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{{Noticebox/Community}}<span style="display: none;>{{#setmaintitle:Furry Culture in VRChat}}</span>
{{Noticebox/Community}}
[[File:Pawphi.png|thumb|350x350px|<translate>The "PawPhi" logo, sometimes used to represent the furry fandom, as a whole.</translate>]]
<translate>
'''Furry culture''' is prevalent in the VRChat community. Furry [[Special:MyLanguage/avatars|avatars]], or furries, are defined as animals or animal-like creatures with anthropomorphic (human-like) or humanoid traits such as speech, intelligence, and/or bipedal body structure. In addition to avatars, the term''''' '<nowiki/>'''furry'<nowiki/>'' is also used to refer to people who may identify with said avatars, in some way.
'''Furry culture''' is prevalent in the VRChat community. Furry [[Special:MyLanguage/avatars|avatars]], or furries, are defined as animals or animal-like creatures with anthropomorphic (human-like) or humanoid traits such as speech, intelligence, and/or bipedal body structure. In addition to avatars, the term''''' '<nowiki/>'''furry'<nowiki/>'' is also used to refer to people who may identify with said avatars, in some way.


==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:Pawphi.png|thumb|350x350px|The "PawPhi" logo, sometimes used to represent the furry fandom, as a whole.]]
The [[Wikipedia:Furry_fandom|furry fandom]] is inspired by several types of media involving anthropomorphic animals from around the world, such as written works, video games, and animation mediums such as [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:Anime culture in VRChat|Japanese animation]] (anime). People often find themselves joining the furry community through shared interest in these characters from overlapping media.


The furry fandom is inspired by several types of media involving anthropomorphic animals from around the world, such as written works, video games, and animation mediums such as [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:Anime culture in VRChat|Japanese animation]] (anime). People often find themselves joining the furry community through shared interest in these characters from overlapping media.
A unique characteristic within furry subculture, is the creation and identification of original characters and avatars that may represent their creator, or likeness. These characters are typically referred to as a ''[[Wikipedia:Fursona|fursona]]'' (a portmanteau of ''furry'' and ''persona'', often shortened to simply '''sona'').


A unique characteristic within furry subculture, is the creation and identification of original characters and avatars that may represent their creator, or likeness. These characters are typically referred to as a ''fursona'' (a portmanteau of ''furry'' and ''persona'', often shortened to simply '''sona'').
However, not all furry characters are used as a personal fursona<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-4-fursona-origin/ '3.4 Fursona Origin'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>; some may simply be characters designed for original fictional works of their own right. They can each have potentially different personality traits or interests, depending on their purpose. In Japan and other eastern countries, furries (kemoners) sometimes interpret their own anthropomorphic creations (kemono), not as a reflection of them, but instead as a unique person who can experience the world, and have various milestones in life.


However, not all furry characters are used as a personal fursona<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-4-fursona-origin/ '3.4 Fursona Origin'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>; some may simply be characters designed for original fictional works of their own right. They can each have potentially different personality traits or interests, depending on their purpose.
Furries may own a wearable full-body, or partial-body ''cosplay''<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fandom-participation/2-8-fursuits/ '2.8 Fursuits'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref> of their fursona made for them to wear in person, also known as a ''[[Wikipedia:Fursuit|fursuit]]''. Fursuits are comparable to real-life representations of an avatar. While fursuits pre-date VRChat, they are still a notable way to express a fursona, or their likeness at a convention or meetup. Acting as one's character, or dancing in fursuit is identical to performing in costume, much like live theatre.


Furries may own a wearable full-body, or partial-body ''cosplay''<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fandom-participation/2-8-fursuits/ '2.8 Fursuits'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref> of their fursona made for them to wear in person, also known as a ''fursuit''.
Furries are more likely to identify with [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:LGBTQ culture in VRChat|LGBTQ+]], non-binary or genderqueer identities<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/demographics/1-3-sex-and-gender/ '1.3 Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>, or express their fursona with similar orientations<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-6-fursona-gender/ '3.6 Fursona Gender'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref><ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-7-fursona-orientation/ '3.7 Fursona Orientation'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>. VRChat is a safe environment to explore and express different identities, making the platform approachable for LGBTQ+ members of the fandom.


