition, who cares? They certainly don't. You know in your heart who you really are, and that puts you way ahead of others in this game of life, Willow. Some people don't figure out who they are until they are old and gray. Some people never figure it out. You sound like you got it down, and you're only 14!
For you, being a therian is "just there to make you feel comfortable in your own body." And you are correct. That is the definition that is right for you. Good job.
You are not "delusional" at all. And you are not confused. Where you have gone wrong is by making this a problem. It is not a problem, and it is especially not your problem.
Let others have their fun. Let them be. And, by the same account, don't let others bother you with their drama. Just say, "Hey, this is what I am, and this is what I enjoy. If you can't deal with who I am, not my problem. Have a nice day."
Blessed Be, Willow.
Hugs,
Papabear
IWAG Summer Festival 2024: A thriving gathering of Indonesian furries
印尼兽迷夏日盛典：IWAG 2024 再创佳绩
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 38
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 38. Join the Discord Chat: https://discord.gg/SQ5QuRf For a full preview of events and for previous episodes, please visit http://www.tigertailsradio.co.uk. See website for full breakdown of song credits, which is usually updated shortly after the show. If you like what we do and wish to throw some pennies our way to support us, please consider sending a little tip our way. https://streamlabs.com/tigertailsradio/tip * Please note, tips are made to support TigerTails Radio and are assumed as made with good faith, so are therefore non-refundable. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Disability in Furry Fiction: Anastasia Spinet
July in Disability Pride month, and for this, we discussed disability in furry fiction with Anastasia Spinet, who was happy to answer some questions about how her disability has affected her life and her writing, including her debut novel Quicksilver.
For those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and your work?
Hi! I typically go by “Emp” in online and fandom spaces, but my penname is Anastasia Spinet. I’ve always loved anthropomorphic characters, but I officially started labelling myself as a “furry” around 2002 when I discovered the term on Neopets. I’m a vet tech by trade, and when I’m not writing or wrangling saucy cats, I can be found hanging in the woods, talking to crows, reading books, or gaming. I’m pretty much the stereotypical “woodsy, witchy introvert” type. I’m here for disability month because I have a super rare disability called Holt-Oram Syndrome (AKA, “hand-heart syndrome”) that impacts pretty much every facet of my life. It’s a chromosomal mutation that impedes the development of the limbs and heart in utero. For me, that means a deformed left hand, a pacemaker, and severe chronic fatigue. I often joke that X-Men lied to me as a kid, because being a mutant cyborg in the real world is rather tedious lol.
I published my first official paid piece when I was 17, where a short I wrote appeared as an in-game readable book item for a super obscure (and dearly missed) online pet sim called NeuroGalaxy. As an adult, I’ve been published in a handful of anthologies since 2019, and this year I published my first novel, an anthropomorphic cyberpunk adventure called Quicksilver. Usually my work has a supernatural or folkloric slant to it, but Quicksilver is unique among my pieces in that it’s cyberpunk, and I drew on my own real-world experiences with technology, disability, and my fears over loss of bodily autonomy as a means of flavoring the narrative and its themes.
How do you believe your disability has shaped your work?
It is absolutely a major reason why I enjoy furry fiction, in addition to other forms of SF/F that feature non-human (ie: alien, monster, robot, etc) protagonists. My bread and butter is protagonists who aren’t physically human. I was very isolated in my formative years due to my hand deformity. Starting around 6 years old, when I began attending public school, I had to deal with a lot of “don’t be her friend! If you touch her, your hands will look like that too!” I was not old enough to correctly articulate the negative emotions I felt from dealing with that five days a week for several hours every day, so I fell into a world of vivid escapism and started creating my own stories – typically involving cats — from a very early age. I also loved animals, largely because they would still interact with me and love me with all their hearts no matter how I looked. A lot of my dissatisfaction with my body and the fears I felt from emergency medical intervention (which I am super grateful for it, but as a kid you don’t fully understand why they are sticking needles in you or busting open your sternum, and that terror stays forever) was poured into the character Jet, who I created when I was still in grade school to help me deal with these emotions.
Additionally, there are certain clusters of tropes that I strongly enjoy writing (and reading) because they have parallels to my own experiences, but are removed enough that I can enjoy the escapism aspect of the story. A lot of furry novels and series that I’m quick to recommend to others also utilise a lot of these tropes. I especially love a protagonist who is born with a trait they never would have chosen to posses, and I enjoy seeing protagonists like that learn to grow, change, and navigate their own unique reality. Both Tammy and Jet from Quicksilver fall under this trope, and I used my own emotions towards my body and my life to color certain aspects of their experiences, especially in regards to medical experimentation, self-hatred, and a sense of isolation from their own communities. I’m very focused on emotions when it comes to writing, because I feel that emotions are what connects us and makes us human. You might not be able to understand how it feels to have a deformity or a hunk of metal powering your heart, but I think we have all felt isolated or persecuted at some point in our lives, and I think exploring those feelings through entertaining fiction can help open discussions and build bridges with people who we might otherwise see ourselves as having little in common with.
