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Grassroots action: Leadership changes and weeding out hate at Garden State Fur The Weekend
Garden State Fur The Weekend is an upcoming furry convention set for May 3-5, 2024 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. With their launch only months away, something unusual happened. GSFTW posted an official statement about opposing hate and Nazi-fur groups.
Its come to the attention of the GSFTW Board of Directors that there has been activity within our channels by those who do not represent us or our intentions as a convention or as a fandom.
We strive to keep our sights focused on a open, safe, and fun space for our weekend. With…
— Garden State Fur The Weekend (@gardenstatefur) January 12, 2024
It was followed by an announcement of the con chair stepping down and a new one stepping up. It blames medical issues of the ex-chair, Dashing Fox. Dogpatch Press wishes good health to him. The story could end there, but unofficially, the change was forced by staff resignations. You’re seeing the aftermath of revolt behind the scenes, then getting back on track for launch. Yes, they stood up with the power of collective will to change the leadership for the better.
Attention all
It has come to the Board's attention that Dashing Foxie will be stepping down as our organization's Convention Chairperson. While this is a heavy moment for the con, we will be moving forward as the Board to review and appoint a new Con Chair as soon as possible… https://t.co/jbrAk3QH77
— Garden State Fur The Weekend (@gardenstatefur) January 13, 2024
This reporting is not to pile on, but for public interest. GSFTW’s interest is to make a nice event with good PR for its community. There’s also reading between the lines to learn about solving cross-community issues. We’ll cover the negative before looking forward to the positive.
Digging in
Let’s not beat around the bush about why staff resigned to uproot the ex-chair: He actively associated with the Furry Raiders. They are a nazifur group who wither everything they touch. Their ties to alt-right hate groups and criminal schemes could fill a book.
The public has been aware that the Furry Raiders are toxic since it became national news years ago. What was the ex-chair thinking? Some may accuse corruption. The most charitable reading would be a critical security lapse by someone who didn’t screen associates or read the room.
Not only was there internal disruption; it made a PR problem about transparency of it all. History shows it’s possible to play musical chairs without changing the music. Nobody wants to get led down the garden path or see history repeat. So let’s ask questions, even if GSFTW is truly on the path to success.
Dogpatch Press did due diligence to seek comment from numerous people involved, including the official con channel, PR, the ex-chair, and new chair. Gracious responses came from the new chair and a staffer.
The chair switch came not long after a switch to a new hotel; questions to the con found a positive reason. How about finance decisions? More questions soon…
It’s fine to weed out nazifurs, (something to just do, not do for show) but the ex-chair’s Furry Raiders activity was open for almost 4 years. Wouldn’t there be much less concern if it was nipped in the bud at the start?
Back to the start: Sowing seeds of a new con
GSFTW’s 2020 organizing plans were delayed by Covid, until late 2022, when a Wikifur page was made by the con’s then-Head of PR. The page named official GSFTW channels and groups, 23 staffers, and two Guests of Honor (Leaf Dubois and Cooper Tom). Good things were growing for fans who are under-served with full events nearby.
I'm so excited to be the artist & GoH for Garden State Fur the Weekend, a New Jersey furry con coming in May 2024! I'm proud of this first piece of diner art and I'm working on more. Follow @GardenStateFur to stay tuned, and I hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/Nk9wCNbue1
— Leaf 
(@LeafDubois) November 25, 2022
Nearby events had a vacancy after the departure of Fur Affinity: United from New Jersey. There’s the single-day New Years Furry Ball, and Fur The ‘More is across state lines, but New Jersey had no full convention. A plan for one in Atlantic City never launched after suffering from hate activity in 2018… Which could have been a clue to avoid perennial troublemakers, but here we go again…
Snakes in the Grass
GSFTW’s 2024 statement against hate is vague about who was doing it in their channels. There wasn’t just one source, and it wasn’t just association without knowing who they were. Names can be named, and a chain of activity illustrates this.
There was prior knowledge by the ex-chair Dashing Fox. In a 2018 case of handling complaints, members of a local furmeet were unhappy with the presence of a nazifur zoophile named Crusader Cat. His history of being a chronic nuisance and banned from things was met with defensive denial by Dashing Fox.
In the denial, “the person who runs it is gay and in the minority” is propaganda from the Furry Raiders themselves. The term for what they do is Collaborator. Collaboration is the way systematic oppression uses cooperation from some members of targeted groups. The history of gay fascists shows it. Before WWII, there were western Jews who wanted to get rid of eastern Jews and supported Hitler. Such manipulation is behind Nazifur claims of “free expression” (for them…) Conning people to play along is how fascism works. It has no consistent position except grabbing power, and maneuvering like a chameleon for leverage. Targeted people will help them for selfish short-term benefit, and say you’ll benefit later if you help too (while they plot your destruction.)
The Furry Raiders were collaborators with alt-right figure Milo Yiannopolous in a scheme to “destroy” furry cons. Wait until you see their point person, and the tangle of ties around the Crusader Cat complaints.
