Demographics:
1.-Male
2.- Straight
3.-Latin
4.-Santiago,Chile
5.-20
6.-Nah...not interested
I will answer the Opinion section later.

Yay~! Thank you for replying~ I appreciate it~

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Gay
3. White
4. [You already know]
5. 20
6. a.) Yes.
b.) Always liked the idea of being in a suit of my favorite character. I guess it's the idea of feeling connected to something, while not real, that makes me feel good inside. I can act like my character (while their personality is already mine), but I don't feel like I AM my character. It's the fact I'm something I'm not that I wish I could potentially be. I know that I'd probably even more ostracized for being different from everyone else, but it would be me, not them.

Opinion:
1. I don't really know all of them, but I would say a fair amount are. I mean, stereotypes come from somewhere, don't they? Otherwise they wouldn't be stereotypes. Which doesn't help those that are less than stereotypical who get ranted on for "being the stereotypical fury."

2. Again, they came from somewhere, so they obviously have truth to them. The only evidence that I could use to say they are wrong is, not everyone is the same way.

3. What I think it means to be a furry, is having a preference for being something non-human. Sexual or none-sexual. Something that isn't what everyone else is. There's practically no other living being (as of current or to our knowledge) that does what we do. Sure, there are some non-human organisms that can almost think like us and act like us, but they're not like us either. I say that by meaning we're putting ourselves in forms that would, otherwise, not exist. This is just my opinion on the matter, so I'm sure I'd have some that would disagree with me.

It's really just the association with a persona. It's an identity they connect with that no one else does. Everyone has similar tastes and interests but it's what they connect the most with that really factors in who's a furry and who isn't. Especially since there are some people in the furry community that don't associate themselves with anything furry, but just draw it. So, unless there's any association, you're not really a furry, but someone who has an interest in them or the art.

4. a.) Yes.
b.) Well, for one the community has an interest in something most others would not. Even find taboo (that's even things that may not be sexual in nature). The challenge is being able to.. Well, be ones self, even if others disagree. Going out and doing things others wouldn't. I'm not really sure how to answer this honestly.

5. a.) I'm not sure.
b.) I would say yes, but I don't really have many female furry friends. Though, from the very few I have seen, probably not as much, but more than in real life.

6. a.) Yeah.
b.) Well, it's practically a stereotype. At least, that's what I think. It's also a minority group so it can easily understand the furry community considering it's in the same boat. So, for ways: There's similar interest. They're minority. It's not considered a social norm (probably considered a lot more norm today though).

7. a.) I don't believe so.
b.) It's the same thing as in the real world. This (the site and all furry related stuff) is just something this community has a similar interest in and it doesn't really change the fact how some people view sexuality.

8. I would say there's a balance of both in the furry community. Depending on where you are of course.

9. I would say so. Fetishes. It's the most debated thing in the community. Who's the sickest people in the community, is what it comes down to for some. Forgetting everyone with the interests we have would be considered disturbing to anyone outside. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.

10. Pretty much the same thing with any male furries. Being able to connect with people who have similar interest.

11. Stated in Q-6

12. Q-6

13. Q-6

14. a.) Possibly, yes.
14. b.) Being more accepting, for one. We all have different feelings, beliefs and the like. If we could possibly be more open minded, we might thrive... But, honestly there are somethings in the community that are better kept to the community.

15. Well, it was sort of brought up in Q-9, but I think we're too focused on grouping our community. If you like this, you're over here and if you like this, you're over here.

I like things like vore. soft-vore if you will and not everyone would find it interesting and that's fine. It's when people have to bother with why people like what they like. Also, not everything someone has an interest in is sexually attractive. I mean, I do enjoy vore, but I wouldn't say I'd be able to get off on it. It's just something I enjoy looking at (depending on who draws it of course) and occasionally RPing for fun.

Probably the biggest thing on FA was the baby fur stuff. I'm sure not everyone who's baby furish is sexually attracted to it, but people don't seem to have much of an open mind when it comes to association.

Let's go back to when I talked about the association thing. I for one, am gay. I don't find women especially attractive, if at all. I will admit, however, that I can find furry female characters attractive. Though, It's possible it's cause I like to think of myself as female or wish I could be a female, so I put myself in a females position/place to feel more aroused by it. I like your character Sunset. I would find I'd do things with her if she were real, but I wouldn't associate myself with being straight/bi because that's 1 out of a zillion characters/people. I have VERY few female furry characters I'd find attractive and would willingly (though I'm not 100% sure on this) have sex with. The more legit reason for not associating myself with being bi-more to males is because that's not what I connect with. I don't connect with having an attraction to both because women for me are not sexually interesting. While, it's contradicting the fact I said I would do Sunset, I don't connect with being aroused by just any female character/person.

Like you, for example. On your profile you've stated you're a "straight furry." Yet, have fav'd gay art. That doesn't mean you're gay/bisexual. It's just something you have an interest in or like without a high arousal to. Maybe you do find the need to get off on gay porn, but I doubt that's very often. The thing is, you associate better with being straight because that's your personal preference. And there are the online / offline arousal. Like A online, but don't like A in real life.
I know you like me and Kitty, sometimes sexually, but I'm sure there would be VERY few guys you would just randomly be okay with having sex with. To you, guys are not the most attractive to you, unless there's something more to it. So, there's no association to being gay/bi. That's why I don't associate myself with being bi/straight cause, while I do have some interest in female furry characters, I wouldn't feel that excitement with just any female furry/person.


I hope this helps you. Love you.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Hey Wolfy, I'm about three quarters of the way done with writing this, but I'm super-tired so I'm gonna have to finish it up tomorrow. I am having a lot of fun with it though, thank you for making this!

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Pansexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? American - Irish/German descendant.
4. What country/state do you live in? United States of America - Florida
5. How old are you IRL? I'll be 22 in less than a month
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I would like a fursuit of my character Ajna. She's not my fursona but it would be fun to play as her. I'm very shy, so being able to hide behind a character without it being creepy just seems appealing!
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Yes. Stereotypes exist because people see trends in something
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
The thing with stereotypes is that you need to realize it's something that is common, but it does not encompass every single person in the fandom. We're not all perverts.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
A furry is someone who appreciates furry characters. I think the epitome of a furry is someone who either appreciates art/writing of, writes, or draws about furry characters. They may wear tails/ears/fursuits, and attend conventions or meet ups with other furries. There's no one true definition of a furry, but any one of these activities should qualify you as a furry.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
A lot of furries are very open sexually but otherwise I think we're pretty average. Like anywhere else in the world, you have people who are weird, mean, nice, accepting, close minded, etc.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
No. I don't understand that this means.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes. There are very many bisexual individuals in the fandom that I've seen. We usually accept people who are similar to us, so homosexuals and bisexuals are accepting of each other.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I do not think so, no. I've seen instances of heterosexuals hating on anyone else, but I've only HEARD of people condemning heterosexuals. I've never seen it for myself.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I can't quite say for sure. I think homosexuals may be more prevalent than we think, as many people think they need to hide. :(
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
I suppose there is. I mean, artists and commissioners tend to have a louder voice. People have more of a reason to listen to someone that has more art in their galleries. You can make all of the friends you want, but if you're also producing art, people will know who you are without having to be a friend of yours. Online, it's easier to get noticed. However, I don't think this really matters as much in person.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't see any difference among men and women in the furry community. I have noticed that I have always had very few females friends until I entered the furry fandom.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I think the furry fandom is comprised mostly of LGBT people. This is a great community for them. Even if they don't particularly care for furries, I think they could benefit from the friendship of the right furry. We can be open, accepting and very supportive when we want to be. I hope to see this much acceptance in the real world one day.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Are we talking race specifically? Honestly, I don't see race in the furry community. If you're someone who is ashamed or your race, or is proud of your race but is frequently discriminated against, the furry community allows you to hide behind a fursona. Unless you either tell us, or post a picture, we don't know who we're talking to. I could see it helping someone to understand that they are maybe wrong in their negative views to a race, or it can allow a normally shy and reclusive person to stop guarding their race and be more open. Those are just theories however. I've never, ever had a problem with someones race, and I've never encountered a single person who had a problem with my race. It's just a complete non-issue in my experience.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
I think so, yes. The only group I've seen have issues within the furry fandom are religious groups. More specifically, the ones who have qualms about homosexuals. That is to be expected, however, as there are many homosexuals within the fandom.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
I'm not sure. As I mentioned, we can be very open and accepting. I'd love to see that more in society. However, we can also be cruel, and nasty. That's going o happen when you have a large group of people. We're all different, we're all alike. However, when I think about the fandom compared to the area I live in, I'd say that the fandom seems much more fun, creative and just open to ideas and silliness. Yes, I want to see that. When I venture into the real world, I have to be serious, collected, calculating and all business. Furry is my goofy, artistic escape from the boring, monotonous "real world".
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I can't stress enough that we are like many other groups of people. We're as diverse as anyone else. Sure, there is the common denominator. The few people who drive the stereotypes. The stars that burn the brightest. At the end of the day, however, we're just a bunch of people of many colors, sexes, genders, and personalities who share a love, sexual and definitely non-sexual of people-like animals. You always have to sift through the mud to find the real gold. And when you find it, it's wonderful!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Gay
3. White, Irish/English decent
4. Texas
5. 22, 23 in a few weeks
6. Not a full suit, not even the head, probably just feet paws and a tail. But I would like to learn to make them.