How do you feel the wider furry community is handling people with a disability? What do you think needs to be done to improve things?
I’d argue it’s a mixed bag, but, a lot of that has to do with just how vastly diverse disabilities as a whole are. Like, even though we are both ‘disabled’, I have a very different set of needs than my friend with cerebral palsy. Even within the Holt-Oram community, the severity of the disability occurs on a wide spectrum, and “accessibility” for us is not a one size fits all by any means. Overall, however, I find most “geek” communities are somewhat better than average concerning things like accessibility, at least in terms of my experience. For example, because of my HOS, I have a very bad heart. I currently have a pacemaker, but it looks like I may need even more “borg parts” or possibly a transplant in the near future. Currently, if I’m left standing up for too long (for me that’s 30 minutes+) I can become very ill from a lack of blood flow to my brain, so being able to sit for a bit is something I legitimately need. I can say that within the sphere of “geekdom” is the one place where I have never received any direct flack for this, and I’m super grateful for that.
The biggest thing that does bother me in geek spaces, however, is getting treated a bit like a zoo animal, or like I’m part of some special club. I’m not “special” – I’m sick, and it sucks, but I’m a survivor and I want to live and engage in my hobbies for as long as I can. I ultimately just want to be treated with respect as a human being. It’s a tough thing to describe to people who haven’t been on the receiving end of the behaviour, but sometimes you will get this specific tone or attitude where you can tell they are trying to be “inclusive” but they’re trying so hard that they’re actually coming across as condescending and rude. I think the solution for this is for group leaders (be it a con, meet, etc) to learn to actively listen to those of us who request disability accommodation. If someone makes a request for accommodation and you feel that’s something you can provide, don’t make a big deal over it; just do it. I can only speak for myself, but, for me, when weird groveling behaviour gets involved after I disclose I’m disabled, it feels a lot like mockery and often leaves me feeling ashamed for asking for something as simple as a chair. I asked for a chair, not a circle of worshippers. White it’s definitely preferable to naked bigotry, I do feel like it’s still an inappropriate way to treat people, especially if you want us to feel comfortable at an event. It’s good to recognise when someone is disabled, but it’s not so good to treat them like that disability is the only thing that defines them.
What does the inclusion of disability in fiction mean to you?
When it specifically comes to fictional characters, this is probably a bit of a spicy take but, to me personally, I’m fairly indifferent. I’m very happy that disabled folks who are into that kind of thing can more easily find the type of narratives they are looking for in this day and age but, for me, I engage in sci-fi and fantasy as a means to escape the painful reality of my life. I used to be a very athletic person in my youth, and losing those abilities in my late 20’s and 30’s has been hard for me, especially knowing that it’s only going to get worse as I age. I use fiction to live vicariously through the characters. This is why Tammy and Jet have cool animal and cyborg powers rather than deformed limbs and catastrophic cardiovascular failure. When it comes to SF/F specifically, I’m more engaged with metaphorical and allegorical explorations of the emotions that surround disability, rather than the disability itself. That’s not to say I don’t like seeing disabled characters in fiction (I do) but you’ll rarely see me picking up a book solely because the protagonist is disabled, as I can find a way to project onto pretty much any character if they are well developed enough.
Where inclusion in fiction does strongly matter to me is the publication of fiction by talented authors who have a disability. I like supporting and reading the perspectives from other authors who are disabled, regardless of whether or not they include their specific disability in their work. That gives me a tangible sense of community, and gives me a means to support others who have also struggled due to physical characteristics that they can not change and did not choose. Talented disabled voices can be brushed under the rug due to our unique struggles with physical health, and I want to hear and support those voices by purchasing, reading, and/or discussing their work. At the end of the day, fictional characters are not real, and, when it comes to disability, I’m more concerned with the work and life experiences of the real disabled human beings behind the words than I am with directly “seeing myself” through a figment.
Do you see a difference between stories written by authors with a disability and authors without, when it comes to writing characters with disabilities?
Generally I do find “own voices” narratives often have a certain undercurrent of authenticity that narratives simply written by allies often lack. This is something I’ve noticed across the board for a large swath of fiction centered on minority characters, by minority writers. There are some experiences that you can’t fully understand unless you have lived them, even if you can find deep empathy for the situation. For example, I found the character AO from Nnedi Okorafor’s novel Noor relatable to a degree that I can only describe as haunting.
