photo by kium on deviantART

If you’ve been around the internet for any extended period of time, or even if you happened by the Baltimore Convention Center around Bronycon or Otakon, you probably have seen or heard of “furries.” Furries, by definition, are individuals who are interested in the idea of anthropomorphic animals. They may merely appreciate furry art, or may draw it themselves. Some have furry characters representing themselves or multiple facets of their personality as “fursonas.” Some individuals may even identify with the animals portrayed or with animals in general more than they identify with being human. Individuals anywhere on this scale may create or commission costumes called “fursuits,” which vary in style, materials, and design.

What I find so interesting about the concept of fursonas and accompanying fursuits is the idea that it is possible, within this community and perhaps outside of it, to create an entirely new, self-constructed, and even non-human body to represent the individual as seen by the rest of the world.

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