While fursuits pre-date VRChat, they are still a notable way to express a fursona, or their likeness at a convention or meetup. Acting out one's character, or dancing in fursuit is identical to performing in costume, much like live theatre.
A fraction of furries, who identify with ''[[Wikipedia:Therian_subculture|therians]]''<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/therians/7-1-prevalence/ '7.1 Prevalence of Therians'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref> or ''[[Wikipedia:Otherkin|otherkin]]'', may spiritually identify, or through beliefs, relate closer to non-human, as their desired species, theriotype, or kin.
 
Furries are more likely to identify with [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:LGBT culture in VRChat|LGBT]], non-binary or genderqueer identities<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/demographics/1-3-sex-and-gender/ '1.3 Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>, or express their fursona with similar orientations<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-6-fursona-gender/ '3.6 Fursona Gender'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref><ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/fursonas/3-7-fursona-orientation/ '3.7 Fursona Orientation'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref>.
 
A fraction of the community, who refer to themselves as ''therians''<ref>[https://furscience.com/research-findings/therians/7-1-prevalence/ '7.1 Prevalence of Therians'] on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024</ref> or ''otherkin'' among furries, may spiritually identify closer as non-human, choosing to instead identify as their desired species.  


==History==
==History==


=== In human history ===
=== In human history ===
Anthropomorphism has been recorded in human expression for thousands of years. One of the earliest examples for this, is the pre-historic [[wikipedia:Lion-man|Lion-man]]<ref>http://www.loewenmensch.de/lion_man.html</ref> figurine, created about 40,000 years ago. Cave paintings throughout time, display interaction between animals and humans. Mythological Egyptian and Greek gods, goddesses and creatures, such as Anubis, Ra, Proteus, or the Minotaur are fables involving human-like bipedal creatures from ancient times, passed down for generations.
Anthropomorphism has been recorded in human expression for thousands of years. One of the earliest examples for this, is the pre-historic [[wikipedia:Lion-man|Lion-man]]<ref>http://www.loewenmensch.de/lion_man.html</ref> figurine, created about 40,000 years ago. Cave paintings throughout time, display interaction between animals and humans. Mythological Egyptian and Greek gods, goddesses and creatures, such as Anubis, Ra, Proteus, or the Minotaur are fables involving human-like bipedal creatures from ancient times, passed down for generations.


===Early furry fandom===
===Early furry fandom===
[[File:Sylys Sable - Furality 2000.jpg|thumb|right|The late Mark Merlino (a.k.a. "Sylys Sable"), attending Furality 2000 in VRChat.]]
Modern art and literature containing anthropomorphic animals have been expressed by humans over the past few centuries, however, the biggest influences for the early furry fandom are 20th century science fiction, and animation. Notable examples of this are [[Wikipedia:Kimba_the_White_Lion|Kimba the White Lion]], [[Wikipedia:Albedo_Anthropomorphics|Albedo Anthropomorphics]], and Disney movies such as [[Wikipedia:Robin_Hood_(1973_film)|Robin Hood (1973)]], and [[Wikipedia:Pete's_Dragon_(1977_film)|Pete's Dragon (1977)]].


Modern art and literature containing anthropomorphic animals have been expressed by humans over the past few centuries, however, the biggest influences for the early furry fandom are 20th century science fiction, and animation. Notable examples of this are Kimba The White Lion, Albedo's Anthropomorphics, and Disney movies such as Robin Hood (1977), and Pete's Dragon.
People in the early furry fandom had an overlapping interest with science fiction, and Japanese animation. Niche parties were held at science fiction conventions in the late 1970s, which eventually led to the creation of the "Cartoon/Fantasy Organization" in 1977 by the late Mark Merlino<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWGfMxoMc5Y Furality 2000 - History of the Furry Fandom], featuring Mark Merlino, on YouTube; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>''(pictured as Sylys Sable)'' and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Patten Fred Patten].
 