"Billy the sex offender has never harassed or abused ME so I don't see what the problem is"
— Daz The Big Blue Dog 
(@daztoons) October 8, 2018
Eventually Dashing Fox did come around and remove Crusader Cat. So far, so good. But then 2 years later… I did nazi that coming!
Fool me once, fool me twice
In 2020, a fuse was lit when Dashing Fox went on the Furry Raiders podcast to promote the plan for GSFTW. Giving air time to a nazifur group boosted their signal while making negative PR. Their channels have no audience or purpose except to promote their propaganda, so nothing could be gained there for anyone except them. Actively associating with nazifurs is known to cost the reputation of anyone who does, so Dashing Fox made a conscious choice, especially when…
Dashing Fox is named as friend of Furry Raiders admin Richie “Aeveirra” Felitti, a self-avowed fascist who was partner with the prior-banned Crusader Cat.
This isn’t just bad opinions. Aeveirra was a point person for a scheme of alt-right violence aimed at a convention.
“You have to destroy the shit they love” – the Midwest Furfest 2019 scheme
Before the 2020 podcast, Aeveirra represented Furry Raiders in a video with Milo Yiannopolous, while his nazifur group invited Milo to preach about destroying furry cons. Meanwhile, Milo ran another secret group to plan a hostile MFF visit. That’s where Milo’s nazifur collaborators and alt-right followers would welcome the Proud Boys fascist gang. On their part, Proud Boys mutually threatened to bring violence to MFF. This was collaboration with terrorists, ultimately proven by their seditious conspiracy convictions for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021.
The MFF scheme unraveled when the con banned Milo. His secret group was leaked to prove the threat that furries faced down.
After the scheme fizzled, Dashing Fox actively associated with nazifurs known to be toxic to conventions. Ignoring this lets a pattern fester and spread. It makes even more reason to scrutinize the friendship and agenda of Aeveirra.
Aeveirra’s agenda
As an active Furry Raiders admin, Richie “Aeveirra” Felitti is the opposite of someone a well-run convention would ever want near executive power, finances, operations, or security. What would he do with influence?
Take time to browse Aeveirra’s history of befriending and defending fascists and criminally charged sex offenders, and retaliating on their behalf at people who observe their crimes. Imagine the following people gaining favor at the top… Besides Crusader Cat, people shielded by Aeveirra include:
- The Furry Raiders founder, Lee “Foxler” Miller (3 charges for child sex crimes.)
- Joshua “Kero the Wolf” Hoffman (necro-zoosadist ring member.)
- Carl “RC Fox” Kirkwood (sex offenses for trading CSAM). He admitted crime but suicided to escape impending conviction.
- Aeveirra’s shielding included retaliation at Dogpatch Press for linking mainstream news about RC Fox’s crime. It was a scapegoating attack to defend him, with a baseless truther-conspiracy theory that RC was framed.
- There was also a witness intimidation scheme on behalf of Foxler. When Dogpatch Press uncovered the scheme, it earned 8 years in jail for another admin of the Furry Raiders, Jacob Kovar, a convicted sex offender. Using a fresh fursona, Kovar convinced an upcoming convention to make him Head of Security before he was removed due to his arrest. Kovar is “Sneps” in the screenshot of Milo preaching to destroy conventions.
This police lineup of creeps is exactly what Aeveirra set out to favor with their own new convention.
The plot thickens: Aeveirra helped to fund the Free Fur All “Fashcon” with Nazifur money.
In Oklahoma, Free Fur All was founded by far-right founder Peacewolf out of spite at another convention, where Peacewolf was ousted as its Chair in 2020. (See a pattern?) Free Fur All was dedicated to welcoming nuisances banned elsewhere, earning the name “Fashcon”, but their own competing factions proved that Nazifurs wither everything they touch. Only a few dozen went in 2023 after fighting over Peacewolf’s sex scandal and the influence of Furry Raiders within.
A Free Fur All board meeting was leaked by an aggrieved insider, and it names Aeveirra as a heavy donor. Some sources claim that Aeveirra was spending an inheritance. Meanwhile in the Furry Raiders, founder Foxler claimed sponsorship, implying his money was laundered on behalf of people who don’t launder their fursuits. Whatever the source, nazifur money spreads nazifur influence.
- Foxler claim of sponsoring. — An unkempt Aeveirra in Nazifur armband. — Leak of Free Fur All board meeting with Aeveirra named funder at 47:50.
Evidence of the Furry Raiders splitting up competing nazifur factions came from sources involved in organizing for Free Fur All. The same sources went on to make similar complaints about losing favor with GSFTW.
- Free Fur All organizer discussion in 2022. — Same sources mad that “Furry Raiders speak for us” and lost them access to GSFTW.
Aeveirra’s agenda with Free Fur All was carried out in between the 2020 podcast with Dashing Fox about founding GSFTW, and GSFTW’s intended launch. It certainly was interesting timing.