I'll answer the opinion part in a little bit :)

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bi, Male pref
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White
4. What country/state do you live in?
UK
5. How old are you IRL?
19
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Stereotypes are based on realities, so.. yes. But I doubt the majority of furries are the way they are publically portrayed.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
See above
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Something different to everyone. I can see people think of it as a 'life choice' but for me it's more about enjoying the art and wanting a character that somewhat reflects me.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
It's far more open than most fandoms
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
No?
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes, very much so
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Perhaps, but not as bad as homosexuals outside the community.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Furries are people and people like power. There will always be power stuggles.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
They're the minority, so presumably stand out more
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Far more open
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't know
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
-

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White (mutt like most of America)

4. What country/state do you live in?
Oklahoma, USA

5. How old are you IRL?
30

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I do not, and am not sure. Some days I think of gesigns I would like other than the huge mascot type heads and others it does not interest me.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Yes. Because while many like myself do not fit the sterotype mold, there are sterotypes for a reason and I know furries that fit it to a T

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
They are wrong in the application to everyone, but there are some that take the stereotypes to new lows

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?


4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes, and it is the ones on personal space and contact. The furry community is alot more open when it comes to physical contact, a good hug a being a much more accepted greeting and farewell than in regular society.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I don't know. I am not a woman and cannot make the comparrison.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes. With a large majority of the fandom gay lesbien or bi, the majority helps influence the standard.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No, though it is not the orientation by the majority

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
no and even outside the community, heterosexuality is being replaced as the social norm. For the last several years, more and more people have been coming about saying they are gay or bisexual, and with the exception of a certain few events, society at large does not really care any more.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Yes. Just lik in life, there are those who thrive on people who want to be admired and looked up to by others. Alot of artists and smaller con organizers do what they do just so they can be looked upon by others.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
With the community largely male they can have their choice of mates, other than that I am not qualified to answer

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
With it comprising most of it's members, it is a place where noone cares about their orientation and they can just be themselves and not worry about the opinions of others based on their sexual preferences.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
I honestly don't know.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes, atleast in my local community

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
yes but it will take some time before they get off thier high horse and start greeting everyone with a hug and a handshake and not caring about what categories a person fits in and looking at that person as an individual.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
There is a wonderful article written by The Register, an IT news web site, that shows a fairly unbiased look at the furry fandom that you should read. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/0.....-area_furries/

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender?
Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian, slovenian/english/croatian/french descendant
4. What country/state do you live in?
Uruguay
5. How old are you IRL?
26
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
yes, because it´s fun to dress up.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? nope, they are stereotypes.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
No way? , well, maybe some of the hard fetishes, but there are other fandoms with the same fetishes.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
having a fursona, or drawing anthro art for example. ( I don´t like the "I´m not a furry, furries are yuck, but here´s my personal character and I only draw anthro animals" type of people)
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? No. I dont think that has nothing to do with beign furry or not.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Well, this one is tricky, I´m a woman and I don´t feel more "free" inside the furry community, but I´m usually "free" on my own life also. I think as long as people have the protection of the internet, they will feel more "free" but it doesnt have to do with furry fandom.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes it is. Homosexuality is totally accepted and not judged here, mainly because there´s an important portion of the fandom that´s homosexual.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No, there are some jerks around here that could go "it´s a vagina/penis, oh no!! too horrible" or something like that, but the majority of the fandom usually is cool with any sexual orientation.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No, and I´m pleased about this.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Popularity based stuff.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
As there is a little proportion of women in the community, they usually tend to abuse of their appeal to straight males to get more popular, and that benefits them...
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
They feel accepted, have an open minded place to discuss their problems and no one will judge them by their sexual orientation.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
They feel accepted, have an open minded place to discuss their problems and no one will judge them.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance and acceptance of every individual human beign.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? I don´t think so.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
male

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
straight

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
white (european)

4. What country/state do you live in?
Germany

5. How old are you IRL?
28

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
Opinion: Nope and Nope. Suiting just isn't my cup of tea

1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
What stereotypes? To me furries are furries - no matter whether they are male, female, straight or homosexual, tall or short tin of fat

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
I think stereotypes as a whole are something that has no room in a community as open as the furries.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? This is a question everyone needs to answer themselves. to me it means to have a deep connection to animals and to know about sharing some traits of character with them. For me it is also some sort of a spiritual thing

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
I rather think that due to the blurred and distorted reports on the media it is the society who has an issue with us - not vice versa.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
i think so - yes. Even though some may still be repressed by means outside of our community such as religion

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Let me put it this way: Homosexuality is much more common among furries - and hence less people have an issue with that. In general i think it should be accepted regardless of someone being a furry or not. in my opinion people are not to be judged for who they love.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Idon't think so. There just are not that many heterosexuals in the fandom - that's it.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
i don't think so.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
nope.. I rather think furries to be just one great "pack" - to use an appropriate term. sure there are some in there with whom one does not get along that well - but overall there is no real hierarchy visible to me.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
They usually are seen as equal members of the community - as far as i am concerned

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I guess they can just be the people they are in heart around here without being pointed at and withut being called freaks. furries are way more tolerant than most other people I have encountered.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
the answer is pretty much the same as above

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
yes i do.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
of course. First of all society could stop categorizing people. it doesn't matter whether someone is black or white among the furries - nor does it matter whether someone is homosexual or not. all are equal within the pack. Everyone here is a human - at least in body. Whatever other traits a person might have is nothing he or she is to be judged for.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I think furries have archived one thing the rest of mankind is still striving for: True freedom - Freedom in mind. they are usually not shy to be themselves - nor do they care what other furries think of them. They simply are themselves in the truest and purest form - without needing to wear a mask among themselves.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. female
2. straight
3. white
4. florida
5. 20
6. yes i own 1.
Opinion:
1. no. outside the fandom most ppl think i have sex in my fursuit and thats totally wrong.
2. because i where my suit at conventions to have fun. i enjoy being silly in my suit.
3. well for me i just like being silly in my suit.. i like having art of my characters because it brings my character to life.
4. yes... a normal person doesnt go to cons and where fursuits... where as in our fandom ppl do.
5. yes... i think women are free to do anything... they arent looked down upon or disceraged to do things
6. yes i think its very accepted... i dont ever hear anyone say "oh look there goes a bunch of gay ppl" the fandom just isnt like that.
7. no. i just dont think theres as many heterosexual ppl in the fandom.
8. no... tbh i think bisexual is the majority .
9. not really.... i mean there are the "popufur" suiters/ artist and such but its not a power struggle
10. I think that women arent looked at as much as a object like the some ways in the outside world... there also free to feel comfortable... meaning the women can where whatever they want.... like they dont have to wear make up to make society think they look good.
11. the community is very very open and doesnt discourage them. theres no hostile feelings towards them.
12. ppl of all races and such are accepted...
13. yes absouloutly
14. yes. being happy and open minded of everyone.
15. nope

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. straight
3. white
4. usa PA
5. 22
6. no
Opinion:
1. well we do look at anthropomorphic porn
2. not as obsessed with it as people think
3. for me its the art
4. the accepting of alternate lifestyles (polygamy) and the accepting of gays
5. idk
6. yes. half of us are gay
7. no its just not as overtly dominant
8. no
9. nowhere near as much as on youtube so no
10. still idk
11. complete acceptance
12. idk
13. yes
14. ya. the accepting nature of it
15. teh cub stuff can get creepy

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in? Illinois
5. How old are you IRL? 19
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? Nope
Opinion: I have zero problem with fursuits, and think that people make them out to be fetish objects when the majority of the time, they are not. Mostly, it's another form of art and expression, and just for fun and sport. I think the media and people demonize fursuits into some kind of gross bestiality fetish, and I have never seen that to be true.
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Yes, I feel like some of them are correct. There are certainly many people who are socially awkward, repressed, or very unusual in the fandom. There are those that give the community as a whole a bad name, since the most extreme in any group tend to speak the loudest
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? I think that, though sometimes true, the stereotypes only represent a fraction of the group.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? Not sure, it's why I don't consider myself a furry, and more of someone who participates in the fandom (much like someone can like sports but not be a jock). I feel the term furry is different to everyone, so to avoid being stereotyped incorrectly (and since the word often has a negative connotation) I do not call myself a furry. However, I have zero problems with others calling me one, because it depends what their opinion of the word is.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Yes. Furries seem to be a lot more open about sexuality and desire than most people. When it's not presented in a creepy way, I think it's a good thing that people can be true to themselves.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? No. I feel they have the same rights as anyone else, and are treated more or less the same as anywhere on the internet (i.e. sometimes they get harassed for their gender, sometimes people kiss ass because they see a female).
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? I do agree with this, because I have noticed quite a large group of people on FA. I think this is really good, in a way, because it allows people to meet others of the same orientation that they might struggle finding in real life.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Nope. I used to think this was true, but I see just as many accepting people as I see condemning people on the topic of being straight.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Yes. I didn't see this at first, either, but a recent survey (http://www.klisoura.com/ot_furrysurvey.php , though the server is down at the moment) showed that the majority of the fandom was heterosexual.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I guess you could say there is one between the moderators/administration of FA and the regular participants in the furry community since any feel they are very unprofessional and force their regulations down other peoples' throats because there are not many good furry sites out there and they can get away with it.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? I do not think there are any.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? I think they can easier find support and other people like them, since it is not as taboo in this fandom.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Nope.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? It depends on the person. I feel as a whole it is, but there are some very bigoted minorities (the gays who hate women and all straight men) in the community, too.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? I think there are equal good and bad parts about the community. The acceptance and openness of sexuality could benefit society, but many times I feel like the community goes too far with it.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? nope!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Straight
3. native american
4. Pennsylvania
5. 23
6. partially. Not a full one but bits and pieces like tails and whatnot

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Australian
4. What country/state do you live in?
Australia. N.S.W (New South Wales.)
5. How old are you IRL?
20
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No.
Opinion:
I wouldn't wear it enough for it to be a good investment. I don't attend conventions enough for it to be used and would have no other reason to wear one.