This isn’t always the rule though, as, talented writers can (and frequently do!) create wonderful characters whose struggles are outside the scope of the author’s own experiences. For example, a disabled character I adore is Samson Harker from David Marusek’s cyberpunk-esque novel, Counting Heads. As far as I know, Marusek does not have any sort of degenerative disease (nanite-induced or otherwise) but the character of Simon, his struggles with a failing body, his musings about death, etc strongly resonated with me. Likewise, Anne McCaffrey Brainship series feels like the ultimate wish-fulfilment fantasy for me because, oh, what I would do to trade my failing human husk vessel for a badass spaceship body lmao. This veers out of written fiction and into film territory but, Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender is also an excellent example of a well-written character whose creators lack her specific disability.
What do you think is the most important thing for a writer to do when considering how to write characters with a disability?
My best advice is is to always remember the humanity of your character. Their personhood should always come first before their disability status. What do they do, what do they like? Hobbies? What were they like as a kid? What are their core values? There are a myriad of questions to ask, but what I mean by all this is that their only defining trait should never be “they are disabled”. When I think of Toph, the first words I think of to describe her are “disabled” or “blind”, I think of how tough and pragmatic she is, and how I deeply related to her because of those traits. Her disability is important to her character and adds incredible nuance to her as a person, but it’s not her defining trait. If the most interesting thing about your character is their disability, then you may want to rethink how you are writing them. Characters like that, who often exist purely to signal the creator’s inclusive politics, are often how you accidentally fall into dehumanisation and offensive tropes, even if you mean well. There is a certain level of condescending preachiness that comes with stories created for the sole purpose of signalling the author’s/publisher’s politics, and it can come across as not just offensive, but downright dehumanising when you, the disabled person in the audience, are keenly aware that you are only seeing yourself included because the author wants to look like the paragon of virtue, rather than because they actually, truly desire telling an interesting story about someone with a disability. Even if I might appreciate the sentiment, the execution is often lacking, and the execution is the most important aspect of telling a story. Being disabled isn’t inherently political; it just is. I’d rather read something entertaining than something preachy, and when someone like me is specifically the subject of the preachiness, it comes back to feeling like a zoo animal or, worse, an attraction at a carnival side show.
A big tip I have on how to avoid falling into the above trap is that I highly recommend listening to people. Active listening goes a long way in building bridges. If you don’t have that disability yourself, go find people who do, and listen to how they feel about their situation. And, yes, that should include even those whose feelings towards their situation you might disagree with. I’d argue the latter is important even if you are a disabled person creating an “own voices” story, as there can often be quite a diversity of ideas and experiences from within your own little sphere. (For example, there are some disability advocates who absolutely hate McCaffrey’s Brainships. I completely disagree with them, but their perspectives are still interesting and worthy of respect, even if I, personally, see things differently.) If you don’t know anyone who has a disability similar to what you’re writing about, biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs exist and are a wealth of interesting and important information regarding the human experience.
Are there any common failings you see amongst furry fiction?
The biggest hurdle I’ve faced in furry fiction has been the structure of awards and how the biggest one (Ursas) often rewards quantity over quality, especially in terms of written fiction. My opinions on whether quantity even warrants an award aside, quantity can be a very difficult bar for disabled people to meet, but especially for those with progressive illnesses like mine. In the past four weeks, I have had a doctor’s visit of some sort almost every day, except the weekend. That’s exhausting. I do not have the time or energy to be a literature mill, so I have to pick and choose which stories I feel are strong enough to warrant completion. For this reason, I’m confident that my stories are good and worthy of recognition, but that’s a tough thing to achieve when quantity seems to be rewarded above all else. I know rewards do not make the writer, but it can leave you feeling quite sour when you know you’re work will rarely be on a ballot because you couldn’t make dozens of pieces in a year due to your physical condition. Part of the reason these rewards exist is to build community, and the latter can really leave you feeling like you’re being shut out of the community. I would love for the showrunners of the UMA to be more open to making adjustments to how nominations are run. I’ve seen many interesting discussions regarding this (hence why I wish the Ursas would be more open to discussing this matter with the community at large, because it’s clearly a discussion the community wants) but my personal quick fix would be to simply limit nominations so that a single person can only have one work nominated per category. This would open the door for a larger variety of voices to be showcased, while also maintaining a way for those who are more prolific to secure multiple nominations if they are varied in their work, which they typically are.
