One-third of the furry community identifies as exclusively heterosexual, and furries are five times as likely to identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, tanssexual, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual) than the general population. The community itself is known for its diversity and acceptance. Each year, furry enthusiasts meet at conferences across the country. The furry fandom thrives in the online space, but many individuals also meet locally or nationally to engage with like-minded fans. Some fursuits are full costumes, while others are partial, including animal ears, tails, or gloves. While fursonas are each based on an animal - a dog, cat, reptile, bird, wild animal, or even mythical creature - they walk upright like humans do and often have a cartoon-like appearance.įurries represent their fursonas through art, writing, online identities, or in the creation of “fursuits,” which are elaborate costumes depicting the individual’s animal.

Many furries create their own animal character, known as a fursona, which functions as their avatar within furry communities.

Furries are people who have an interest in anthropomorphic animals, or animals with human qualities.