There are some things that I’ve kept to myself over the last year or so as I’ve discovered a few things about who I am. I’ve questioned myself more times than I’m willing to admit. I’ve asked whether I should keep this to myself and continue to live a life on the outside that’s different from who I really am, or let it out and just be who I am. But we all know how ignorant society is. They take the worst of everything and judge accordingly. So, is it worth it for me? I dunno, I suppose we’ll see once the secret is out. But it’s a risk I’m now willing to take and a fear I’m ready to face. The following is a compilation of several definitions that I’ve found and put together in hopes of explaining things as best as I can:

“In the broadest definition, someone who finds the idea of anthropomorphic (humanlike) animals, in art, fiction, cartoons, costume, or other media, to be an appealing one. Furries are an extremely diverse group and no one furry may possess all, or any, of the traits typically associated with the group; furries can range from people who are fans of old Warner Bros. and Disney cartoons; people who enjoy portraying anthropomorphic animals in art; people who enjoy imagining what a future, past or alternative world might be like if humans were replaced with or accompanied by anthropomorphic animals; and people who like wearing costume tails, ears and/or animal mascot costumes, to those who feel spiritual connections to animals or to the animal form; those who admire the beauty, power, speed or grace of the animal form; those who believe they have empathy with or can communicate with animals, for example people who work with them; people who have a great deal of respect for animal welfare.

Socially speaking, Furries are generaly more liberal then you would expect. So you come across a lot of things that would shock most people… things like erotic art (yiff), gays and straight people acutally getting along, and a general acceptance of different religions including paganism, atheism, and yes even Christianity. Because of this, furries are subject to a lot of “trolling” on the internet and even by media in a few instances. This has made several, especially young, furs self-conscious and has led to the stereotype of having a persecution complex.

As with any hobby, most furries are normal people just like anyone you’ll meet at work/school or going to/from work/school or anywhere. Then there is the small percent that are hard core fans and have taken what for most is a hobby and perverted it. As is with so many other things in life, the few that take it too far tend to be the loudest. The silent majority are often forced into silence by the loud majority for fear that people will label them as being in the same class as the minority that have perverted it. One unfortunate side effect of the internet and the relative anonymity that some sites grant their users is people are able to engage in activities (even if only on a virtual level) that they would never even consider doing in real life. An example of this is trolls of message boards that say things to people they’d never say to them in person. I think a lot of the stereotypes associated with furries are because of this. In conclusion, as with any hobby, there are some furries that have taken it too far and/or perverted what for many is a fun harmless hobby. If only the silent majority were not so silent, people would realize there is more to furries then perversion.”

Yes, I am telling you that I am a furry. Love me, accept me or hate me. I’m still the same person you’ve known. Nothing about me has changed. You just know a little bit more about who I really am and what I’ve been keeping inside for so long. We all have our secrets. But only the strong and brave face their fears and let them out. My only wish is that you all accept me for who I am and nothing less…

One of my favorite songs says it best:

Alter Bridge - “Come To Life”

Hey
Tore away the veil of weakness
The enemy now lies beneath us
I think we’re safe

Hey
Won’t be held down any longer
No disgrace and no dishonor
Keep us chained

[Chorus:]
There’s nothing we should have to fear
It’s alright
We’ve come to life

We’ll never shed another tear
It’s alright
We’ve come to life

Hey
The bulletproof are so resilient
To every fool with an opinion
They never break

By the way
We scream to find a reason
Never doubt or stop believing
And escape

[Chorus]

Now wicked toungues can speak
And rewrite history
But you can’t keep the truth contained
And like this song was sung
Just realize we’re one
And don’t forget we’re here to stay

[Chorus]