Asking about influence on GSFTW
Dogpatch Press sent questions to insiders, GSFTW’s official info email, staffers, the ex-chair and the new chair. An entry level staffer “speaking solely from a personal perspective” responded to the below point.
This was a good-faith attempt to get a “No”. Good-faith effort to respond makes a difference — even if concern is barking up the wrong tree or topics can’t be discussed beyond a simple statement. For other questions, the staffer provided good PR. They asked to stay anonymous and wanted answers kept in context. For brevity, Dogpatch Press has a long chat on file and only suggests that conventions should take questions of influence seriously.
The new Chair wasn’t very familiar with the issue either, but stated “As far as I’m aware, there is no association with Aeveirra and the convention.”
Messages were traded with Dashing Fox, with days of attempts to have a fur-to-fur conversation about events here. A passed publication deadline with two extensions leave it for a future date. The other staffer who responded affirmed:
The entire convention leadership was in favor of the statement put up publicly, including Dashing Fox, and the decision to review who was present on staff and within our chats was decided by them as well.
Those present on staff have all outwardly expressed disdain for Raiders, and have zero interest in having them or anyone else in a similar vein (that being hate or discrimination) present at our events.
Behind the public statements
Credit is due to GSFTW for acting strongly to repel Nazifurs. More inside info is staying private due to feelings that the dispute was over. The concern here is that forcing change took several years, while the problem festered as a symptom of a larger one. Allowing a single Nazifur leads them to bring other ones.
Nazifur groups are a tiny fringe, so they are barely separated and all mingle, but the risk is grabbing larger influence, from con operations to group leadership.
Take for example another recently-removed member of the GSFTW Telegram group, Chris “Astral” Curtis. Astral went to Free Fur All with his partner Norby, and ran his own nazifur group full of Furry Raiders, insurrectionism, and violent racist hate speech. (Evidence channel).
Meanwhile, Astral’s partner Norby was admin of a furry group in New York, close to their friend Aeveirra in Long island. In mid 2023 a member attempted to report Aeveirra’s nazifur activity, only to have Norby lash back with an unhinged onslaught of vicious verbal abuse. The group admin retaliated on behalf of his fascist friend, subjecting people to rule by terror. It makes the point of this story.
Evidence of a festering problem.
- 2023 admin response by Norby towards report about Aeveirra. — Norby, Astral, and Aeveirra from Furry Raiders blog about Anthrocon 2019.
These were known nuisances as long ago as Anthrocon 2015. Dogpatch Press watched in person a few feet away while Norby and Astral brought a Confederate flag to the fursuit parade, embarassing Anthrocon and forcing them to make a conduct rule about it.
Astral and Norby at Anthrocon 2015
This pattern will repeat until nazifurs are shown the door. No place is safe with them in it. Staying passive just raises the cost of acting. This culminated in GSFTW staff resignations, then getting back on track and removing Astral and more nuisances who had favor with the ex-chair. The reasonable amount of nazifurs to tolerate is zero, and the sooner that’s established, the less damage they do.
People who took action are now wishing the best for GSFTW. Only fascists would win with a con pushing up daisies and a hotel full of tumbleweeds, so let’s not lose the forest for the trees. People with good intentions want a good con.
Looking at a rosy future
Shy Matsi is the new chair who represents optimism.
Attention all!
Garden State Fur The Weekend would officially like to welcome @shy_matsi as our Convention Chairperson!
Shy has an incredible history within the fandom and will be showing us the sights and sounds of a city he knows and loves!
Stay tuned for more information! https://t.co/iindMEg8KH
— Garden State Fur The Weekend (@gardenstatefur) January 14, 2024
From the other staffer who responded:
For confidence, I can say for certain the con is shaping up to be a highly successful first year overall, and having someone like Shy at the helm who not only has experience with the local area, but also shows a great deal of consideration for the community as a whole, that makes me personally feel a lot of confidence in GSFTW.
Shy Matsi was previously the Hotel Lead, and responded to questions about the hotel switch announced in November, explaining that the space would have been too small for the convention. The change won praise, and the new hotel is part of the same chain as the old one:
We lucked out really, the hotel event manager is the same one for the New Brunswick one and they’re considered sister hotels. It’s a better location. The only tricky part was moving the reservations. They never did that before, and I didn’t want a hardship on the people who reserved rooms, but they just completed it last week, so that went well.
A need for support
Furry fandom is a grassroots community, so remember that garden is both a noun and a verb. It’s not enough to dig out problems. You also have to fill in the hole. The staffer who responded said:
With staffing and volunteers, I think it’s clear to everyone that a lot of cons, not just Garden State Fur The Weekend, are always in need of helping paws and claws. And to quote another con chair: “Many paws make light work”.
We absolutely welcome folks looking to assist, so long as folks have the drive to help and are willing to work with the con and it’s attendees to ensure everyone’s safety and well being are first and foremost.
And though it should go without saying: anyone with a hateful, ableist, bigoted, and/or discriminatory mindset or behavior is not welcome at our event nor as our volunteers.