</translate>
[[File:Sylys Sable - Furality 2000.jpg|thumb|right|<translate>The late Mark Merlino (a.k.a. "Sylys Sable"), attending Furality 2000 in VRChat.</translate>]]
<translate>
People in the early furry fandom had an overlapping interest with science fiction, and Japanese animation. Niche parties were held at science fiction conventions in the late 1970s, which eventually led to the creation of the "Cartoon/Fantasy Organization" in 1977 by the late Mark Merlino<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWGfMxoMc5Y Furality 2000 - History of the Furry Fandom], featuring Mark Merlino, on YouTube; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> and Fred Patten<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Patten Fred Patten] on Wikipedia; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>.


===Conventions===
===Conventions===
[[File:FWA2025_VRCLightpost.webp|thumb|A banner on a lightpost in Atlanta, Georgia - showcasing VRChat avatars associated with a furry convention.]]
By 1988, the first organized ''[[Wikipedia:Furry_convention|furry convention]]'' was held in California, USA as "[[Wikipedia:ConFurence|ConFurence]]" Zero<ref>[https://confurence.com/about/ Confurence's official About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref><ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConFurence Confurence] on Wikipedia; retrieved Septmeber 18, 2024</ref>. Furry conventions are in-person congregations of furries, and furry fans to meet friends, cosplay, host and attend panels, and exchange art and merchandise with vendors. Most furry conventions sponsor a charity, and host community-run events and panels throughout the duration of a convention.


By 1988, the first organized ''furry convention'' was held in California, USA as "Confurence" Zero<ref>[https://confurence.com/about/ Confurence's official About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref><ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConFurence Confurence] on Wikipedia; retrieved Septmeber 18, 2024</ref>. Furry conventions are in-person congregations of furries, and furry fans to meet friends, cosplay, host and attend panels, and exchange art and merchandise with vendors. Most furry conventions sponsor a charity, and host community-run events and panels throughout the duration of a convention.
Throughout the 1990s, and continuing beyond today, more furry conventions began to organize. Many conventions are held yearly, with notable mentions being venues such as [[Wikipedia:Anthrocon|Anthrocon]]<ref>[https://www.anthrocon.org/about/ Anthrocon's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, [[Wikipedia:Midwest_FurFest|Midwest FurFest]]<ref>[https://www.midwestfurryfandom.org/ Midwest Furry Fandom's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, Megaplex<ref>[https://megaplexcon.org/about Megaplex's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and [[Wikipedia:Further_Confusion|Further Confusion]]<ref>[https://furtherconfusion.org/about/ Further Confusion's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in the United States; [[Wikipedia:Eurofurence|Eurofurence]]<ref>[https://www.eurofurence.org/ Eurofurence's website]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and NordicFuzzCon<ref>[https://nordicfuzzcon.org/about/nordicfuzzcon/who-are-we NordicFuzzCon's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in Europe; Japan Meeting of Furries (JMOF)<ref>[https://www.jmof.jp/en/team Japan Meeting of Furries' About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, Kemoket<ref>[https://skypalette.jp/kemoket/qa.html (In Japanese) Kemoket's Q&A page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and Infurnity<ref>[https://www.infurnity.com/en/about-en/ Infurnity's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in Asia.


Throughout the 1990s, and continuing beyond today, more furry conventions began to organize. Many conventions are held yearly, with notable mentions being venues such as Anthrocon<ref>[https://www.anthrocon.org/about/ Anthrocon's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, Midwest FurFest<ref>[https://www.midwestfurryfandom.org/ Midwest Furry Fandom's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, Megaplex<ref>[https://megaplexcon.org/about Megaplex's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and Further Confusion<ref>[https://furtherconfusion.org/about/ Further Confusion's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in the United States; Eurofurence<ref>[https://www.eurofurence.org/ Eurofurence's website]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and NordicFuzzCon<ref>[https://nordicfuzzcon.org/about/nordicfuzzcon/who-are-we NordicFuzzCon's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in Europe; Japan Meeting of Furries (JMOF)<ref>[https://www.jmof.jp/en/team Japan Meeting of Furries' About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, Kemoket<ref>[https://skypalette.jp/kemoket/qa.html (In Japanese) Kemoket's Q&A page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, and Infurnity<ref>[https://www.infurnity.com/en/about-en/ Infurnity's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> in Asia.
[[File:Furality_2020.jpeg|thumb|right|Furries at Furality Online Xperience, in 2020.]]
 