1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Sterotyping just shows ignorance.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
See above. Ignorance.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Ask a hundred people and you'll get a different answer each time... For me: A furry is someone who likes anthromorphic animals.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Other fandoms appear to be open. One example: Furries tend to be more open to free hugs from others in the group, unlike, for sake of example Trekkies.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yeah, of course. Hell, some females are the best artists I've seen in the furry fandom.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
I didn't realise we were suppost to judge people's sexual preference (don't worry, not attacking, thats just how I would word my opinion.)

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No. Besides, not my business who likes which gender the most.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I dunno. Not my business to stick my nose into.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
No. Its more attention seeking than rises of power.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
Men and woman benefit equally. I don't see how one gender or another should be considered 'better'.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Open community, treated as equals.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
A place where they can find others. Other than that, I do not know.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yeah.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Hehehe... everyone wants to change the world. I think it would be enough if the furry community was treated as an good example.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Not my business to meddle in others interests. Thats just rude.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

I'll omit the questions and just post answers.

1. Male. Doesn't get more specific.
2. Hetero.
3. White.
4. Florida in the US of A.
5. 34.
6. I did, at one point. But I've found that if I want something expensive and decide to sit on the idea long enough, I either lose interest or find it hard to justify the expense. In the fursuit case, I couldn't justify buying something I'd only wear to the occasional con. (I'm not the kind of 'outward' fur that would wear it to Olive Garden for dinner... Those furs scare me.)

Opinion:
1. I do in the unfortunate way that, even if the ones obsessed with porn ARE a minority, the majority let it go without acknowledging it. Then again, the furry fandom has been around since before the internet, so the whole thing was fractured to begin with...
2. I've become so cynical that I don't think any of the stereotypes are wrong and, at times, I'm embarrassed to think of myself as a fur. To the degree that I don't even want to go to cons or even associate with the local furry community in public...
3. For me, it's an escape from reality that is different enough for me to enjoy it and not have some kind of false-hope that it could be a reality.
4. The few furs I've associated with are like myself; like to keep it on the down-low... But I know there's some out there who just don't care what others think.
5. I really don't think there's any difference in the way women are treated in or out of the community.
6. Yes, in that it seems the vast majority of the community is openly gay.
7. I don't think they're repressed, but they seem to be a silent minority.
8. See #6.
9. No.
10. I see no additional benefit for women in the fandom. Though I will admit that some of the best artists are women, so they can command a higher price for commissions, if that counts.
11. In all honest, the LGBT community should try to distance themselves from the furry community. They don't need the drama associated with being furry on top trying to be accepted for being gay.
12. Are you talking race? If so, I see no benefit. It's not like the furry community caters to any particular race. I suppose the "benefit" would be acceptance.
13. See #12. That's about the best thing about the community. It's the only fandom I know of that doesn't care about ethnicity, gender, hair color, or anything of the sort. :D
14. Yes. This is just my opinion, but the whole "Who cares?" mentality of the fandom would be a WONDERFUL philosophy for certain societal groups. He's gay? WHO CARES? She's black? WHO CARES? Of course, there do still have to be certain MORAL boundaries that would be exempt from the "Who cares?" philosophy... Like certain sexual deviancy... I think you can guess what I'm talking about.
15. The fandom really needs to work on distancing itself from the aspects that have given it the dark stereotypes. As much as I like the "Who cares" idea, the fandom needs to stand up and shout, "WE'RE NOT WITH THAT GUY!" when someone gets busted for having sex with his daughter wearing a fursuit while demanding acceptance...

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
- Male

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
- Bi, leaning towards males

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
- Indonesian-Chinese

4. What country/state do you live in?
- Singapore

5. How old are you IRL?
- 27

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
- Nope, never owned any
- Can't flesh out a proper character, so never did justify a reason for getting one

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
- To a certain extent only

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
- More often than not, the negative stereotypes are the only things furries are viewed as. The scope of perception is limited, and hence cannot be considered correct

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
- Being around like minded people, a community that you don't get shunned as easily for being different

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
- Not too sure about that, sorry =/

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
- I think so. The furry community tends to be much more open than the norm I know of (traditional chinese Asian community), so they'd be able to speak their minds more freely than they otherwise could

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
- Sure, why not eh? The furry community is like any other community out there IMO, just of a different 'language' if you will.
- I'm not sure if the term acceptable is the right one here, thinking of the word 'accepted' instead

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
- Not quite, but to a certain extent yes, especially for those struggling on the inside with regards to their sexual orientation perhaps

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
- Not actually, we've got pro-dissimilar gender movements going on in different parts of the world at greater frequencies than what I can remember. The Pink Dot movement would be one of them

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
- Sometimes yes
- Popufur artists and their legions of fans
- Artists are sometimes escalated to 'godlike' levels and revered in the furry community in a bit of an exaggerated fashion

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
- Not being as easily shunned by the generic norm

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
- Same as the above

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
- Same as the above

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
- Yep, sure thing

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
- Possibly yes. From my limited experience, the furs I've been around with are some of the most open, generous, giving and forgiving people 've seen in this lifetime

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
- Not right now, no

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
I am fully male.

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
I consider myself bi-sexual but with a very strong inclination towards females.

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White

4. What country/state do you live in?
Western Australia

5. How old are you IRL?
21

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I would like to have one namely because I would like to bring my personal character to life in a way that allows me to express my comfortableness with being a furry to everyone, and also for the fun of it as I'm sure there's a lot of amusement to be had while wearing one.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Most of them are incorrect and some are even insulting.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Saying we're nothing but glorified bestiality fans or that we should all be essentially burned at the stake for what we like are wrong. We're just people with a common interest like gamers and car enthusiasts, it just so happens we're fans of anthropomorphic animals. The assumptions about our sexual habits are also mostly wrong, we're just very open abut what we like.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Asking what it means to be a furry iss a lot like asking what it means to be American, or Australian, or any other nationality. What it means is not material, you don't have to have ears and a yarn tail, or a fursuit to be a furry. What it really means is the sense of community and belonging one has to this fandom, some may disagree but I think it's abut that sense of friendliness and closeness in the fandom that are what it means to be a furry.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes I do. It challenges the prejudice against sexual preference which is still considered fairly normal, it challenges the conservative side of society in its open-ness of personal expression. I also think the fandom challenges the still widely accepted uncertainty about artistic expression by showing it in new ways that most people might not consider.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I think that really depends on how you define "free". If it means freedom of expression without sexual discrimination, I believe females are more free in the fandom than outside of it, but that doesn't mean the freedom is absolute. In terms of expression and pure self yes I do think females in the fandom are more free of prejudice and social stigma for simply being themselves.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes I do, I think because of the freedom of expression the fandom has it has come to openly acceot and even encourage all sexual preferences including homosexuality. It's seen as something that is normal and that doesn't make anyone less of a person, because of what I think is a "same boat" mentality where the majority of us believe that there's no reason to judge someone for who they decide to have as a partner.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No I do not. Straight furs are still a slight majority, but the truth of the matter is that same mentality towards homosexuality applies here. It is a simple case of "judge not lest you be judged yourself" meaning that straight furs are not discriminated against or repressed because they more often than not extend homosexuals, pansexuals, queers, and bi-sexuals the same kindness.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I'm fairly certain it is still a majority, but I believe it appears not to be as dominant because of the freedom to express sexual preference inside the fandom that doesn't exist in normal society. A gay person in normal society may feel repressed, hated, and left to rot by the still powerful discrimination against them, but in the fandom that same person would be accepted with open arms and encouraged to express themself freely. I think this dilutes the didea of there being a dominant orientation in the fandom.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
I do not really see anything of this nature, perhaps I am simply not aware of it but I would not say I see any that really stand out.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
It's hard to quantify the benefits of one gender in the fandom, but I think they are considered more equal in the fandom as opposed to normal society. The "glass wall" as it were seems to be much thinner inside the fandom and women are just as free as men to express themselves.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
As above it's hard to quantify the benefits of one gender in the fandom, but I think they are considered more equal in the fandom as opposed to normal society. The prejudice and hatred that still exists for them seems to be almost entirely nonexistant inside the fandom.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Again it is hard to quantify, but the simple fact of free expression in the fandom is undoubtedly helping minority groups to be more expressive and open about themselves.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes I do. I believe that people of all creeds and nations, all beliefs and sexual preferences are welcome in the fandom. We do not forcibly cast out any demographic or belief system, that is up to the individual to decide, and because of that we have a mostly very warm and accepting community - it's not perfect, but then what group is?