Volunteers help make any con help function. Without volunteers, we would be struggling so much. So want to be part of the first volunteer team for GSFTW? Step right up and shoot a email to volunteer@gsftw.org with your helping hand!
— Garden State Fur The Weekend (@gardenstatefur) January 10, 2024
Thanks again to all who engaged sensitive questions with professional care.
UPDATE
Feedback on the story from sources close to GSFTW questions how much the team really is rebuilt. They sent evidence that Aeveirra was considered for staff, an astonishing risk for trust and security, thankfully opposed by other staff exercising caution lacking from the top.
Like the article? These take hard work. For more free furry news, follow on Twitter or support not-for-profit Dogpatch Press on Patreon. Want to get involved? Try these subreddits: r/furrydiscuss for news or r/waginheaven for the best of the community. Or send guest writing here. (Content Policy.)
Dig It All Over Again
The celebrated and multi-award-winning creator Ursula Vernon first came to most people’s attention through her black & white web comic called Digger. Now, a decade later, Grim Oak Press gives us Digger Unearthed: The Complete Tenth Anniversary Collection. “Digger Unearthed is the story of a shrewd, sensible wombat engineer named Digger-of-unnecessarily-convoluted-tunnels, who finds herself stranded in a fantasy world that is far from logical. Thrust into the middle of a puzzling and often perilous situation involving gods, demons, destiny, and redemption, she finds her way based on a pragmatic honesty and the sincere belief in doing the right thing… To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Digger Unearthed offers the complete web comic collection in a single volume that can be fully enjoyed by young adult readers, yet also contains layers of sophistication that become deeper and more meaningful with age and experience.” Which we have. It’s available now in both paperback and hardcover.
image c. 2024 Grim Oak Press
Episode 550 - There And Back Again
Savrin bravely recounts their nearly 4000-mile round trip to Further Confusion 2024 and all it entailed.
LINKS
Telegram chat - https://t.me/+Ma4PTE0IsWVmMDQ5
Southpaws | creating and promoting The Queer Agenda | Patreon
Episode 550 - There And Back AgainTigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 11
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 11. 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.
Helper Rock-Wrecked
It’s a bit late for Christmas-themed stuff — and even later for Halloween horror! None the less, we just came across Monsters of Metal: Krampus in Concert, still available from Opus Comics. “Written by director and visual effects artist Jason Howden (Guns Akimbo) and Llexi Leon, Monsters of Metal takes iconic creatures on the road as a heavy metal band in this riotous send-up of life on tour! This time out, our favorite monster metalheads cross paths with the dreaded Krampus!” The bloody artwork is by Ryan Christensen. Check out the preview over at Bleeding Cool to see just how wild they get!
image c. 2024 Opus Comics
Therians vs Furries: What’s the Difference?
- Introduction
- What Are Therians?
- What Are Furries?
- Key Differences Between Therians and Furries
- Similarities Between Therians and Furries
- Are You a Therian or a Furry – How Do You Tell the Difference?
- Takeaway
Introduction
In recent times, the online world has seen the rise of many unique groups. Two of these, Therians and Furries, are especially interesting. They are known for their lively expressions and deep interests. Therians and Furries might seem similar to someone seeing them for the first time. But, when we look closely, we find substantial differences.
This article looks into the worlds of Therians and Furries. We will explore what sets these communities apart. We will also explore their beliefs, activities, and how they see themselves.
What Are Therians?Therians are unique and are often not well understood by others. They have a deep connection with non-human animals. This is a vital part of their identity, not just a hobby.
They come from varied backgrounds. Therians’ beliefs mix spirituality, mythology, and personal thoughts. It differs from the Furry fandom, which is more about enjoying art and characters. For Therians, it’s a personal experience. They feel connected to an animal, known as their theriotype.
This connection varies among Therians. Some feel a spiritual link that gives them a deep understanding and sense of belonging to their theriotype. Others experience it more as a psychological aspect. It affects how they see the world and interact with others.
Image of Toru Ueda, a Wolf Therian
Image via New York Post
It’s important to know that Therians understand they are human. They don’t deny their human side. Instead, they acknowledge an animal-like aspect in themselves.
Community is key for Therians. Even though their experience is personal, connecting with others is essential. They use online forums, social media, and meet-ups. Here, they can share their thoughts and find support.
Furries are part of a lively and creative group. They are fans of animal characters that act like humans. This interest goes beyond just liking these characters. It’s a way for them to express themselves and be part of a community.
The furry community started in the 1980s. It grew from science fiction fan groups. Now, it’s a unique group. They enjoy art, stories, and performances about animals with human traits. People from all sorts of backgrounds are welcome in this community.
A crucial part of being a Furry is creating a ‘fursona’. This is an animal character that represents them. It’s a creative process. People make characters that show their personalities or dreams. This isn’t just for fun. It’s a way to explore and show who they are.
Art is essential in the furry world. It includes costumes, drawings, writings, and digital art. Wearing costumes, or ‘fursuiting’, is popular. Only some people do it, though. These costumes are special. They are made to show each person’s unique character.
