If during Fourth of July weekend you see human-sized stuffed animals roaming around town, know that you are not hallucinating due to the extreme heat. It simply means that Anthrocon, the world’s largest furry convention, is back in town. Since 2006, furries from all over the world have converged on downtown Pittsburgh to celebrate anthropomorphic arts and let their fur flags fly. This year, some six thousand attendees will pack the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for what will surely be the hottest convention of the year. Literally.
“It’s like wearing your couch around,” says convention-goer, Andrew Eafrati, referring to the feeling of wearing a fur suit all day long in the sweltering heat. While every summer convention deals with heat-related issues, none likely compare to those of Anthrocon. Chairman Samuel Conway, also known by his furry persona – or fursona – Uncle Kage, listed heat exhaustion as a primary challenge his staff must confront each year. To combat the problem, special space is set aside with large fans to allow those in suits to dry off privately. Additionally, last year Conway instituted a rule requiring participants in the furry parade to drink at least one glass of water before embarking on the route. The result was the first year in convention history without the traumatic site of a cute and cuddly animal collapsing in front of concerned onlookers.
The heat is not the only challenge the fandom faces. Misconceptions about what a furry is still persist, and they undoubtedly invade some of the minds of Pittsburghers, who Conway describes as generally being “excruciatingly welcoming.” Misconceptions generally exist due to a lack of education. So, what exactly is a furry? Fisher Cooper, an attendee since 2009, says being a furry means identifying with animals or animal characteristics and wanting to express that in a way that brings joy to himself and others. Conway describes furry fandom as “a collection of people who think the idea of anthropomorphic animals is really cool.” More seriously, he says “the most imaginative, inventive people on the face of the planet is what makes up furry fandom.” And he could very well be right.
Each year, the convention attracts thousands of people who are as unique as any other general human population. One might find groups of furry dancers, gamers, poets, artists, costumers, and even more specific groups, such as the mil-furs, a group of 25 or so active-duty and retired military personnel who attend each year. Each of these groups bring their unique talents to the convention and the world of furry fandom, allowing for some truly inspiring creations, including fur suits with outstandingly clever and useful features.
Fisher and Andrew, whose fursonas are Oz Tigah and Blitzburgh respectively, have seen suits with built-in fans, water-based cooling systems, fiberoptic lighting, motorized appenditures, and Fisher’s personal favorite – speakers in the ears that play music. These suits are not cheap, which is why many in attendance wear only partial suits, or none at all.
But whether one suits up or not is no issue at all. Conway describes the furry fandom as an incredibly open and welcoming community, which may explain why members of the gay community have always been so comfortable being open members. The current convention, which welcomes a healthy mixture of sexual orientations, had very humble roots when a group of gay men began having furry parties years ago. After a while, numbers grew and the first true convention was held in 1997 in Albany, NY. The next year, Conway was invited to be the guest of honor. After making some much needed organizational suggestions, the board appointed him chairman, a post he has kept to this day.
Along the way, Anthrocon has made sure to give back to their host communities. Each year, through a process jokingly compared to a papal concave, the board selects a local animal-related charity to which they donate proceeds collected during the convention. This year, the selected charity is Equine Angels Rescue, a local 501(c)3 equine rescue, rehabilitator, and shelter. Next year they will select a different area charity, as there are no plans to leave Pittsburgh any time soon.
“The friendliness the people of Pittsburgh has shown to Anthrocon is unprecedented in our fandom and we treasure that greatly,” Conway profuses.
So, if you somehow miss out on seeing those big, furry animals walking around this Fourth of July weekend, be sure to keep an eye out, or an ear up, next year.