Many of these conventions temporarily held online iterations of their venues within VRChat, as an alternative way to attend the convention, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan Meeting of Furries was the first<ref>[https://x.com/JMoF_PR/status/1208375616602460161 JMoF実行委員会's post on X] about VR JMoF, dated December 21, 2019; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> organization to hold a furry convention in VRChat. During the pandemic, a brand new convention dubbed [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:Furality Online Xperience|Furality Online Xperience]]<ref>[https://furality.org/about Furality's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> (F.O.X.) would be hosted natively in VRChat, without any previous in-person venues. Furality would eventually become a partnered<ref>[https://bsky.app/profile/vrchat.com/post/3ktuzo5rq232n VRChat's post about Furality] on Bluesky; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> event with VRChat, Inc.
</translate>
[[File:Furality_2020.jpeg|thumb|right|<translate>Furries at Furality Online Xperience, in 2020.</translate>]]
<translate>
Many of these conventions temporarily held online iterations of their venues within VRChat, as an alternative way to attend the convention, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan Meeting of Furries was the first<ref>[https://x.com/JMoF_PR/status/1208375616602460161 JMoF実行委員会's post on X] about VR JMoF, dated December 21, 2019; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> organization to hold a furry convention in VRChat. During the pandemic, a brand new convention dubbed [[Special:MyLanguage/Community:Furality Online Xperience|Furality Online Xperience]]<ref>[https://furality.org/about Furality's About page]; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> (F.O.X.) would be hosted natively in VRChat, without any previous in-person venues. Furality would eventually become a partnered<ref>[https://bsky.app/profile/vrchat.com/post/3ktuzo5rq232n VRChat's post about Furality] on Bluesky; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref> event by VRChat, Inc.


===Online===
===Online===


Furries have communicated online via primitive bulletin board systems (BBS) forums in the 1970s and 1980s; boards such as FurNet which echoed FidoNet protocol, created one of the first dedicated online communities for furries.
Furries have communicated online via primitive bulletin board systems (BBS) forums in the 1970s and 1980s; boards such as FurNet which echoed [[Wikipedia:FidoNet|FidoNet protocol]], created one of the first dedicated online communities for furries.


In the 1990s, online servers, such as text-based FurryMUCK<ref>[http://www.furrymuck.com/ FurryMUCK official website]</ref> began in 1990 as a roleplay community for furries. Video games such as Furcadia<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furcadia Furcadia] on Wikipedia; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref><ref>[https://cms.furcadia.com/help/welcome Welcome to Furcadia!] on Furcadia's official website; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, a graphical MUD, was launched in 1996. There were also newsgroups and Usenet message boards that began in this decade, like alt.fan.furry and alt.lifestyle.furry.
In the 1990s, online servers, such as text-based [[Wikipedia:FurryMUCK|FurryMUCK]]<ref>[http://www.furrymuck.com/ FurryMUCK official website]</ref> began in 1990 as a roleplay community for furries. Video games such as [[Wikipedia:Furcadia|Furcadia]]<ref>[https://cms.furcadia.com/help/welcome Welcome to Furcadia!] on Furcadia's official website; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>, a graphical MUD, was launched in 1996. There were also newsgroups and Usenet message boards that began in this decade, like alt.fan.furry and alt.lifestyle.furry.


