Stepping into a furry suit and donning a mask helps students involved in the community of anthropomorphics, or furries, redefine self-expression and identity.
On campus, students’ interests and identities are ever-evolving—that’s true for Taylor Mahoney and Hannah Dayton.
For Mahoney, a sophomore exploratory major, the fascination began early, when as a kid, they adored mascot characters.
“There was always something magical about those big, fluffy characters,” Mahoney says.
At the age of 12, Mahoney discovered fur suits online which led into the broader furry community. Mahoney, who goes by “Taylor the Wolf” in the furry community, has been an avid member ever since.
For Dayton, a sophomore art education major, the path into the furry community was different.
Initially skeptical, Dayton became drawn to the intricate art and creativity within the fandom, especially after a high school friend introduced furry characters and costume-making.
Both Mahoney and Dayton have found strong support from their families and friends.
“[My] mom took me to Joann’s [fabric store] to get supplies, and I made my first fursuit,” Mahoney says. “I felt discouraged at first because it didn’t come out as good as I hoped, but my family still praised me for it.”
Mahoney’s current fursuit was made with upholstery foam to create the head base and drew the fur pattern with a Sharpie and cut and sewed the fur.
“[Making a fursuit] takes a lot of time and patience, but it’s always satisfying to see your hard work come to life,” Mahoney says.
Dayton’s parents also supported this passion, even helping to fund the current fursuit.
“I’m really thankful that the people in my circle see the furry community for what it is: a group of creative people with a passion for creation, community and expression,” Dayton says.
Then faux fur was used to give the fursuit a realistic textured look. Head bases, tongues and paw pads are made using a silicone mold. The feet paws are shoes that just have some foam and fur added.
“My fursona, who is the character my fursuit is designed after, is named Imber. She is a Maine coon cat,” Dayton says.
Combating the public’s misconceptions about the furry community is one of the significant challenges Mahoney and Dayton face.
“A lot of people think furries identify as animals, but that’s not exactly true,” Mahoney explains.
Dayton adds that the furry community is often unfairly stigmatized.
For both students, the most fulfilling aspect of being part of the furry community is the sense of belonging and the opportunity to share their art.
Mahoney finds joy in creating art that others enjoy, while Dayton loves the sense of community and the positive reactions she receives when public suiting.
“Kids especially love to run up and grab a quick hug from what looks to be a giant fluffy animal,” Dayton says.
The furry community not only wears suits and creates art, but also creates a community at conventions and events.
According to their website, Anthrocon is one of the largest furry conventions in the world. It takes place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Penn., every June or July.
At the convention, furries can connect with others in the community during art shows, dance parties, education sessions and a Fursuit Parade.
“Conventions used to be relatively small, but during the past year, getting a hotel room for a furry convention is like getting Taylor Swift tickets. They sell out within minutes,” Mahoney says.
In 2014, Anthrocon had 5,861 attendees and raised $32,372 for charity, but this year, more than 17,000 attended and raised over $100,000 for charity, Mahoney says.
Conventions allow people who share similar interests or experiences to be accepted within a safe space.
The furry community has an ever-growing online presence as well.
“Since fursuits are expensive, many turn to VRChat to simulate being their fursona, commissioning fully customized avatars they can use to engage with others,” Dayton says. “There are now fully virtual furry conventions, such as Furality, and even entire apps [and] web pages dedicated to furries.”
As far as wearing a fursuit in public, they are commonly worn for only meet ups with fellow furries or for a “public suiting.”
A public suiting is when a furry in costume will get clearance from a place and walk around and interact with willing people in public venues, such as stores or malls, Dayton says.
Balancing their activities and responsibilities as furries with their academic ones is a manageable task for both students.
Mahoney, who takes fewer classes per semester, finds it easier to integrate furry interests with studies. While Dayton, who enjoys creating furry art, often uses it to unwind and de-stress from academic pressures.
On campus, both students hope to continue building this community.
Dayton and Mahoney both have worn their fursuit on campus a few times, mainly around Halloween to costume events.
“If there are fellow furries on campus, I’d love to meet you. In fact, let’s look into starting a furry club if there’s enough interest,” Mahoney said.
Dayton says that people should be less judgmental and embrace furries openly, since people may have more in common than thought.
“I don’t expect people to just ‘become’ furries; it’s not a sort of cult that demands that of others,” Dayton says. “We’re just out here in the world being our most authentic selves.”