Furries also like to meet and socialise. They have conventions and meet-ups around the world. These events are more than just fun. They are a chance to make friends, learn, and support each other.
Commissioning a fursuit has never been so easy!
"They where extremely understanding and patient. They provided fast response times and amazing communication"
Edward .blog-banner-button{ background: transparent; border-radius: 6px 0px 6px 6px; border: none; padding: 16px 28px; position: relative; cursor: pointer; margin-top: 0px; font-family: 'Lato'; font-style: normal; font-weight: 800; font-size: 14px; line-height: 140%; align-items: center; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; color: #1D022E; border: 1px solid #1D022E; width:100%; max-width:200px; } .black-point{ position: absolute; width: 16px; height: 16px; top: 0px; right: 0; background: #1D022E; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 12px; } .blog-banner-button:hover{ background:#1D022E; color:white; transition: 1s cubic-bezier(0.57, -0.43, 0.37, 1.1); } .banner-flex{ display:flex; align-items:center; max-width:450px; width:100%; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; justify-content:center; } .banner-p{ color: #1D022E; text-align: center; font-family: Lato; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 800; line-height: 140%; /* 19.6px */ text-transform: uppercase; } @media (max-width:540px){ .banner-flex{ flex-direction:column; } .banner-p{ margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; } .blog-banner-button{ max-width:287px; width:100%; padding:12px 20px; } .banner-flex a{ max-width:287px; width:100%; } } Build my fursuit Key Differences Between Therians and FurriesTherians and Furries have noteworthy differences. These shape their unique identities and cultural practices.
The main difference is how they connect with animals. Therians feel a deep, sometimes spiritual, link with a particular animal. This feeling is a big part of who they are. They don’t just choose an animal they like. They often feel they are that animal in some way. This affects their beliefs and how they see the world.
Furries, however, are fans of animals with human traits. Their interest is more about being fans and expressing themselves artistically. They create and interact with these characters. This includes art, stories, and costumes. For many, their ‘fursona’ is a creative project. It’s a way to be part of the furry community, not a deep identity.
How they show their identity is also different. For Therians, it’s often something they feel inside. They might not show it much in their daily life. But it profoundly affects how they think and feel. Furries, on the other hand, show their interest in more visible ways. This includes drawing, writing, and wearing animal costumes, known as fursuits.
The way they come together as communities is different, too. The furry community likes large social events. They have conventions and meet-ups. Here, they celebrate their love for anthropomorphic art and culture. These events are big and public. They have lots of activities related to furries.
Therians, on the other hand, are more spread out. They don’t gather in large groups as much. They mostly talk online or meet in small, personal groups.
Therians and Furries are different in many ways. But they also share some similarities. Understanding these can help us see the bigger picture of these groups.
Both groups have a strong interest in animals. Therians feel a deep connection with a specific animal. Furries love creating and acting as animal characters with human traits. This love for animal personas is something they have in common.
They also use the internet a lot for their communities. Both Therians and Furries use online forums and social media. These places let them talk, share experiences, and support each other. They offer a safe space for members to be themselves.
A Pair of Fursuiters (Not Therians)
Image via Reddit
Both groups often get misunderstood. The media sometimes shows them in a bad light. It leads to people getting the wrong idea about them. Both Therians and Furries want people to understand them better. They work to correct these misunderstandings.
Creativity and expressing oneself are crucial to both groups. Furries often show this through art and costumes. Therians express it through their animal identities. Even though they do it differently, they both value self-expression.
Lastly, both groups are known for being supportive of each other. They understand and respect each other’s unique views and experiences. This creates a friendly and accepting environment. It lets people explore who they are without being judged.
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Looking for a place to meet other furries like yourself?
Click the button below and join the Fursonafy discord today!
Join our Discord 
Are You a Therian or a Furry – How Do You Tell the Difference?
Therians and Furries are rather distinct. Both groups love animal personas. But they are different in significant ways. Knowing the signs can help you see where you fit in.
Signs You Might Be a Therian
Identifying as a Therian is a profoundly personal experience, characterised by specific feelings and perspectives distinguishing Therians from other groups. If you’re exploring the possibility of being a Therian, here are some common signs and experiences within the Therian community.
- Deep Animal Connection
Your most vital sign of being a Therian might be an intense, inherent connection to a specific animal. This goes beyond simply favouring an animal or admiring it. It’s about feeling a deep link where this animal seems like an essential part of who you are. It’s as if a bond ties your very essence to this animal.
- Spiritual and Emotional Bonds
In your experience as a Therian, this connection isn’t just emotional; it’s also often spiritual. You might find yourself feeling a bond with your theriotype that resonates on a much deeper level. This is more than just liking or being interested in an animal. It’s like feeling a sense of kinship or having a profound understanding and empathy towards the animal you identify with.