On the flip side, in terms of including real disabled people in anthologies or publishing their work, I think furry is often a cut above the norm, and I really appreciate that. From my experience, this rings true for most indie writing and publishing circles. I attribute a lot of that to the fact that there is a bigger focus on the artistic side of things rather than maximising mainstream marketability or, worse, appeasing the insensible sensibilities of the suits. I can think of talented furry authors with disabilities off the top of my head without much effort, and I’ve always found that super awesome. Furry writing is a very small, very niche thing, and the fact that I don’t have to wrack my brains to think of talented disabled authors, despite the relatively small size of the community, is a massive plus. I can think of way bigger, older hobby communities that should, in theory, have recognisable disabled voices in their midst, but they don’t. So, I really feel like furry, and the indie publishing world as a whole, does a really great job at including diverse voices and narratives.
What book featuring characters with a disability and/or written by an author with a disability would you most recommend to people?
For furry authors with disabilities, I recommend checking out the works by the late (and dearly missed) K.C. Alpinus (my favorites by her are “The Night the Stars Fell” from Dogs of War II: Aftermath, and the anthology she edited called SOAR) and the short stories by former Guild president, Linnea “LiteralGrill” Capps (“The Glow” from The Electric Sewer is a major favorite of mine).
For non-furry, anything by the aforementioned Nnedi Okorafor is a solid bet. Noor is my favourite, but the Binti series is also excellent.
Additionally, like I said before, while I understand the criticism of them, I personally adore the Brainship series (including the ones not written by McCaffrey) and I definitely recommend it if you’re like me and you’ve frequently entertained “brain in a jar” fantasies regarding yourself.
And, finally, where can we find your works?
You can find my shorts in SPECIES: Otters, BREEDS: Wildcats, and The Haunted Den, all of which can be purchased via Amazon. Currently, Quicksilver can only be purchased from the publisher’s website. Right now I’m editing my very first anthology for Armoured Fox Press themed around lesbian romance, and I’m super excited to show off the authors and stories I’ve selected. (It is still open until the end of August, if anyone reading this would be interested in submitting!)
I will be selling signed copies of all my currently published books at the New Age of Heroes convention in Springfield, MA this coming November, so if you are in the New England area then, please do drop by and say hello!
Please Curb Your Werewolf
Missed this one before, so it’s time to get caught up! Monsterland meets Gangsterland in The Monster’s Clean-Up Guy, a two-issue horror comic miniseries written by Drew Lenhart and illustrated by Rowel Roque. “Terry works for the monster community. He’s their cleanup guy, covering up their misdeeds in order to keep monsters a secret. Terry operates by only two rules: Listen to the Lycan King’s orders, and don’t kill any monsters!” It’s still available at TFAW.
image c. 2024 Bloodmoon Comics
Tribute to Rolix (1993 - 2024)
A compilation of clips across the series featuring Rolix, celebrating the adventures and other good times shared with a close friend and figure to the SoCal Furry Community. This compilation contains footage from various episodes from season 5 up to the current (9th) season. RIP Rolix 1993 - 2024 ---------- [Contents of various episodes that were featured have been modified from their original versions with the inclusion of outtakes and additional editing to further enhance this presentation.] Editing: @BanditTheRaccoon Fursona Artwork: Com (dr11white via Telegram) Series Logo: Fifth Forager See more at: http://www.TheRaccoonsDen.com FACEBOOK: http://www.Facebook.com/TheRaccoonsDen TWITTER: http://www.Twitter.com/TheRaccoonsDen FURAFFINITY: http://www.FurAffinity.net/user/TheRaccoonsDen INSTAGRAM: http://www.Instagram.com/TheRaccoonsDen #TheRaccoonsDen #Rolix #FurryFandom
Top 3 Games in June 2024 - Uncivil Monthly Awards Party!
We chose our Top 3 FAVORITE Steam Games from all of the ones we played during the month of June 2024 for the Uncivil Weekly Review Parties we release every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! This Monthly awards video provides some background commentary going much deeper into the games we loved from last month. Video Edited by Dark, Staff here at GF.
Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines - Preview
Awoooo time for some interdimensional adventures! The sequel to the beloved and acclaimed Grapple Dog, Grapple Dogs Cosmic Canines aims its sights on having players jump, dash and grapple their way across various levels. The unique visuals of this game reminded me of something you might see on the Game Boy Advance, which tickled a nostalgic itch and gave me plenty of reason to try out the demo.