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Yes I do. It could benefit from the openness and the freedom of personal expression that seems to be getting lost in political correctness and other pointless forms of personal restriction. There is also a lot less discrimination on race, gender, preference and lifestyle than in regular society, and it could learna lot from that.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I can't really say I do, except that I am a proud member of this community that gave me a sense of belonging when I essentially had none. I wouldn't change it for anything.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:


1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Female.
2. What is your IRL sexual orie[b]ntation?
Pansexual.
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian.
4. What country/state do you live in?
Canada/Saskatchewan.
5. How old are you IRL?
23.
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No, nothing against people who do suit, it's just not what i enjoy doing. :3
[i]Opinion:[/i]


1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Some are - but i choose to think of furries as individuals and so some may apply to one furry but none to another?
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
That ALL furries are gay - or that ALL furries are always into having sex.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
It depends on the individual, to me - i believe being a furry is enjoying the community and having people who understand you for what some of your interests are through a fandom.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Hmm, perhaps we're more prone to freedom of speech and our rights, people tend to be more conservative and i've noticed with many furs they're far more liberal or open minded in views and less likely to stick with societies norms.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Not really, women are always going to have some sort of prejudice, as will men.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes and no, not more acceptable, but more widely understood.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No, furries tend to be open to all sexuality from what i've seen.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Yes - i believe it's got nothing to do with being Furry. homosexual/heterosexual/bisexual/pansexual/objectosexual it's all dependant on the person, not what fandom they choose to be in or not.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Yes, sadly. Not in neccesarily bad ways - but i find popularity stems from two things, good art, or popular fursuiters/congoers. These furries tend to be a little more highly regarded/intimidating, in my opinion.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
They same way anyone does - it's a community where you can be respected for who you are/what your interests are, not what gender you are.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I'm not sure i think they benefit or don't benefit from it. I think it comes down to the individual.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Bigger community/larger chance of making friends with new people.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Yes and no, again depends on the individual, openmindedness, and willingness to learn from others.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Not particularily, no.

Hope this helps.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White
4. What country/state do you live in? Missouri // USA
5. How old are you IRL? 18
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I do not own one and am unsure whether or not I'd like one. I have ears and a tail, but I've had a phobia of mascot-like costumes since I was little and I don't know if I could handle it xD
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? It depends on the furry. I do not believe at all that even most furries meet the stereotype presented by most media. But there are some furries that fit the stereotype.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? Most furries I've known are not necessarily obsessed with yiff, porn, or anything like that. Also I've heard the stereotype that all furs are more or less antisocial guys that don't do much with their real lives, and I know for a fact that's not true, as I have met furries in a variety of career fields and many do have large accomplishments.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? To me a furry is someone who is interested in the art and concept of anthropomorphic characters and goes as far to have their own fursona.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? I feel that to normal society, it can seem that we challenge some norms, particularly with our stereotypes and extremist views (though most furries don't have anything to do with many of these perceptions) on sex.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I don't particularly understand what you mean, but I have known a number of female furs that passed themselves off as guys to avoid undesired attention from the large male base. I personally have only experienced one time that I was treated differently for being female, and it was quickly solved by blocking the guy.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? I feel that it is. A large base of furs are homosexual or bisexual from what I've seen, and the openness to other groups may encourage it.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? I don't believe that it is necessarily repressed, but it is uncommon.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? I don't feel that heterosexuality is dominant.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. There may be a bit of a hierarchy amongst artists for commissions.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? I don't know if there is much of a benefit, other than that women might gain more attention as there are fewer females in the fandom.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? There is much more acceptance to groups such as LGBT people.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? There is more acceptance towards other groups, and there is also the ability to appear completely equal since we create our own self-representations (fursonas), and we can appear however we want.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? yup
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Tolerance is a big one, along with appreciating art C:
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? I do not believe that the stereotype that sex is the most important thing in the community -- I feel that art is.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male.

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual.

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White

4. What country/state do you live in?
Finland

5. How old are you IRL?
19

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I have thought about it, but I'm not all that interested about the idea.



Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
You mean this? http://en.wikifur.com/w/images/3/38.....alFurryFan.png Nope.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Stereotypes always apply to SOME people in the group the stereotype was created, but it's far from the majority.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Erf.. Appreciate the anthropomorphic style of characters and/or art including such, and generally finding it interesting.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Let's face it. Furry porn revolves around human-like animals. It fights against the definition of beastiality (Most all furries will deny that it is beastiality, and so do I.) But people outside the fandom tend to consider it as such, thus the hatred and stereotype of zoophile.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Free, as in, free to bend over? Yeah. I spend most of my time letting other people think that I'm female. (I don't tell them that I am, but people assume.), and I've had quite alot of creepers come my way because of that. And they usually go about their way when I do tell them that I'm actually male.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Definitely. Most people I know are either gay or bi. Or ATLEAST bi-curious.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Not at all. There just aren't that many purely straight people from what I've seen.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Usually it just occours around the topic of one's character's looks and/or their fetishes.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
No opinion.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I've very rarely seen anyone get bashed because of their sexual orientation. Furries seem extremely open-minded towards one-another, and I assume that applies towards non-furry people aswell.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Like said before, we are very open-minded.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
No opinion.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
SO. MUCH. PORN.


---

Out of curiousity, I would like to see this project of yours when it's finished. :3
Just saying.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Pansexual
3. Mixed
4. United states/FL
5. 16
6. Yes. I like being a different person and have a different personality
Opinion:
1. No sterotypes fit the entire fandom just certain people
2. they only fit certain people
3. Being very connected to animals and wishing you were a anthro/Extreme liking to furry art safe or adult/being a very friendly and all around nice furson
4. Well some furries think they are animals trapped inside a human body or have characteristics of animals. Thats outside the norm
5. Most woman I see are more free and more open to others in the furry comunity
6. Most furries are open to all sexualitys and it also happens to be that many furrys are homosexuals
7. heterosexuality is somewhat repressed due to that on some websites they are the minority
8. Yes
9. I sometimes see people making fun of other fursons because there fursona is different or that they like a certain fetish such as inflation/diapers/scat/vore
10. Woman are widely accepted in the furry community and benefit greatly
11. They shouldn't affiliate but they do sometimes go hand in hand
12. Minority groups can be part of a larger society and feel more social aka a huge benefit
13. All people are welcome
14. Tolerance/Accpetance and the fact that nothing is out of the ordinary in the furry fandom everything is accepted EVERYTHING
15. I was going through a very deep depression had no friends was confused about my sexuality was almost suicidal...Then I found the furry fandom made a ton of new friends was accepted for who I am got the confidence to find my sexuality (even though im pan im mostly gay) and the confidence to go out and be more social in the real world. Becoming a furry has changed my life and I will never go back

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

I like your last comment. Thank you ^w^

1. What is your IRL biological gender?
Male.
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Heterosexual - Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in?
Texas.
5. How old are you IRL?
38
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Depends on what stereotype is being asked.
a) The one were all furry fans are sexual deviants with extreme fetishes would probaly come from TV that tends to reach more people. this is probably one of the most common steretypes.
b) The one were furry/anthro artists make quality art both mature/sexual and non-sexual.this one is less common, again because of the medium of communicating it is less popular.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
See above.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
To be a furry, to try to be the best aspect of what a human can be and strong enough to push the bad aside, not ignore it but overcome it. Where the good is tolerance, respect, openess. The best explanation and idea of what a furry should be I found here: http://www.tigerden.com/poem.html

Furry

A poem by Croc O'Dile of TigerMUCK which captures a bit of what it is to be furry.

If the true meaning of furry you wish to understand
You must think in terms of paw and not hand
You must release your mentality from society's cage
For furry prefers no race, sex, persuasion or age

You must sort through the hype and the exploitation
Because to be furry needs no justification
It is to reach out and embrace the unknown
To be surrounded by friends and yet still be alone

It is not a gimmick or a political movement
It's nothing so pretentious as a method of improvement
It's only to seek solace in the presence of friends
For when one is furry, the search never ends

It is sometimes to be controlled by one's emotions
It is to often be unsure of depths of devotion
It is the sweet pain of impossible dreams
It is never quite as close or as far as it seems

It is feelings being known without words being spoken
It is the inevitable occasional heart being broken
It is the type of love that now seems cliche
It's experience gained from having learned the hard way

It's a smurgle, a fuzzle, a rumble or purr
It's scales and whiskers and tails and fur
It's what we are, not outside but within
It's the binding force that makes us all kin

It's a howl in greeting to friends held dear
It's a bristling growl when confronted by fear
It's a friendly lick or scritch to show that we care
It's a deep understanding, a compassion that's rare

If what it is to be furry you still don't comprehend
Then consider this advice, my curious friend
If you're willing to respect that which you don't understand
Then come take my paw and I'll take your hand.

-- Croc O'Dile w/help from Tony DeMatio – 6/95

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes.
Plenty of them but cannot pinpoint exactly which ones.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes.
They can be more open about their desires and dreams after all some males do play female characters too.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes.
In real world, homosexuality is seen somewhat as a deviation or perversion even though it is a genetic disposition which does happen in most known mammals all over the world.
On a side note furry male characters are much more attractive than human male.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No
Not repressed, on the contrary much more widespread, keep in mind that thinking in human standards it might sound repressed but its not.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I would have to say that hetero/homo would be 70/30 proportion.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Not that informed on said hierarchies.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I believe they can be more open and with the right people they can explore their intimacy with less drama, again as long as they put their human ideas aside.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Cannot answer I am not familiar to the LGBT acronym.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Chances are they will meet more similar thinking individuals.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Cannot answer I am not familiar to the LGBT acronym.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Yes.
Read Furry poem above.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Read Furry poem above.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Um... none?
4. What country/state do you live in? Australia
5. How old are you IRL? 26 at this point in time
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? No and no.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Partially. I believe that all stereotypes are born from a certain amount of truth that has been overly focused upon by simple minded masses, which has caused those truths to be inflated to unfair and disproportionate sizes, warping and distorting them. While I feel that all stereotypes have a hint of truth at their roots, I believe that it is usually only a minority of a group or society that most resembles those stereotypes.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? I don't think it means anything to be furry. I feel that being a furry is no different to being gay, it just means that I have a difference of opinion about something and like things others don't.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? I don't think there are any norms to be challenged. In this day and age of wide ranged options, I think that the furry community is just another option among the myriad of options already available. I don't think there is anything any more or less normal about finding furries attractive than finding gasmasks or vore attractive. Diversity is the norm of today. How can something challenge another if that other does not have a universal standard to which all of its parts conform?
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. Can't say that I do.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? I believe that society in general could learn a few things from the furry fandom and its community. From a certain view, one could say that the furry fandom is the ultimate stance against racism. All around the world, there is still so much racism against simple things like skin colour and religious belief. Yet here we have a rapidly growing community that looks past those simple details and sees something beautiful. What could be more non-racist than enjoying looking at a creature that is clearly even more different than just one's skin colour or thoughts.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:

1. What is your IRL biological gender?
Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Pansexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
French, German, Scottish, British and Native American
4. What country/state do you live in?
Arizona, USA
5. How old are you IRL?
20
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit?
If so, why? I plan on making them in the near future because they make me happy. It's like walking into Disneyland and seeing all your favorite characters come to life, this time it's one of your own.

