Uhm right, so common misconception on what exactly a "furry" is People who are sexually attracted to animals. People who think they are animals. People who like to draw feral animals. And I cannot express how many times I've had to clarify that NO, that's not true. People who are sexually attracted to animals are called zoophiles, and people who spiritually allign themselves with animals/think they are certain animals are called therians. And as for people who like to draw animals? THOSE ARE JUST PEOPLE OML- Drawing feral animals doesn't make someone a furry I cannot express how many times I've seen people call someone else out for it falsely!!! So, what exactly is a furry? I'll give multiple definitions to keep it as accurate as possible: Search result definition - "an enthusiast for animal characters with human characteristics, in particular a person who dresses up in costume as such a character or uses one as an avatar online" AI Generated response - "A "furry" is someone who has an interest in anthropomorphized animals, which are animals that have been given human characteristics such as the ability to talk or walk on hind legs." Wikipedia definition - "The furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters. Some examples of anthropomorphic attributes include exhibiting human intelligence and facial expressions, speaking, walking on two legs, and wearing clothes. The term "furry fandom" is also used to refer to the community of people who gather on the Internet and at furry conventions." And then my own interpretation of what a furry is - I believe a furry is someone (similar to a cosplayer) who enjoys acting as and dressing up as an anthropomorphized animal. Other forms of expression such as art, writing, and research of animals could be included as well (but not excluded for). While yes, certain groups of people can act...odd, to say the least, there are also much more interesting, friendly, and overall fascinating groups that are truly enjoyable to be around. I think a person, rather than their title, should be judged on how they act individually before acting a certain way around them. Please don't use the term "furry" as an insult. People are just people and a bad, poorly articulated stereotype version of a group that truly aren't that bad seriously doesn't help. Do research the next time you feel the need to insult someone. And even better? Just don't. It's not worth it.