A furry-themed train ride sets history in Taiwan’s furry fandom
毛毛列车出发！台湾铁路史上首次兽聚活动，兽迷们共襄盛举！
毛毛列車出發! 台灣鐵道史上首次獸聚活動 獸迷們共襄盛舉
由毛毛鐵路管理局FRA（下稱毛鐵局）所規劃，於7/12自板橋站行駛至羅東站的第6334次專列－毛爪號，為臺灣首度由獸文化團隊與臺鐵合作舉辦前所未有的專車活動，參加者可以在火車車廂及開放活動的車站出毛，而終點—羅東站是台灣大型獸聚FurMIT的活動所在地，因此吸引不少獸迷報名前往搭乘。
現場許多毛毛扮裝者與愛好者在月台上拍照互動。圖／藍風攝
本次列車分別在南港站、福隆站與大里站有著較長的停靠時間，南港站更是停靠長達100分鐘之久，許多毛毛也藉著這個難得的機會在月台上與火車及周邊景色合影留念。
由於在南港站停留時間較長，因此官方在該月台進行大合照。圖／藍風攝
不論是車廂(上圖)或是月台(下圖)都有毛毛在現場讓參加者拍攝照片。圖／藍風攝
本次活動的票種有毛毛套票及普通票，購買毛毛套票的參加者不僅可以在活動期間在列車、月台上出毛，更可以在活動期間請官方人員拍照留下美好的回憶，並於活動後贈送拍立得相片讓參加者能夠把這份回憶帶回家珍藏。
毛毛—狼孩與列車合影。圖／藍風攝
毛鐵局也在火車上準備週邊商品販售與剪票活動，讓毛毛列車長與服務員推著商品販售推車讓參加者購買的同時，為參加者剪票並留影紀念。
主辦人—包森在火車上進行官方商品販售。圖／藍風攝
活動主辦人之一的包森表示，因為自己本來就很喜歡鐵道相關的文化，因此在思考是否能參考日本的例子在台灣舉辦類似的活動。團隊在歷經七個多月與各方協調與協助下，最終完成了這次臺灣首度在火車上舉辦的獸文化活動，對此包森也說能順利完成活動覺得很感動也很感恩。
毛毛列車長—石頭替參加者的紙本車票進行剪票。圖／藍風攝
參加者毛毛赫克表示，第一次能在火車月台上出毛的體驗很棒，而且累了也可以回到火車上休息這部分也很好，若是後續有舉辦相關活動會想要再參加。
主辦人之一的包森和司機員合影。圖／藍風攝
對於未來是否會再舉辦相關活動，主辦人包森表示由於這次活動是首次舉辦，後續規劃會需要通盤檢討後才能進行相關規劃。而毛鐵局目前正在官方粉絲專頁上進行後續活動的意願調查，若是對毛爪號活動有興趣的同好可以前往回答問卷。
Parkitect: Deluxe Edition (Xbox) Review
Way back when I was a young pup, I used to go to Hersheypark every summer and it was a fun experience. Riding the Trailblazer, getting soaked on the Canyon River Rapids, and being whipped around on the Whip, Hersheypark was amazing. But, like most things in life, I ended up growing out of it and stopped going but, deep down, I still enjoyed amusement parks and wouldn’t mind going to one again. The original Roller Coaster Tycoon on PC helped in this regard and I put about who knows how many hours into it, designing my own theme park and creating fun roller coasters. So, when I heard about the console release of ‘Parkitect’, I was excited and I had hoped for another fun roller coaster sim but, alas, this wasn’t meant to be.
Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles Review
Pssst Hey, do you like cats? Do you like the Monster Hunter Series? Do you like MOBILE PUZZLE games? Then guess what! Felyne Isles is for you! Your main character is a Felyne that you can customize in SO MANY different outfits that you unlock as you progress through the game. Help other Felynes rebuild and recover the island by completing puzzles (some pretty difficult) and rescue other Felynes in need!
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 37
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 37. Join the Discord Chat: https://discord.gg/SQ5QuRf For a full preview of events and for previous episodes, please visit http://www.tigertailsradio.co.uk. See website for full breakdown of song credits, which is usually updated shortly after the show. If you like what we do and wish to throw some pennies our way to support us, please consider sending a little tip our way. https://streamlabs.com/tigertailsradio/tip * Please note, tips are made to support TigerTails Radio and are assumed as made with good faith, so are therefore non-refundable. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Escape From Ever After: Onboarding Review
I'm not sure if this is the best or worst timing for Escape From Ever After: Onboarding (“Escape” from here on out) with the influx of amazing RPGs coming out. In the past couple of months, we received 2 excellent RPG remakes from Nintendo: Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. I love turn based RPGS, as someone who has lived in the golden age of RPGs (SNES era), I'm happy to see this style of RPG start to become popular and seeing a resurgence in the eyes of the gaming market. However, is this Paper Mario inspired fairytale a page turner, or will it be a better use as a table straightener?