- Internal Experiences and Perspectives
As a Therian, you probably experience your animal identity more internally. This could include instinctual behaviours, thought patterns, or emotional responses that align with your theriotype. It’s like your internal wiring or mindset is significantly similar to the animal you identify with.
- Shifts in Self-Perception
You might be familiar with ‘shifting’, a common aspect among Therians. Shifting is when you feel a stronger connection to your theriotype. It might appear as a psychological shift, where your mindset or perception aligns closely with your animal identity.
Sometimes, you might experience phantom shifts. This is when you feel sensations of having non-human physical traits, like tails or wings. These traits aren’t physically present but feel very real to you.
- Finding Belonging in Therian Communities
Participating in Therian communities, be it online forums or in-person meet-ups, and feeling connected with these groups is another indicator. When you engage with others who have similar experiences and feelings, it often helps in affirming and understanding your Therian identity. These spaces can give you a sense of validation and belonging you might not find elsewhere.
- Personal Reflection and Discovery
Your journey to recognising yourself as a Therian likely involves a lot of self-reflection and exploration. It’s a deeply personal journey that may change and grow as you delve deeper into this aspect of your identity. It’s about questioning, exploring different parts of yourself, and seeking a deeper understanding of this inner animalistic connection.
Another Pair of Fursuiters
Image via SkyeHighStudios
Signs You Might Be a FurryUnderstanding if you’re a Furry is more than just liking certain characters. It’s about how you connect with characters that are part animal, part human, and how you express this interest. Let’s look at the detailed signs that could show you’re part of the Furry community.
- Strong Interest in Human-Like Animal Characters
You find yourself interested in animals that act and look a bit human. This isn’t just a casual liking. These characters in shows, books, or art hold your attention. You’re drawn to their looks and stories; this interest stays with you.
- Creating and Connecting with Your Fursona
A big thing in the Furry world is having a ‘fursona’. This is an animal character you make up to represent yourself. If you’ve made one of these or want to, it’s a big clue. It means you’re getting involved in the Furry community personally.
- Taking Part in Furry Community Activities
If you join in activities related to Furries, it’s a clear sign. This could be attending special conventions, talking in online groups, or meeting with other Furries. Being active like this shows you’re more than just a fan.
- An Interest in Fursuits
Wearing fursuits is a big part of being a Furry for some people. If you have a fursuit, have tried one on, or want to get one, this could mean you’re a Furry. Fursuits let you bring your fursona into the real world.
If you’re searching for a place to have a custom fursuit created, Fursonafy is an excellent choice. Our team consists of artists and fursuit makers who used to work independently in the furry community. Now, we’ve joined forces. This way, we can use our skills to turn your fursonas into real-life fursuits.
- Creating Art or Stories for Furries
If you make art, write, or do other creative stuff for the Furry community, it’s essential. Many Furries like to make and share things about these human-animal characters. Doing this is a big way to be part of the Furry world.
- Feeling at Home with Other Furries
Lastly, it’s a strong hint if you feel you belong in the Furry community. If you find friends and acceptance with other Furries, it shows you might be one of them.
TakeawayIn this article, we’ve looked at two unique subcultures. Both are often not well understood. Yet, they offer rich insights into how people see themselves and their creativity.
Learning about these differences and similarities, we better understand how people connect and express themselves. Whether you’re a Therian, a Furry, or just curious, knowing about these communities adds to our understanding of people. It shows us how people can express who they are and what they like.
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It’s Scaaaaaary In There!
People are saying some good things about Skull Cat and the Curious Castle, the debut graphic novel by Norman Shurtliff. “Even though the castle is an eerie place, full of dark secrets, Scully the cat is excited to start his new job and prove himself to be a great gardener. But wait a minute… what happened to all his co-workers? Were they devoured by bloodthirsty vampires? Spooked by a love-struck ghost? Pranked by a comic-reading goblin? Enchanted by a sleepy sorcerer? Will Scully have to become the hero and uncover the truth behind Le Dark Chateau? He never signed up for this!!” You can see what happens to him now, full-color, in trade paperback from Top Shelf Productions.
image c. 2024 Top Shelf Productions
Little Fox Went Out…
An interesting fantasy graphic novel series we somehow missed before: Fox and Willow, written by Alison Pang and illustrated by Irma Ahmed. “When Jessa, the miller’s daughter, offers simple comforts to Willow and Gideon in return for a bit of work, the runaway princess and her fox spirit companion are more than willing to take Jessa up on it. After all, being on the road has its dangers, and the respite while they search for answers to Gideon’s cursed collar is more than welcome. But when the discovery of a murdered royal and a forsaken ghost comes to light, the two travelers realize they’ve stumbled into something far more sinister.” Volume 1, Came A Harper, and Volume 2, To The Sea, are both still available in hardcover from CEX Publishing.
image c. 2024 CEX Publishing
Bop It Face-Off | Byrdz VS BcB (EP: 119)
Byrdz and BcB are going head-to-head in a fierce game of Bop It to see who’s the best! Who will win? See more at: http://www.TheRaccoonsDen.com FACEBOOK: http://www.Facebook.com/TheRaccoonsDen TWITTER/X: http://www.Twitter.com/TheRaccoonsDen FURAFFINITY: http://www.FurAffinity.net/user/TheRaccoonsDen INSTAGRAM: http://www.Instagram.com/TheRaccoonsDen TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@theraccoonsden #TheRaccoonsDen #TRDs9 #BopIt
Bearly Furcasting S4E38-The Fast and the Furry Us
MOOBARKFLUFF! Click here to send us a comment or message about the show!