Second Life is a online virtual world that pre-dates VRChat, and was used (and is still used) by members of the furry fandom. Like VRChat, furries are able to create and share avatars in 3D, but with Second Life's engine, and multiple limitations<ref>[https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Limits#Avatar Avatar Limitations] on Second Life Wiki; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>.
Second Life is a online virtual world that pre-dates VRChat, and was used (and is still used) by members of the furry fandom. Like VRChat, furries are able to create and share avatars in 3D, but with Second Life's engine, and multiple limitations<ref>[https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Limits#Avatar Avatar Limitations] on Second Life Wiki; retrieved September 18, 2024</ref>.
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===In VRChat===
===In VRChat===


Artists and creators of the furry community have been using the [[Special:MyLanguage/VRChat SDK|VRChat SDK]] to create and sell furry avatar base models, as well as customize and upload fursona avatars. These are typically distributed on online stores such as [https://gumroad.com/ Gumroad], and [https://booth.pm/en BOOTH], where these creators are able to distribute their work directly to users.
Artists and creators of the furry community have been using the [[Special:MyLanguage/VRChat SDK|Avatar Marketplace]] to create and sell furry avatar base models, and the [[VRChat SDK]] to customize and upload fursona avatars. They provide a way for furries to create and express a virtual representation of their characters more easily.
 
Furry avatars typically come bundled with source files, in the form of Unity packages, necessary to customize the avatar, including the 3D model(s), textures, and/or prefabs or scenes. They provide a way for furries to create and express a virtual representation of their characters more easily. These packages sometimes simplify the process to only make it so it's only necessary to log into the [[Special:MyLanguage/VRChat SDK|VRChat SDK]], and click 'upload' once the scene is loaded, to have a functioning avatar.  


==Furries and VRChat==
==Furries and VRChat==
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===VRChat's animal mascots===
===VRChat's animal mascots===


</translate>
 
[[File:VRCat facing-right.webp|thumb|<translate>VRChat's feline mascot, ''VRCat.''</translate>]]
[[File:VRCat facing-right.webp|thumb|VRChat's feline mascot, ''VRCat.'']]
<translate>
 
VRChat has a [[Special:MyLanguage/VRCat|cat]] mascot, named VRCat. Later, created a [[Special:MyLanguage/rat|rat]] mascot, named VRRat. While these mascots are more animal-like, they are shown to speak. VRCat also has an {{VRC link|https://vrchat.com/home/avatar/avtr_a7d31a84-1cd4-48ca-b7fa-9ca9e9c9a455|animatronic form}} that is bipedal.
VRChat has a [[Special:MyLanguage/VRCat|cat]] mascot, named VRCat. Later, created a [[Special:MyLanguage/rat|rat]] mascot, named VRRat. While these mascots are more animal-like, they are shown to speak. VRCat also has an {{VRC link|https://vrchat.com/home/avatar/avtr_a7d31a84-1cd4-48ca-b7fa-9ca9e9c9a455|animatronic form}} that is bipedal.


===Furry conventions and events===
===Furry conventions and events===


There are several furry-themed [[Special:MyLanguage/groups|groups]] and [[Special:MyLanguage/worlds|worlds]] in VRChat. Some groups may host events, and instances for users to congregate. With in-person furry conventions coming to a halt in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VRChat's furry userbase increased. Virtual conventions were held on VRChat, to continue the tradition while venues were closed. Furality Online Xperience became wildly popular, and became sponsored by VRChat, considering it to be one of the largest annual furry events in the community.
There are several furry-themed [[Special:MyLanguage/groups|groups]] and [[Special:MyLanguage/worlds|worlds]] in VRChat. Some groups may host events, and instances for users to congregate. With in-person furry conventions coming to a halt in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VRChat's furry userbase increased. Virtual conventions were held on VRChat, to continue the tradition while venues were closed. Furality Online Xperience became wildly popular, and became partnered with VRChat, considering it to be one of the largest annual furry events in the community.


