Unveiling Anthrocon’s Magic: A First-Timer’s Dive into Pittsburgh’s Furry Frenzy

Image: Visit Pittsburgh

Unveiling Anthrocon’s Magic: A First-Timer’s Dive into Pittsburgh’s Furry Frenzy 

A Sex Therapist Discovering Pittsburgh’s Furry Fandom

Being based in Pittsburgh, I have the privilege of being close to one of the most popular furry conventions in the world. In fact, according to Wikifur, Anthrocon, as of July 2023, has been the most attended furry convention in the world.

First, to say, this was my first time attending any furry convention. I didn't even know furry conventions were a thing until I happened to walk through downtown Pittsburgh back in 2021 and saw people in fursuits walking around. Bewildered and excited, I asked myself, "What the hell is going on, and why am I not there?" I told myself that I would for sure go in 2022, but of course, I lost track of when it was happening and forgot.

So, 2023 was my year. I bought my event ticket a month in advance and blocked off my calendar. Although the conference goes from Thursday-Sunday, I decided to see clients on Thursday, so I started my adventure Friday afternoon. As I walked toward the convention, I got amped up by all the con-goers, easily identified by the combination of badges, tails, and partial or full fursuits. The creativity in fursonas and suits is astounding and probably my favorite part of the experience.

Roaming Around with Curiosity

Gender Inclusion within the Fandom

When checking in at registration and getting my con badge, I appreciated Anthrocon's attentiveness in being inclusive to gender diversity. On the registration tables were free stickers to attach to your badge to let others know your pronouns. There were also a few gender-related events and panels happening throughout the weekend. One event, hosted by Dr. Courtney “Nuka” Plante of FurScience, provided a whole lot of research-based information on the furry fandom, including research about gender.

 According to FurScience's free book of published research of 15,000 research participants, 2.0 – 2.5% of furries self-identify as transgender or as genderqueer or non-binary. At a panel discussion called A Trans-Formative Journey, led by a person named Loki, who is trans herself, I also learned that having a fursona can be very affirming for trans and non-binary people because it provides an opportunity for self-exploration for gender expression. According to research from FurScience, when a person has anonymity from an online fursona, or from wearing parts of a fursuit that cover up their physical appearance, people are less likely to make incorrect assumptions about gender based on sex characteristics. Instead, trans* people have found their gender validated and their pronouns correctly used.

The Stifling Sex Stereotype

The media, unfortunately, is obsessed with fetishizing the furry fandom. At some point years ago, I ignorantly fell into the trappings of clickbait. Also, I'm a sex nerd that loves learning about sexual expressions across all types of cultures and communities. In wanting to learn more about the intersection of furries and sexuality, I overly focused on it in a way that limited my understanding. What I've learned over the years, and was confirmed at the FurScience presentation, is that the overall furry community is not into furrydom solely for the sexual content.

Breaking the Furry Stereotype 

It was my first time going and seeing all of the people who were really excited to be there. I talked to a parent who had a furry daughter and was meeting up with friends internationally, so it was good to see people coming together to enjoy things they are passionate about. I learned a lot about the furry fandom. As a therapist, one important takeaway is that some therapists discriminate against clients that disclose they’re furries. 

Devastatingly, they try to get them to stop being a furry, which is very shaming and risks isolating the client, possibly causing more harm to their mental health. Honestly, I was proud of myself in comparison to a therapist like that. I am open to my clients interests and will always welcome them; I don't expect them to change who they are. I would rather be curious about a client’s interest than immediately dismiss it, and risk hurting my client in the process. 

TLDR

If you identify with the Furry community and are in need of a sex therapist who understands and supports this aspect of your life, make sure to book a free consultation call with me today 🐾.