Bearly and Taebyn are out at FC so our good friend Cheetaro zips in to take the co-host seat with Rayne. We have some fun news of the weird, a story, a movie review, and for Furries in the News a SPECIAL REPORT from the floor at ANW 2024 with our special reporter pup Taebyn!
Moobarkfluff! Taebyn and Rayne are off to Anthro Northwest, so Bearly invites Pup Blitz to sit in the cohost chair.The episode is shorter than usual, but still fun. So tune in and spend some time with us. Moobarkfluff all you furs!
This podcast contains adult language and adult topics. It is rated M for Mature. Listener discretion is advised.
This podcast contains adult language and adult topics. It is rated M for Mature. Listener discretion is advised.
Thanks to all our listeners and to our staff: Bearly Normal, Rayne Raccoon, Taebyn, Cheetaro, TickTock, and Ziggy the Meme Weasel.
You can send us a message on Telegram at BFFT Chat, or via email at: bearlyfurcasting@gmail.com
Kofu's Back!! w/Kofu [FABP E40]
Revisiting Kofu! w/Kofu [FABP E40] Description: The one and only Kofu returns! We spend some time talking about our experiences at Infurnity 2023, his journey to America, and future plans (totally not an interview). ---- Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser 00:24 Intro 01:05 Catching up with Kofu 03:22 Local gatherings 07:23 North Carolina and Anthrocon 11:33 Infurnity 2023 15:23 Bringing your sister to Infurnity 18:39 What sets Infurnity apart from other cons 23:22 Becoming a US citizen 27:15 Furry safety net 29:22 Kofu’s future plans 31:18 Paychecks and adulting 34:12 Kofu is our Senpai 37:19 Infurnity 2024 40:59 Social media shoutout 42:27 Outro ---- Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner Kofu: https://bsky.app/profile/kofulion.bsky.social https://twitter.com/kofukitty Bewhiskered Con: https://twitter.com/BewhiskeredCon Papa Barks ALS: https://twitter.com/PapaBarksALS ---- Footage Credit: https://twitter.com/BewhiskeredCon http://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Furfare https://www.trademarkia.com/anthrocon-77042065 https://www.deviantart.com/loulouvz/art/Fanart-for-Kekeflipnote-804631977 https://about.udemy.com/ https://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Tzup https://twitter.com/TzupWuff/media https://www.furaffinity.net/user/tzup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vMrdTlwrIU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL8iPDkOXos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M9aOCUxrXw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUfybRQc_1o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czpBXOpdB7U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzXB6CAD7lw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fLJCKIk9DE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uAotS-4Nz8 https://twitter.com/EinaDriving/status/1367675675239407617 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtm0tE0e7HA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jSNY_1wY-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGO0IxYSHCw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl56QRAcqYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSnlKQN2YYc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD7VSFZ2rJg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsEntKPlNOQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6oRf_IAYJg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVzuVXgbnwY Other pictures and video provided by Pixabay, and guest’s and host’s personal footage. Intro/Outro Music: WatR - Fluid ---- The Fox and Burger Podcast is one segment of our production house, Fox and Burger Productions. The podcast’s goal is twofold: 1, to know more about the Asian furry fandom; and 2, compare and contrast the Asian fandom with the Western one. If you have a guest that you would like to see on the show, please PM us! We will also take questions for our guests, so don’t miss this opportunity to know some amazing furs.
He Are Small, But He Are Mighty
Remember when we recently talked about the anniversary of the celebrated comic series Pakkins’ Land? Well now series creator Gary Shipman has returned with a new series set in the same universe — but with a very different angle! Meet Titan: Mouse of Might. From Previews: “Titan is an extraordinary mouse that has been endowed with powers beyond that of a normal mouse. He has taken on the appearance of a Dark Flyer, the mortal enemy of his kind. Titan is originally from another world were the animals are intelligent (see the Pakkins’ Land). After triggering an explosion in his world Titan is transported to the world of man.” Issues are available now from Blood Moon Comics.
image c. 2024 Blood Moon Comics
It’ll Be A Hit!