{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
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*[[Community:Culture|Community:Culture]]
*[[Community:Culture|Community:Culture]]
*[[Community:LGBT culture in VRChat|Community:LGBT culture in VRChat]]
*[[Community:LGBTQ culture in VRChat|Community:LGBTQ+ culture in VRChat]]
*[[Special:MyLanguage/Avatars|Avatars]]
*[[Special:MyLanguage/Avatars|Avatars]]


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<references />
<references />


</translate>
 
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Proofread{{#translation:}}]]
[[Category:Proofread{{#translation:}}]]

Latest revision as of 07:34, 15 April 2026

V · ECommunity-written content
The following was created by the community. It may contain material not directly endorsed by the VRChat team. To learn more, consider reading Contributing to the VRChat Wiki.

Furry Culture in VRChat

Furry culture is prevalent in the VRChat community. Furry avatars, or furries, are defined as animals or animal-like creatures with anthropomorphic (human-like) or humanoid traits such as speech, intelligence, and/or bipedal body structure. In addition to avatars, the term 'furry' is also used to refer to people who may identify with said avatars, in some way.

Overview

The "PawPhi" logo, sometimes used to represent the furry fandom, as a whole.

The furry fandom is inspired by several types of media involving anthropomorphic animals from around the world, such as written works, video games, and animation mediums such as Japanese animation (anime). People often find themselves joining the furry community through shared interest in these characters from overlapping media.

A unique characteristic within furry subculture, is the creation and identification of original characters and avatars that may represent their creator, or likeness. These characters are typically referred to as a fursona (a portmanteau of furry and persona, often shortened to simply 'sona).

However, not all furry characters are used as a personal fursona[1]; some may simply be characters designed for original fictional works of their own right. They can each have potentially different personality traits or interests, depending on their purpose. In Japan and other eastern countries, furries (kemoners) sometimes interpret their own anthropomorphic creations (kemono), not as a reflection of them, but instead as a unique person who can experience the world, and have various milestones in life.

Furries may own a wearable full-body, or partial-body cosplay[2] of their fursona made for them to wear in person, also known as a fursuit. Fursuits are comparable to real-life representations of an avatar. While fursuits pre-date VRChat, they are still a notable way to express a fursona, or their likeness at a convention or meetup. Acting as one's character, or dancing in fursuit is identical to performing in costume, much like live theatre.

Furries are more likely to identify with LGBTQ+, non-binary or genderqueer identities[3], or express their fursona with similar orientations[4][5]. VRChat is a safe environment to explore and express different identities, making the platform approachable for LGBTQ+ members of the fandom.

A fraction of furries, who identify with therians[6] or otherkin, may spiritually identify, or through beliefs, relate closer to non-human, as their desired species, theriotype, or kin.

History

In human history

Anthropomorphism has been recorded in human expression for thousands of years. One of the earliest examples for this, is the pre-historic Lion-man[7] figurine, created about 40,000 years ago. Cave paintings throughout time, display interaction between animals and humans. Mythological Egyptian and Greek gods, goddesses and creatures, such as Anubis, Ra, Proteus, or the Minotaur are fables involving human-like bipedal creatures from ancient times, passed down for generations.

Early furry fandom

The late Mark Merlino (a.k.a. "Sylys Sable"), attending Furality 2000 in VRChat.

Modern art and literature containing anthropomorphic animals have been expressed by humans over the past few centuries, however, the biggest influences for the early furry fandom are 20th century science fiction, and animation. Notable examples of this are Kimba the White Lion, Albedo Anthropomorphics, and Disney movies such as Robin Hood (1973), and Pete's Dragon (1977).

People in the early furry fandom had an overlapping interest with science fiction, and Japanese animation. Niche parties were held at science fiction conventions in the late 1970s, which eventually led to the creation of the "Cartoon/Fantasy Organization" in 1977 by the late Mark Merlino[8](pictured as Sylys Sable) and Fred Patten.

Conventions

A banner on a lightpost in Atlanta, Georgia - showcasing VRChat avatars associated with a furry convention.

By 1988, the first organized furry convention was held in California, USA as "ConFurence" Zero[9][10]. Furry conventions are in-person congregations of furries, and furry fans to meet friends, cosplay, host and attend panels, and exchange art and merchandise with vendors. Most furry conventions sponsor a charity, and host community-run events and panels throughout the duration of a convention.

