Fetish Friday: Furries and the Furry Fandom
The word ‘fetish’ defines the object of one’s sexual fantasies (a living being or an inanimate object), while the word ‘kink’ describes the socially deemed ‘non-conventional’ practices that a person takes part in or fantasizes about. When considering the implications of either word, both are typically viewed as diverging from mainstream societal norms.
Thankfully, in recent years, we have seen the world become increasingly sex-positive. As a result, many fetishes and kinks are considered more ‘acceptable’ to talk about. Yet, still, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partly due to many subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink, leaving outsiders uncertain of what it entails.
To help eliminate misperceptions and uncertainties on the topic, today, we’ve decided to delve into exploring anthropomorphic fetishes, including an attraction and engaging in sexual play with furries. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish, as well as what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is the furry fandom and anthropomorphism?
For starters, anthropomorphism describes the labelling of non-humans — particularly animals — as having human emotions, intentions, and overall traits. The furry fandom, called ‘furries,’ are a group of folx interested in human-like animals (standing on two legs and sometimes wearing clothes) and is tied into the notion of anthropomorphism.
Today, we’re focusing on fursuiters: furries who dress up in custom-made animal costumes. This character is known as their ‘fursona’ (a play on the word ‘persona’).
Common misconceptions
Furries can be found worldwide and, despite a common belief, do not all want to have sex in a fursuit. In fact, not all furries are sexually attracted to individuals in fursuits, nor are they using it as an outlet for a ‘secret’ sexual attraction to animals. What’s more, only a small subset of these folx (called ‘therians’) believe that they are spiritually connected to animals or are part animal themselves.
How to talk about it with your partner
Providing your significant other with information about the furry fandom is paramount, as it will give them a general introduction to what you are interested in pursuing, in a more sexual nature. Offer them resources such as furry literature, showing them images, and even introducing them to furry-oriented video games. Perhaps, in time, they will be open to visiting a furry convention with you! Ultimately, talking to your partner about your kinks and fetishes is the first step to working towards a common ground.
Things to try
You can begin with small things, such as wearing (or asking your partner to wear) animal ears or tails around the house. This can be incorporated into sexual play by using sex toys, like butt plugs with furry tails attached to them.
If your significant other isn’t quite ready to engage in that, you may suggest watching ethical furry porn or looking at sensual art together. Remember, like any sexual play, consent is always necessary.
Are there risks to consider?
There are no inherent risks when looking at someone dressed in a fursuit or when dressing in a fursuit yourself. As long as you do not engage in any sexual activities, you need not worry about STIs or pregnancy risks. However, fursuiting or incorporating animal-like body adornments as part of sexual play can be a precursor to sex. It can also be incorporated into the sexual acts themselves. In situations like these, practise safe sex by using protection and exploring all of your birth control options.
How can I learn more?
There are so many ways to learn more about the furry fandom. Not only can you read about first-hand experiences and fantasies in online chatrooms or furry Reddit threads, the community is also an excellent resource. Many furries publish their own narratives (fictional or based on interactions they’ve had), both innocent and sensual fan art, games, and role-plays — all of which can help strengthen your sense of community and belonging with other furries.
After reading this, we hope you now have a deeper understanding of what anthropomorphic fetishes are, including what an attraction to furries entails. The next time the topic comes up in conversation, we hope you will feel comfortable speaking about it. Whether it’s learning more about the fetish from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Are you a part of the furry fandom, or is fursuiting something you’d like to try? Is learning more about furries and anthropomorphism something that you are interested in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