Opinion:

1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Some are correct to some furries.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Society tends to group us all under one stereotype which is wrong because in the fandom there is still diversity which others tend to overlook.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Being a furry to me means embracing your inner child. When I was younger I always wished I could be an anthropomorphic creature like Bugs or something to that effect when watching cartoons. It's fun for me and it links into my fursuit answer above.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Furries challenge the norms of society by being unique. Even then normal is a broad term because there are so many different types of people with values and morals. Furries are just being themselves but there are some furries that freak me out too XD
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes and no. Yes because there are many women inside the fandom from what I see. No because I tend to see some hate from male furries, majority being gay and it usually stems from the heterosexual art. That's from what I've seen.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Again, yes and no. Yes because most furries are accepting and then no because, again, there's a lot of hate towards the sexual art. One of my friends did a hetero sex art piece and was told by a gay furry that he wasn't allowed to draw that because he is gay himself.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
It seems to be more accepted now from when I first came to FA and such. I don't really keep up with it anymore but so far I haven't gotten burned for it.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Right now it's trying to be, but with all the gay marriage voting going around I can see the "power" struggle going on with trying to keep with the norms of society.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
It's always a constant power struggle, especially for artists in the fandom. The bigger you are the more opportunities lie before you. A majority of those furries though let it go to their head so any conversation you try to have with them as just person to person is impossible. Not all, but from my experiences the power struggles of popularity just ruins any attempts of getting to know them as a person.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
It's not just for women, anyone can benefit from being inside the furry community if it's their cup of tea.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Same as above.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Same as above.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Anyone is welcome but they need to be prepared for some people to not be welcoming. Just as with anything or anywhere else.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Depending on the type of individual really. There's a lot to factor in with people and a fandom.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
No really, I think I pretty much said everything.

There you go!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Note - I am not a furry.

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Specific? Pre-op MTF Transsexual (Can't afford the operation, DAMN IT)
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bi, with a strong preference towards women
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in?
Europe, i don't want to share the country though.
5. How old are you IRL?
22
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No, they creep me out. I just don't get them.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
I find the stereotype that furries are nymphos/sex crazed is largely true.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Being unhappy with your body, the oppressive lack of tolerance around, and the fact there is only one sentient species on this planet, which means there's little diversity in shapes and colors.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Hard to say, it certainly challenges the idea of a human-centric world. Society doesn't seem to accept the notion of other sapient species existing.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
A bit, but i've still seen my share of sexism and blatant misogyny around here.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes, most people i've seen are either into homosexuality or transgenderism (How many herms have you seen today?)
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Frankly - it is. Whenever someone refuses to draw homosexual acts, or a specific gender, they get called out as being prejudiced.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No, see above.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
None.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
Can't think of any ways that do not apply to both genders.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
See above.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
More opportunities to find materials for whatever fetish they're into.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Call me cynical, but the community doesn't seem as tolerant as it wants to look. I dunno, embracing diversity?
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Not wish to offend anyone, but why the fuck does nearly every female char need to be a herm? (I don't mind, it just baffles me).

If anyone disagrees with my opinions, feel free to disregard them as the cynical hate speech that it is.

Addendum to Opinion 3: If i could change my body to something inhuman, i would do so in a heartbeat.

Addendum to Opinion 2:
They are wrong in the part where they don't apply. Aka stereotypes never fit everyone in a group.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? white - polish/french
4. What country/state do you live in? usa - michigan
5. How old are you IRL? 24
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? currently i do not own a fursuit, i really want to though and have been trying to save up money for one for the past few years.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? i think they were very wrong in the past but over time its getting more and more truth out of what really goes on. i still think there's a long way to go but were making progress.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? i think most of them are wrong because thell just believe what the media tells them as aposed to actually attending a con to figure it out themselves, mostly because of closed mindedness.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? i feel the meaning is different for each person, for me its that i identify with animals more than i do with people, and when i see myself i see me with fur instead of skin.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? yes i do, i feel we challenge gender most of all, with about half of us not identifying as a standard gender of male or female it makes it hard on society to see the views of gender we have.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? i do but that goes outside the fandom as well, just in general females have an easier time than males in the world because there cute and can play the ditsy adorable card at any time and males cant do that unless there extremely feminine to begin with.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? yes because most of the furry community is not straight or a majority of there friends are not straight.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? no i think its rather open

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? through my experience i think not, from what ive noticed about alot of furs is that there willing to go with both sex's as opposed to just the opposite of what they are, so i think its unbalanced from the outside world.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. kinda but it makes since, those with the ability to make great art have the power

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?i feel its basically even accept they can play that cute card easier than males and can tend to get there way easier.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? i think they do because the furry community is so tolerant of it.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? theres bound to be a group that they can join that agrees with there views.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? yes i do

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? personally the idea of having multiple partners and ideas around that i completely do not agree with and as a basis got society, scientifically for human growth its a bad idea so that i don't agree with, but as far as tolerance yes i do agree with that.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? i like that in the furry fandom you can be who you are, for example i am male, but i want to be a cboy, in the fandom im accepted for what and who i am, in the real world its not as easy because society cant accept that gender is fluid, even scienchttp://www.furaffinity.net/img/smilies/oooh.pnge accepts in fluid because we have anomalies at birth where the child may be born with both genitalia or there brain wave patters are more female than male, and science accepts that as a natural process that can happen, where as people of society cant do that.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual, female leaning
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Very white
4. What country/state do you live in?
USA - WA & Abroad
5. How old are you IRL?
23
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No and no. I don't see spending the kind of money it costs to get one. My character is also a reptile and unless you stitched together tons of snake skin, you wouldn't be able to simulate scale. On top of that, they're just so big and bulky. If it was like wearing a second skin and practically real, then maybe.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
A lot of them are, in my opinion. Then again, so are most stereotypes in offline life as well. They exist to exemplify common trends. However, that most are sexual deviants I would disagree with. It just so happens that I think the majority of the fandom is rather young and open. There isn't any stigma against sex or fantasy, so nobody tries to hide it. In turn, it comes out as being the most prevalent thing in image. In my opinion, I really think it is, as much as people like to insist to the contrary. Porn is 90% of the reason I come to FA.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Kind of answered this in question 1.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Pretty simple really. Liking all forms of artwork that are furry related. Art and stories being the most obvious. You don't have to actively partake but doing so makes you more "furry" I guess. I don't really consider myself a furry except as a general descriptor amongst some of my friends that like to occasionally give me shit for liking "animal people fucking." None of them really care though.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
In a way, no. The fandom is just another society, one that is largely anonymous. Most socialize without really knowing the person behind the avatar. At cons (I haven't attended any) I see the difference. It seems, from what I've been told and seen images of, much more open to everything. There are bigots but in different ways. You could even argue some people are 'speciest.' I consider myself to be because I think reptiles are the best. Homosexuality and many sexual kinks are easily accepted versus polite society. There is definitely less modesty when it comes to things that are normally taboo in regular society.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I can't really say. I don't socialize with any. Like anybody else, you can pretend to be somebody you're not. For good or evil.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
It is FAR more accepted in the fandom than in regular society. That is unarguable (not that I have solid figures). I have never really seen any major backlash for being openly gay. I'm sure there are isolated instances, as in any case. As I said before, I haven't been to any cons, but I doubt many people flip out, scowl, bully or tell two people of the same sex to cut it out for public displays of affection.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Not at all. Of course there are isolated cases of somebody who is gay making a huge deal out of it.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
An opinion would be that I once thought it was but I have no trouble finding Straight art on FA that tickles my fancy and much more difficulty finding Gay art that does.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
I would say there are a few hierarchies. You have several sects of artist. Amazing artists who can command absurd sums for commissions or auctions. Great artists who have prices that (in my opinion) are more reasonable. (My standard being that $60-70 is the most I'll ever (or have) paid. Then you have those that are popular or semi-popular that float along, never quite getting the recognition that would allow them to take off. To me it is as standard as high school, for an analogy. You have the popular kids/athletes that are great at what they do, get a lot of attention and most people know them. Then you have the smart kids, the ones that get straight A's that nobody really knows; unknown talent. Writers might be like the after school clubs, you don't really hear a lot about them but if you invest the time to take part or go to the things they do you realize they have a lot of talent and there are those that should be better known, however, it requires more effort so it is rare.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
More attention? I can't say if it's a more equal community. I think the political correctness in regular society is garbage.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Little to no discrimination? A place where you can be what and who you want. Control what people see or know about you. I definitely wouldn't come to it as a place to seek refuge or help. I think looking for that or taking advantage of available programs in real life is a far better option.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
For the most part, same as Q 11.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes. It's not like there is some gatekeeper controlling who can come play with everybody else. That is one of the great things about the internet in general. In a way, also a downfall. There is no control and the only governance is by a few.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
The only thing I could see society benefiting from is being more open and accepting. Other than that, hide'ja kids, hide'ja wives.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I think the people that argue furry isn't about sex in some way is delusional and just trying to have the community more accepted among the larger population. I've no doubt that there are those that truly enjoy aspects of it without relating to sex but I would say that is the minority. I ended up in it because I was a horny teenager with an active imagination. Now I stay because I like the art and stories. I have seen many great artists and read equally great authors. It's a form of escape from daily life, a place to socialize with like-minded individuals and a place to share my hobby or writing.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
I've always had boyfriends, but my boyfriend wants to become a c-boy. In other words the sexual parts of a woman but still male.
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White american mutt
4. What country/state do you live in?
MI, USA
5. How old are you IRL?
21
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I would like to, even though I currently don't have one. It's fun.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Only one: the one that a lot of furries want a different identity from their real lives
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Specifically the sexual aspect. Sexual need is a human thing, not just a furry. And the sexual art is not everyone's focus.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Separation of animals and people,
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
No. Women are more "free" in a club. Just because we are furs doesn't matter.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes. People within the furry community are more accepting, as far as I have seen, but it also may have something to do with the general age of the community.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Heterosexuality is less represented, but not repressed. It is accepted, but because the GLBT society is represented in a greater concentration heterosexuality is comparatively less.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
(same as number 7)
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
There is a hierarchy of artistic talent, including but not limited to drawing.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
Specifically for only women, I see the possibility for artistic talent to be loved more, but that is NOT usually specific to women.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
GLBT society benefits by being able to be themselves around people who generally understand their problem more so than far too many hetrosexual people.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
unknown
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
yes
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
freedom of being yourself. Far too many areas do not want/allow people who are different.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
nope