Throughout the 1990s, and continuing beyond today, more furry conventions began to organize. Many conventions are held yearly, with notable mentions being venues such as Anthrocon[11], Midwest FurFest[12], Megaplex[13], and Further Confusion[14] in the United States; Eurofurence[15], and NordicFuzzCon[16] in Europe; Japan Meeting of Furries (JMOF)[17], Kemoket[18], and Infurnity[19] in Asia.

Furries at Furality Online Xperience, in 2020.

Many of these conventions temporarily held online iterations of their venues within VRChat, as an alternative way to attend the convention, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan Meeting of Furries was the first[20] organization to hold a furry convention in VRChat. During the pandemic, a brand new convention dubbed Furality Online Xperience[21] (F.O.X.) would be hosted natively in VRChat, without any previous in-person venues. Furality would eventually become a partnered[22] event with VRChat, Inc.

Online

Furries have communicated online via primitive bulletin board systems (BBS) forums in the 1970s and 1980s; boards such as FurNet which echoed FidoNet protocol, created one of the first dedicated online communities for furries.

In the 1990s, online servers, such as text-based FurryMUCK[23] began in 1990 as a roleplay community for furries. Video games such as Furcadia[24], a graphical MUD, was launched in 1996. There were also newsgroups and Usenet message boards that began in this decade, like alt.fan.furry and alt.lifestyle.furry.

Second Life is a online virtual world that pre-dates VRChat, and was used (and is still used) by members of the furry fandom. Like VRChat, furries are able to create and share avatars in 3D, but with Second Life's engine, and multiple limitations[25].

In VRChat

Artists and creators of the furry community have been using the Avatar Marketplace to create and sell furry avatar base models, and the VRChat SDK to customize and upload fursona avatars. They provide a way for furries to create and express a virtual representation of their characters more easily.

Furries and VRChat

VRChat allows for a way for furries to virtually identify, or roleplay with their fursona through avatars, and uploading custom creations, using the VRChat SDK. The platform provides users with several anthropomorphic and kemonomimi avatars, featured in the public avatar row, as well as community created furry avatars.

Featured "furry" public avatars

Public Avatar row
Avatar Name Author name Link
A-Cat Asio_JPN A-Cat
Alex WalGesicht Alex
Atena GabSith Atena
Bestboi Chibi Bestbois Bestboi Chibi Public
ccoogoo シーレ／crepix ccoogoo
[Protogen]Kuro Furriest [Protogen]Kuro
Cube Kitty SylviaCrisp Cube Kitty
Cyberwolf Gambit Cyberwolf
Darcy Jorror Darcy
Finny Olivian Finny
Freakhound Ghost Cabbit Freakhound
Little Griffin Estefanoida Little Griffin
Lunar Lizzy it's moe Lunar Lizzy
Meownyrn Catbot Public FrostKittyPaw Meownyrn Catbot Public
Mururu kuroneko_tsuki Mururu
Pupbot Widget365 Pupbot
Rex the Raptor Zab Rex the Raptor
Robocoon ぶろ⁄blo Robocoon
Robodog Bob_irl Robodog
sania3․0 alt_tamaki sania3․0
Simple Fox* cellomonster GitHub link
Space Kitty MonAmiral Space Kitty
Teenage Boomer The Dino Dangleberry Teenage Boomer The Dino
The Awtter VRChat Shade the Bat The Awtter
The Professional Bāph The Professional
Tigerbee Tokyozilla Tigerbee
Xperiment speedbuiz Xperiment
VRCat Animatronic Slorg VRCat Animatronic

* This avatar was once on the Public avatars row, but was removed by the author.

VRChat's animal mascots

VRChat's feline mascot, VRCat.

VRChat has a cat mascot, named VRCat. Later, created a rat mascot, named VRRat. While these mascots are more animal-like, they are shown to speak. VRCat also has an animatronic form that is bipedal.

