I'm a furry and I want to come out to my parents, but I'm afraid of how they will react. What do I do?

[Russian_Red_Foxx]

For those who don't know, furries are people who personify themselves as an anthropomorphised animal, usually in the form of art, roleplay or sometimes dressing up as them. People tend to have a burning hatred for us, since they only choose to see those who act out of line, going as far as to commit hate crimes and acts of terrorism (such as the chlorine gas attack at Furfest 2014).

This is why I'm afraid to come out to my parents, since I don't know how they react, whether they would be understanding, disapproving or simply treat me like I'm not human. The furry community is one of my only sources of happiness and I'm afraid that they might cut me off if I tell them. However I don't want to stay in the closet because it's a big part of my personality, and I'm sick of having to hide it. Especially since there are so many events that I would love to attend, but I can't without my parents' approval.

Do you guys have any advice on what I should do or how I should tell them? I know this may seem a bit different compared to everything else posted on this forum but this has been weighing me down for the last week or so.

[jaz28]

hi there,

i think that honesty sometimes goes a long way in these types of situations. it can be daunting to admit this to your parents, and you may feel like their perceptions of you will change. but would you rather live your life in secret out of fear of them finding out? or would you rather be honest about it and live this life you want openly? it's your choice, and I feel for you because it must be hard. but remember, if they don't accept you for who you are then who cares. at least you tried to be honest.

i hope you find a solution,

jaz xx

[Russian_Red_Foxx]

I've heard horror stories of people getting kicked out and their costumes (which can cost thousands of dollars) getting destroyed. I know that my parents are not those types of people but I'm afraid that I will get banned from places like twitter, mainly because my only friends are on there and its my outlet to the community. I also have so many conflicting thoughts since I don't see the need to hide a hobby but I also feel like my parents would follow all of the negative publicity that surrounds the furry community.

[mmMekitty]

Hi Russian_Red_Foxx,

Long ago, likely before you were born, I saw something about people who dressed & behaved as an animal persona ... but I've heard nothing since. I know, I don't get around all the social media sites, so, that I am thinking 'Furries' are actually rare is incorrect. It's possible your parents have never heard anything about Furries.

You may have to start at the beginning & tell them , maybe show them how groups interact online, tell them what's involved.

However, if you think there is any aspect of this which you are sure your parents would be upset about, consider if that aspect , & ask if maybe it would concern them with good reason. Sure it may be they don't know anything about it, & they may react out of fear, thinking you've got yourself into something dangerous. That can cause parents to be angry or upset.

Can you show them how you keep yourself safe online? I think if I could see that you were safe, I'd feel much more relaxed about it. Sadly, I'm not convinced Twitter is all that safe.

I'd be very interested to read what others have to say.

mmMekitty

[Russian_Red_Foxx]

For everyone who replied, I just want to say thank you. I've finished talking with my dad and he was completely supportive of me, giving some good advice, he even knew a thing or two about furry culture which really surprised me.

[mmMekitty]

That's really good news, Russian_Red_Foxx.

Take care,

mmMekitty

[jaz28]

That's excellent news! I am so happy for you.

All the best,

jaz xx

[Chxll_Fox]

Time will tell, you may be thinking of it over your head rn , tho I've been in the fandom for a quite some time, there's certain people that may look at it in negative light and maybe you are the one to break the image and by the looks of things if its not harming anyone then whats the big deal i also see the fandom becoming larger in audience its soon gonnabe a normie thing "wow look an anime dog" lol.., plus if you're an Australian they would hardly  know about the fandom, sorry for my writing I'm pretty tired