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual (straight leaning)
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian European
4. What country/state do you live in?
United Kingdom/Lancashire
5. How old are you IRL?
23
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Yes, unfortunately I would have to agree that the majority of people who associate themselves with the furry fandom are more focussed on the sexual aspects of it than you might find with followers of other fandoms. Because of how inclusive furry is, it also provides a means for those who have social/emotional difficulties to have an outlet and to feel accepted. Of course this isn't a bad thing in itself but the stereotype of furries being socially awkward/maladjusted isn't lessened by it.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
We don't all have sex in fursuits! In fact this seems to be a very small minority. Personally I prefer sex without being wrapped in a sweaty bunch of synthetic fluff. In addition, just because the majority are gay and there is such a sexual slant of most furry content, doesn't mean that we're all that way. You can never tar a whole subculture with the same brush.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
In my opinion, being a furry means: To enjoy or create art forms and media affiliated with animal-based anthropomorphic characters, and/or to associate oneself or others with particular anthropomorphic characters as a fictional or fantasy representation of themselves.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
To be honest I can't think of any social norms that the furry community challenges. Given that our wider society is so diverse and the fandom is so small by comparison, it's hard to imagine how it could do anything that hadn't already been done.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I suppose if a women was transgender or had a sexual orientation which wasn't accepted in their own IRL community, they could be more free to be themselves within the furry fandom. However the same could be said of males, for that reason I don't consider women any more free in the fandom than men.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes, absolutely. Because of how inclusive members of the fandom are, people of every sexual orientation can feel welcome within it. Because of the demographic, people's sexual orientation never really seems to be a valid cause for persecution or harassment (not to say it never happens). Everyone can be themselves.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
In some cases, yes. It seems that the majority of people in the fandom are homosexual, even though this in itself isn't a bad thing it can sometimes make heterosexuals feel obliged to act or behave in a homosexual way in order to fit in sometimes. I should think though that most of the time everybody generally feels completely comfortable being themselves.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No, in fact I believe previous studies have shown that heterosexuality within the fandom is the minority orientation.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Of course, you'll find power struggles in any situation where there are followers and leaders. In the case of the fandom you could probably write thousands of words on all the little power struggles going on throughout. A topical example would be the administrators here at furaffinity.net, but I'm sure you'd see similar situation with any popular community sites in any fandom.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't believe that women benefit from being in the furry community any more or less than men. No matter who you are, you can enjoy the fandom as much as the next person.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I believe that people who are LGBT benefit from the furry community by having access to a creative outlet and friendly community which will accept them without question.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
I would say minority groups benefit from being in the furry community in the same way that people who are LGBT do, as covered in point 11.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes I do, though it seems strange to me to group women with those who are LGBT. Women are not persecuted nearly as much as LGBT people are (at least not in the western world)

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Aside from being more accepting of people who are have different lifestyles or sexual orientations I probably wouldn't suggest society tries to be more like any other part of the fandom.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I don't have anything more to add, good luck with your presentation!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Bio sex is male Gender is Gender queer/ female
2. Queer leaning towards lesbian
3. White
4. Florida
5. 27
6. No
Opinion:
1. Sometimes, mostly from people outside the community
2. Most furrys have a very different definition of what furry means to them so stereotyping is just silly
3. Connecting with my spirit animal, creating characters that are able to express a wide range of my personality.
4. Yes, We connect with a deeper part of are self's and for the most part are more accepting then most.
5. Yes, my personas can allow me to do what i wish with out threat of being looked down on for being female. Sexual liberation being the most common.
6. Yes, people seem to be quite fluid with there orientation her having male , female and even herm personas exploring different parts of sexuality.
7. No
8. I feel it is more dormant in the furry community.
9. I have not encountered any...
10. It allows us to be strong and sexually free more so then in real life
11. The furry community if far more accepting then most which allows us to totally express ourselves with out fear
12. Open acceptance, most furrys do not judge based on such things,.
13. Yes, we are slightly more rare then gay males but we are still welcomed.
14. Yes, acceptince, sexual liberation, freedom of expression all quality's our world needs more of.
15. I have found transgender folk like myself are welcome with open arms as well here. Also we are far more understood here.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Straight
3. Caucasian
4. Sweden
5. 26
6. No
Opinion:
1. like so many stereotypes mostly it´s lack of knowledge about the fandom, but there are some grains of truth in the stereotype
2. mostly the focus on the fandom being a sexual deviant fetish, plus lingering association with bestiality
3. To me personally, it´s a spiritual connection with animal mixed with my love for exploring my imagination in a world far from our own.
4. well obviously we do, otherwise the community would not have the bad rep it has, as for how, as for how, well we simply break the norm, we love things that are not real, sometimes to the same degree other people love real things.
5. I find all freedoms the community have, like creative freedom, is not tied to a gender
6. Yes, the community is at a whole seaming more welcoming of homosexual, something I´m happy to see
7. Not really, as a straight guy myself I never gotten the feeling I´m unwelcome.
8. Hard to say, again being straight affects things, as I naturally gravitate towards art fitting my orientation, straight ends up feeling dominant, but that´s just my bias view.
9. besides maybe artist fans clashing over who is the best artist, no not really.
10. since sadly gender is something your judge by the community I guess would be a place where people can create and socialise without gender coming into play unless they want to, they are judged by what they do, not who they are.
11. pro tip, tell people what LGBT stands for, abbreviations are not useful in a survey means for all sorts of folks. ^^
12. guess pretty much same as the gender answer.
13. to a more or less extent, yes?
14. at the top of my head, not really.
15. nope

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in? Wisconsin, USA
5. How old are you IRL? 24
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? Yes, it allows me to be different than who I am IRL.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? To some degree yes. There is porn, heck there's a ton of it but the idea that that is the only thing is wrong. Also, although I'm sure people do try to have sex in suit or get kinky I do think they are a severe minority of suiters.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? Oops, see above.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? Furry is people who enjoy anthropomorphics. It's an incredibly diverse community with many different sub sets, but that's pretty much the heart of it.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Somewhat perhaps, some may say furries need to grow up or be realistic but I don't think it's going to shake the apple cart to much.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? Sorry, don't know much on this one.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Somewhat, the community is very open and accepting of pretty much everyone and I think homosexuals do make up a greater percentage of the fandom than they do of a general population but perceptions are changing in the rest of the world as well.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Very little but I do know it happens. Some individuals will go out of their way to comment about how women/vaginas are disgusting or they don't like art with females, but they could be trolls as well.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? I think it is the dominant opinion but not by much.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. Not really power struggles, but popularity wars are a constant
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? N/A
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? N/A
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? N/A
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Yes, furry is very open and willing to accept pretty much anyone/thing
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Sure, acceptance, openness, friendliness, charity, and free expression.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bi-sexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? American
4. What country/state do you live in? USA/PA
5. How old are you IRL? 23
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
Opinion: I do own one. I actually got it because of a theme Anthro Con.
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? There is a small percentage of furries that are actually that creepy 1 percent. The others, we are just weird but no weirder then anyone else I suppose.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? The stero-types? We aren't all orgy obsessed. We don't all have sex in fursuits. Being a furry doesn't automatically mean we want to do your dog.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? I really believe there are different ways you could be a furry but if you want a firm definition: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.p.....in/FurryFandom
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Normality is a relevant term. If there are norms I am oblivious I suppose.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? Free? I honestly am not sure what you are asking.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes because we are an accepting community. What you like is what you like, what I like is what I like type thing.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? No, my fiance is furry. He has never felt any disrespect from any other person in the fandom. No one treats him different.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Honestly, No. I find more people are open with their sexuality. So I find more gay/lesbian/bi's here then straight heterosexual people.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. No?
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Benifit? Depends on the person situation in my eyes. Feeling more accepted, probably then yes.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? Again, just generally being accepted.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Same, being accepted.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Yes.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Of course I do. Being more open, loving, caring and tolerant of others.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? No..