Furry conventions and events

There are several furry-themed groups and worlds in VRChat. Some groups may host events, and instances for users to congregate. With in-person furry conventions coming to a halt in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VRChat's furry userbase increased. Virtual conventions were held on VRChat, to continue the tradition while venues were closed. Furality Online Xperience became wildly popular, and became partnered with VRChat, considering it to be one of the largest annual furry events in the community.

List of furry conventions in VRChat
Name Dates
Virtual Anthrocon/AnthrocOnline July 3-5, 2020; July 2-4, 2021
AnthroExpo April 10-11, 2021
Anthro Northwest Multiple; first iteration December 26, 2020
Blue Ridge Furfare Multiple; first iteration March 12-14, 2021
Confuror Multiple; first iteration Oct. 9-11, 2020
CozyCon Multiple; first iteration Sept. 2020
Furcation November 6-8, 2020
Furpocalypse Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2020
Further Confusion January 15-18, 2021
Fur Squared February 26-28, 2021
Furnal Equinox Multiple; first iteration March 19-21, 2021
Furality Online Xperience Multiple; first iteration May 22-24, 2020[26]
Furrydelphia Virtualcon August 14-16, 2020
Furry Migration Online Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021
Furry Weekend At-Home May 7-8, 2021
FVRUM December 18, 2021 [27]
Hex Furryfest Multiple; first iteration July 17-19, 2020
IndyFurCon Live! August 28-30, 2020
Infurnity Online Multiple; first iteration October 29-31, 2020
Japan Meeting of Furries[28] Multiple; first iteration Oct. 2019
Little Island Furcon Multiple; first iteration November 13, 2021
Megaplex Online August 21-23, 2020
OwOmaCon October 24-25, 2020
Texas Furry Fiesta March 26-28, 2021
The Energetic Convention (T.E.C.) Multiple; first iteration Oct. 25-31, 2020
Vancoufur - EvfurQuest Online Multiple; first iteration March 6-8, 2021
VirtualFurence August 21-23, 2020[29]

Furries, VRChat, and the media

There have been instances of furries in VRChat being covered by various media outlets:

See also

References

  1. ↑ '3.4 Fursona Origin' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  2. ↑ '2.8 Fursuits' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  3. ↑ '1.3 Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  4. ↑ '3.6 Fursona Gender' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  5. ↑ '3.7 Fursona Orientation' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  6. ↑ '7.1 Prevalence of Therians' on Furscience, published by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP); retrieved September 12, 2024
  7. ↑ http://www.loewenmensch.de/lion_man.html
  8. ↑ Furality 2000 - History of the Furry Fandom, featuring Mark Merlino, on YouTube; retrieved September 18, 2024
  9. ↑ Confurence's official About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  10. ↑ Confurence on Wikipedia; retrieved Septmeber 18, 2024
  11. ↑ Anthrocon's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  12. ↑ Midwest Furry Fandom's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  13. ↑ Megaplex's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  14. ↑ Further Confusion's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  15. ↑ Eurofurence's website; retrieved September 18, 2024
  16. ↑ NordicFuzzCon's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  17. ↑ Japan Meeting of Furries' About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  18. ↑ (In Japanese) Kemoket's Q&A page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  19. ↑ Infurnity's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  20. ↑ JMoF実行委員会's post on X about VR JMoF, dated December 21, 2019; retrieved September 18, 2024
  21. ↑ Furality's About page; retrieved September 18, 2024
  22. ↑ VRChat's post about Furality on Bluesky; retrieved September 18, 2024
  23. ↑ FurryMUCK official website
  24. ↑ Welcome to Furcadia! on Furcadia's official website; retrieved September 18, 2024
  25. ↑ Avatar Limitations on Second Life Wiki; retrieved September 18, 2024
  26. ↑ Furality.org official convention website. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  27. ↑ FURs Upon Malaysia (FURUM) Twitter, posted November 2, 2021.
  28. ↑ https://twitter.com/JMoF_en/status/1214178543661285378
  29. ↑ Twitter announcement
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