It’s always dangerous in this business to say “now I’ve seen everything”, but hooey, this comes close. From Animation World Network: “Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana has teamed up with London-based entertainment company Toikido to greenlight a new 2D animated children’s series, Piñata Smashlings. Inspired by the popular Roblox game, the series follows the previously released shorts currently streaming on Nelvana’s ‘Keep It Weird’ YouTube channel… The series follows four friends, characters from the game, thrown together by fate to form a team of unlikely heroes. Whether questing across the land, unlocking maps, or collecting ‘fruities’ and ‘power ups’, these Smashlings are out to save the Piñataverse from the evil Bashlings and level up on fun along the way.” Already set to show in Canada (naturally), the series is looking for international markets.
image c. 2024 Nelvana
How “furry” translated into Chinese? pt2 w/Simone #shorts
How “furry” translated into Chinese? ---- Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner ---- #foxandburger #shorts #snippet #furry
A Girl and Her Dog
(Forgive us, Harlan!) The official description of Doomsday With My Dog pretty much says it all: “A single teenage girl journeys through the crumbling ruins of civilization — the last human on Earth, exploring the concrete jungle that has outlived mankind. Keeping her company is woman’s best friend — the ever-adorable and quick-witted Shiba Inu Haru, who is ready to stick with her through thick and thin! With such a pleasant conversation partner to keep the post-apocalyptic doldrums at bay, the end of the world might not be so bad after all!” Created by Yu Isihara, this black & white manga is out now from Yen Press.
image c. 2024 Yen Press
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 10
TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 10. 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.
Cats, Reptiles — and You!
Here we have a series for young folks that’s a comic, an activity book — and a game! The series is called Kittens & Dragons, and the first book is called The Choukra, written by Jarvin and illustrated by Ju. “In Kittens and Dragons young readers will assist Mo, the King’s youngest kitten as he hunts for a dragon named Choukra and proves his bravery! Sneak through the woods, into dark caves, past the King’s guard while solving puzzles as you go in search of adventure and the Choukra along with Mo!” Available now from Van Ryder Games.
image c. 2024 Van Ryder Games
Furry Tries to Cloak Being Trans with a Male Fursona
I am in a bit of a pickle. I won't go into too much detail, but I have always identified strongly as female but with one big issue: this body is very much not. A while back I came to the sad realization that it can't be fixed (trust me, I've tried), and I just need to try to accept it as a harsh reality.
In my efforts to do so, I created a new male fursona (a fancy cat who's a charming gentleman by day and a smooth criminal mastermind by night) designed to help me connect with and express it (I one day hope to have a fursuit, but it would have to be of THIS fursona for it to properly work with the body), but I honestly don't know how or where to even start (having of spent a few decades actively rejecting the idea).
So my question is this: Do you have any advice on how I can use this new male fursona as a way to accept and enjoy the manhood that has been thrusted upon me?
I know that this is a weird question and likely not one you're fully equipped to help with, but I figure I might as well try since I really don't have many places to turn to for this kind of thing.
Thanks in advance,
Confused Cat
* * *
Dear Confused,
So, you are a male who identifies as female. At age 31 you should be old enough (past puberty and mentally mature) to come to terms with how you identify as a woman and not a man. In other words, you're trans. There is nothing wrong with this; it's just something you need to come to accept. Therefore, creating a male fursona in an effort to try to reconcile with "the manhood that has been thrusted upon" you is not going to work.
Now, if you want to have a fursona (or fursonas) that are of different sexes and genders for the fun of experimentation and exploring your sexuality, there is nothing wrong with that at all. This can, in fact, prove quite useful and be a growing experience.
But if you're just trying to deny you're trans, you're out of luck.
Here is a very useful page that answers a lot of questions if you believe you are trans: https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/how-do-i-know-if-im-trans.
Good luck!
Papabear
The Annie Award Nominations for 2023
The International Animated Film Society (ASIFA) recently announced the nominations for the 2024 Annie Awards, celebrating the best of animation in 2023. Needless to say, there was a lot of anthropomorphic material being shown off last year! The shape-shifting little rebel known as Nimoma walked away with the most nominations: Nine in all, including Best Editing, Best Writing, Best Voice Acting (for Nimona herself, Chloë Grace Moretz), Best Storyboards, Best Production Design, Best Directing, Best Character Design, Best Character Animation, and Best Animated Feature Film (whew!). Not far behind was Hayao Miyazaki’s swan-song (heron-song?) The Boy and the Heron, with seven nominations including Best Feature. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Pixar’s Elemental followed with six nominations each. Rather a surprising one was Robot Dreams (directed by Pablo Berger) which brought in five nominations including Best Independent Feature Film — the latter shared by Earnest and Celestine: A Trip To Gibberitia and Four Souls of Coyote. Nominations for Best Animation in a Live Action Production include Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, The Little Mermaid, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and Cocaine Bear (!). Some interesting anthro films with one nomination each include Migration (Voice Acting), Super Mario Brothers (also Voice Acting), and Leo (for Editing). Over on the TV & Series side of things, the one to beat is Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, with four nominations, but there are also multiple nods for Hilda and My Dad the Bounty Hunter. See all the nominees over at the Annie Awards web site, and watch for the winners when the awards are given out on Saturday, February 17th. (And don’t forget: Nominations for the 2024 Ursa Major Awards will open up soon as well. Be ready!)
image c. 2024 Netflix