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in? USA, Illinois
5. How old are you IRL? 22
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? Kinda, it'd be fun to be able to look like my fursona at a furmeet or party or something. Not so much for the "I want to live as the animal" thing, just for fun :)
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? I'm not entirely sure. I haven't told many people that I'm a furry but those who I have told have jumped to some very WRONG conclusions. Some of the stereotypes are probably true for a lot of furries (partying, suiting, etc.) but a lot of them are definitely wrong.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? The main one I think is wrong is associating "Furry" with "Zoopheliac" When I first told a friend I was a furry it was after I'd given my Belgian Shepherd to a friend because my mother and I could no longer care for her properly (mom worked too much and so did I). My friend asked me if that was the reason we had to give her away... as in... he asked if I was screwing my dog v.v... That hurt quite a bit. So yes I think a lot of people think that furries want to fuck their pets all the time which is just NOT true >.<
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? It means different things for different people. It can range from a deep admiration and respect for a particular animal... (ex: I know a guy who LOVES the Okapi and spends a lot of time being an active member of the local zoo and talking with the director of the Okapi exhibit.) Personally for me? I realized when I was younger I had a bit of a sexual attraction to anthros... (damn you Krystal... and Bloody Roar 2). Some people just think they're ADORABLE and want to draw them which is fine. Some people want to embody the "animal within" But overall I think it means you really like Anthropomorphic Animals in some way.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Well as I said a lot of people see it as Zoophelia without taking the time to understand it. So it ends up challenging the norm of "don't screw animals". That and a fursuit is hardly considered standard attire for grocery shopping. It's just something that's completely outside the box. It violates the most basic of all norms in that... People are supposed to be people... as in humans, not animals. So people get very uncomfortable with it very quickly.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes and no. I think yes because A: you can suit or RP as anything you want. Meaning you can be a female IRL with a male character and express yourself dominantly with no scrutiny. B: You can be a female online and STILL be dominantly and just be considered a rare gem for the most part. But I think there's still a lot of egotistical people out there who believe a woman's place is on their knees or their back. It's a double edged sword imo. Women are free to be whatever they want and no one can really stop them... but at the same time others are free to be a lot bigger jerks without the threat of a sexual harassment lawsuit >.<
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Absolutely. I think homosexuality has become the NORM within the furry community. It seems most males are either gay or at least Bi and they're VERY open about it. If you look at sites that are geared mostly around porn you see a constant flow of homosexual art which tbh, I think is GREAT! It's awesome that people can be more open about who they are.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Repressed? No I don't think so. There's still a lot of heterosexual artists, couples, art, etc etc. within the community. There's a lot of people who can look at a picture of a furry heterosexual couple dancing for their wedding and see it as truly beautiful. Granted I will admit that some of the homosexual members of the community have adopted a... "straight hating" habit much like gay bashing. They see a male with a female in a picture and believe the picture to be ruined because it's a female and not another male >.<
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Absolutely not. I think homosexuality dominates the furry community, at least in representation. I have little experience with furmeets and what not but I've been part of the online community for a few years now and it seems there's a much bigger portion of furs who are homosexual or at least bisexual.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. There's always a struggle to be on top in the art community because the person who's on top makes the most money and when you're a commission artist for a living... that's all you've got. For example, as far as I know Kabengeh is the top animator/movie maker (I could be wrong) for furry porn. But I'm sure there are lots of others trying to get themselves out there to gain that kind of reputation. Other then that I don't see much of a "power struggle" beyond the popularity of websites themselves. Furaffinity competes with Sofurry and a few others but I believe they're the top end. And then all the chat sites go at it all the time, trying to bring themselves more attention.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Freedom to express themselves however they want without being laughed at (for the most part) or mocked or thought of as a "weaker sex" by the general population. (yes there's always a few who share the narrow minded mentality v.v)
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? Same as the women for the most part. They're free to express themselves however they want. You can put a picture of yourself in a cute maid's outfit and post it within the furry community as a GUY and you'll get compliments! You can't walk around the mall like that in 99% of the world because you'd probably get laughed at or even beat up or killed!!! It's about the FREEDOM!!!!
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Freedom! Minorities within Minorities aren't seen as minorities, they're seen as equals.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Yes. And I have to say in a lot of ways it's great but in some ways I think it borderlines on wrong. It's kind of like how animated porn works. Because it's not "real people" in the art there's a lot of taboo subjects that are allowed to be expressed like child porn and rape. It's the same within the furry community. Those who enjoy rape and pedophelia are welcomed and have a large base of art dedicated to those subjects. Personally I don't agree with these subjects but I do agree with the freedom to express them... through... art... only...
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Absolutely. The freedom to express and the open acceptance would be fantastic (to a degree). I'm NOT saying it's okay to say "well you're free to express yourself and if you like screwing animals or children then by all means go ahead! We'll still accept you!" HELL NO!!! However... in regards to sexuality or other harmless ideals I think the world could be a LOT more accepting and benefit from it.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? It's interesting to look at the balance of power between the genders and the relation to sexuality. In real life the norm is that males are dominant and females are submissive. But in the furry world you find that females and males can be both. Submissive males tend to be homosexual or bisexual because it's still the norm that dominant types turn out to be male or at least hermaphrodite. There's a lot to be said about the way people choose to express their sexuality and dominance/submission status within the furry community. It's evidence though that the gender scales in real life are NOT the way they're supposed to be because there are plenty of males who would rather take on a "girl's" role then a "guy's". The gender lines are much more blurred within the furry community, which is how it SHOULD be. There shouldn't BE any gender really... just... people... accepted just the way they are. Guys don't have to be a certain way and neither do girls! People should be free to be themselves without the fear of being dragged into a dark alley and beaten to death. It's a nice freedom within the furry community.


I'd also like to say thank you for posting this! I took an Intro to Sociology course and a Sex, Gender, and Power course in college and it was a lot of fun to analyze the furry community through those eyes so I'm happy to see others taking the same approach (I'm assuming it's a sociology course at least). Anyway I hope this helps!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/ I enjoyed reading your's~ This was for an intro to gender studies class, but I have also taken a sociology class ^^

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

1. Male
2. Straight
3. Irish / Nicaraguan
4. Florida, USA
5. 18
6. Yes, I do wish to own a fursuit. From what I understand, fursuits represent what a furry is like on the inside and it is used to attract other furries to make friends. In other cases, everybody likes to be someone else for a change.

1. No, stereotypes are not correct in any way.
2. Most people assume the furries are only male, gay, and masturbate to or have sex with animals.
3. I think, what it means to be a furry, is to get in touch with your inner child, have fun, and be yourself.
5. It seems like women are more "free" in the furry community. To be honest, I do not know how.
6. Homosexuality is more acceptable in the furry community because they are not made fun of for being that way.
7. No, heterosexuality is not repressed. The community allows all types of sexual orientation.
8. Yes, heterosexuality is still dominant inside as it is outside the furry community.
9. Yes, there are struggles inside the community. Most of them happen to involve religion and politics, which is no different than outside the community.
13. Of course, everybody is accepted in the furry community.
14. Yes, society could benefit from the furry community. Since the community usually states that it's about getting in touch with your inner child, that gives the children some type of connection to the adult. While that connection is building, children can be better taught and persuaded to avoid things usual adults would want them to avoid: Pre-teen intercourse, drugs, alcohol abuse, etc.
15. You are welcome to join the furry community and all you really have to do is just be yourself and have fun.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual, male pref
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White
4. What country/state do you live in?
Belgium
5. How old are you IRL?
24
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
There is some truth in it for some people but you can't really judge an entire community based on it
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
See Answer above
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
People that like anthromorphs and in that you have a lot of sub categories
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes although that is normal for anything that isn't "normal" or everyday for other people. It is so with everything.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Probably so since this community is more open for stuff.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes definitely. Just the fact that they are the larger part of the community is enough for it.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I don't think so but it might happen just because of homosexuallity being the larger part of the community and you got stuff like that happening in every community.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Yeah probably so although not by much.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Never seen them but it probably happens
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
More freedom and less chance of being judged
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Same as above
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Always good to be in a friendly community
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes I do. Like I said before less chance of being judge in this community because of what you are or your sexuality
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Sure. Being more friendly and acceptance to people with another sex or sexuality is always good. Or even being more acceptance towards people that are different then you.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Not really no

Good luck with your presentation ^^

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/ Thank you for the luck~ ^^

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Very Heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian. If you want more details: Irish, Scottish, English, German, Czech, Northern African.
4. What country/state do you live in?
Currently? NY. When not at college, Maine.
5. How old are you IRL?
20
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
Nope. Never have and never will.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Yep. They're stereotypes for a reason. A part of the populace upholds them with an insane pride, but there are others who don't act that way.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Not all of us are fursuiters, haha.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Self-definition. If you call yourself a furry because of your preferences, you are one. "Furry" is a wide spectrum.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
I think they're definitely part of any movements regarding sexual freedom, gender equality, and gay rights.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I think they might have it worse because they have to put up with single furry guys hitting on them.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yeah. It totally is. Do I really need to explain? Look around at the profiles and content on any furry site.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I believe so. I know a lot of people who are heterosexual in real life, but act homosexual in the furry community for some reason. It usually lands them in a tight spot when things with "partners" start heating up.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I don't understand the wording of this question.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Because it's on the internet, popular artists and contributers/admins get a lot of the glory, variances with rules, etc, while people who are lower/middle in popularity struggle to move up the ranks and be successful as artists/writers/content-makers because the audience is elsewhere or more easily trolled. (IE, respected artist with questionable content gets reported, nothing happens. lower artist in similar scenario gets piece removed.)
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't see why I have the right to answer this because I'm a dude and really don't know.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Other LGBT people are easier to find when there is a large about of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people around you.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
There's generally less racism when you're will a group as liberal as furries are.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yep
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance and acceptance. Though there are examples where this seems to vanish from the community, I've seen people be more accepting that most in furry communities. Could be because we're all young liberals, but whatev.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
You do what you want. You find people who agree. You hang out. That's just how it works. I know a bunch of pokephiles through furry crap.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual, but with a strong lean to gay
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White, British
4. What country/state do you live in? England
5. How old are you IRL? 18
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? No

