This past weekend, the Furries crashed for a few days in Pittsburgh, with what’s become a yearly summer ritual like the arts festival or the regatta. For those who don’t know, Furries are people who dress up as animals for “fun.”
While Furries are hoping to shed the negative stigma with their name (mascots who want to get “busy”), some people aren’t fond of them or are a little afraid of them. I actually was one of the latter.
In fact, I have a terrible fear of humans that dress up as animals, which means for most of my life I have avoided musicals like Cats and TV shows like “Zoobilee Zoo.”
However, I conquered my fear by driving around the Convention Center in Pittsburgh and getting up close to a Furry in its natural habitat.
Furry gasp
We pulled the car up very quietly, as you do not want to anger them. After I demurely asked for a photo, this particular Furry struck a pose without making a sound, making me wonder if maybe there wasn’t a human beneath the get-up.
I’m not gonna lie. It was still slightly disturbing to me, but I realized the Furries are harmless. We should all just let them be and not try to cage them. . .into creepy stereotypes.
Impersonatiing an animal and instilling fear in humans.
Hmmm.
Sounds like great fun! Where do we sign up?
By the way, I refuse to be a fish, in spite of my astrological sign. I want to be a lioness. This is not negotiable.
I stayed in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and missed the creatures. I’m proud of you Megan — Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Ha! n
Now all I need to do is conquer my fear of the Pirate Parrot, and we’re all good!
Just play him some music, and he’ll go right to sleep.
It’s tough when you have to fear Zoobilee Zoo. Is there a non-profit for this Meg? I will contribute.
I’m just so happy someone else knows Zoobilee Zoo! I’m not sure if my fear is a recognized illness. I’m like Tobias, the “never nude,” from Arrested Development.
What does PETA think of this? Watch out for Furry fury!