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? The only stereotype I've come across is that we are all gay, animal-raping freaks. So no.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? Ignorance leads people to imagination; so the general population thinks we take the fandom to it's extremes.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? In my opinion, all you need to be a furry is to have some preference to anthropomorphic characters over humans.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Perhaps we challenge what some people see as normal, but only because they are closed minded enough to think anything different is therefore dangerous.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I haven't really seen enough of the community to comment on this.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? I think that sexuality is not an issue in Amy way in the fandom, as we have to accept a 'difference' about ourselves to become furry.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Again, I don't think this is a problem.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? I think the balance is shifted away from predominantly hetero, with more emphasis on bisexual, but there is undoubtedly a higher percentage of gay furries than in the general population.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I don't think there is one group who hold more sway than any other, but there are certainly some - like babyfurs - who are frowned upon.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? No idea. Sorry ladies!
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? LGBT people can be completely open without fear of judgement in this fandom, so I guess that's a benefit.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? No idea, other than they can hide behind a fursona if they don't want to say something.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? I don't think we are exclusive of any group, so I'd say anyone's welcome.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community ? What might they be? Society could be more accepting, like furries are.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? All of these are not an issue in this fandom, I feel.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?Hispanic
4. What country/state do you live in? Texas
5. How old are you IRL? 25
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?No, I would personally like to have one, it is like Halloween for adults. Many people like to dress up and myself included specially when it is for either a convention or party.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? No, there are too many stereotypes and it is usually wrong.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? CSI, Must I say more?
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?A word use to categorise other human beings that just prefer to have a higher interest in animals than regular people.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Yes, "furries" Come from all walks of life. Straight, Gay, Bi, Les, Tran, Herms, white, black, Mexican, native american, republicans, democrats, Poor, middle class, Rich, etc. the list goes beyond just sexes, creeds, beliefes and nations. Its a melting pot for anyone to be themselves because you associate as if you were someone else. How you go about doing that is strictly up to you.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? " Not really, because depending on ones definition of what 'free' is. They may have more they may have less. Though over all freedom maybe, it just depends on them wanting to act upon it."
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes, over 60% of the furry comunity is in one way or another gay. whether it is MM, GG, or just bi."
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? I dont think so. I am one and I have never encountered such a problem. And thats ten years in the community btw.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Nope
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I'm sure there is. However, unless it involves me or someone I hold dear to. I wont bother dealing with it. I will keep an eye out for just instances that it does."
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Expression
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? A place that they may feel more welcome than other groups. This is an open community after all.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? I dont personally believe that racial groups benefit from it. If anything it might hinder their beliefes by trying to declare dominance of any sort.  anti-drama_llama_movement
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? [b] Yes, as long as they keep the drama to themselves.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? No, The furry community was born out of the already established ideals of society. It just encompassed ideals that most people had taken for granted and didnt care for anymore."
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Never assume things."

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Female.

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Lesbian.

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian.

4. What country/state do you live in?
Minnesota

5. How old are you IRL?
15

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
Yes, because they're awesome! :3

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Not all furries, just the stupid ones.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Because you can't take one person and then label
an entire group based on what the one person did.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
To like cartoon animals. :3

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes, because we're different.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I never noticed. o3o

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes, because no one really cares here.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No. o3o

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Probably.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Nope.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
*shrug*

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Acceptance.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Read above.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes, as they should be!

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance and acceptance. :3

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Nope.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Female
2. Straight
3. White
4. Ohio
5. 20
6. Wish I had one, but I don't have the money to buy one yet

Opinion:
1. For a lot of the ones I heard it only fits to a very small percent of the fandom.
2. Ignorance leads people to imagination; so the general population thinks we take the fandom to it's extremes.
3. In my opinion, all you need to be a furry is to have some preference to anthropomorphic characters over humans.
5. I'm not too sure on this but I as a women do feel free in this fandom but I don't know about others.
6. I think it should be accepted even outside of the fandom. Being gay may be accepted more here I think but I don't see why so many hate it.
7. I don't think so, most furries I know are in a hetro relationship including myself.
8. It's going more the way of bisexuality but a high number are homosexual.
10. Well I feel more accepted in this fandom and it's one of the friendliest ones I've been in.
13. I believe so yes.
15. You do what ya want to do. Just don't shove it into everyones face trying to get them to like it.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Anthro: Bisexual, People: Pansexual
3. White
4. Michigan
5. 16
6. Yes, to make people smile when i wear it :3

Opinion:
1. Only the stereotypes of furries being more open-minded, and less straight (but i have a simple theory on why)
2. Obviously, we dont just go out and fuck in the woods.
3. Being more open-minded than the general mass of "normal" society, and of course, liking cartoon animals :3
4. Furry challenges the "youre either straight or gay" kind of thing
5. What women? :l
6. Of course. My theory is that furries just tend to not give a fuck about what society thinks, and are more honest with themselves, therefore more will not be the "norm" (im saying that theres probably a higher percentage of closeted people in society than the furry community, because they care what society thinks, unlike us)
7. Only jokingly. I dont think ill ever see someone hate someone for being straight.
8. Of course not, reasoning in answer 6.
9. That guy has a better fursuit, so he gets more attention (at least at conventions)
10. I wouldnt say they do, there are just less women than there are men.
11. Furries dont usually give a fuck, so most of us dont really make a second thought about someones sexuality, so acceptance.
12. ^ Same thing for race
13. Completely. Furries dont give a fuck.
14. Acceptance, Open-mindedness.
15. Not really, like ive been saying, most furries dont care what society thinks, so theres less stereotyping and judging.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Pansexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? britich
4. What country/state do you live in? england rochester kent
5. How old are you IRL? 22
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? yes
Opinion: because there fucking awesome
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? not sure
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? we dont all want to fuck animals
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? its not something ive really thought about
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? it chalanges everything we dont look donw on the minoritys like ppl to in other comunitys and everyone is genral accepted unless ur a pedo or a rapist the ur probly going to have a problem
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? i cant awnser that really you would need a womans prospective In what ways?
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? yes In what ways? because we aresome of the most friendly people you might meet most of the other furrys i know are gay bi or other
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? nope How and/or why?
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? probly not
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? i cant say ive noticed any Describe them.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? cant awnser
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? friendly and acceptive atmosphre
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? no one judges a book by its cover here well at least i done
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? yes
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? yes because every one needs to learn every one is diffrent and no matter what we are all special in some way and unique
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Hmm... Might as well answer for ya....

Demographics:
1- Male
2- Bisexual
3- Native American (Cherokee)
4- Washington, United States
5- 22
6- Do not own one, have considered buying one but am not actively pursuing such a goal.

Opinion:

1- Stereotypes about furries are not wrong... Just exaggerations.
2- They're not wrong, it's just that none of it actually happens as much as mainstream media would have you believe.
3- It means you identify as a furry.
4- Not really. It's different, yes, but I wouldn't say it "challenges the norms of our society." The hippie counterculture did that. Furry subculture does not.
5- What do you mean? Are you asking if women are more free than men in the furry community, or that women in the community are more free than those outside of it?
6- Yes, mostly because of how common it is. When something happens enough, people get used to it.
7- Not that I know of. If it is, then that's a bit... Poetic. I would find it quite hypocritical for the gay community to struggle through so much hate and hellfire only to turn around and dish it out themselves.
8- Dominant? No.
9- I don't know about hierarchy, but power struggles do happen in some small form. Usually known as "Furry Drama," this most often takes place in the form of either A) Starting problems for fun or B) cliques.
10- I... Can't really think of anything.
11- Because of the way the LGBT community is often treated in common society, the furry community provides several points of persona strength. First of all, plenty of people to identify with. Additionally, creating a character for yourself allows one to have a sort of mask to put on... One can use this to both hide their flaws and fears, as well as highlight their talents and ambitions.
12- As a Native myself, I'd have to say that the community benefits ethnic minorities in that, when you identify as a species rather than a race, things such as cultural differences and skin color fade into the background and become irrelevant. Even language barriers often thin out.
13- Yes. I have yet to see anyone shunned from the furry fandom just based on who they are.
14- Not really. I can't think of any part of furry subculture that would affect the whole world in such a way.
15- No further comments.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Asexual biromantic with stronger preference for females
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White
4. What country/state do you live in?
Wisconsin, USA
5. How old are you IRL?
17
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I do not own one but I might be interested in getting one when I'm older because it sounds like fun to be able to dress up as your character. Kinda like Halloween but not just during Halloween.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Unfortunately yes. It's easy to see how the fandom revolves around porn and fetishes, especially on FA.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Not all furries are into the porn and fetish stuff, even though the stereotype is that the furry fandom is purely a sexual fandom. Furries are not zoophiles either, and don't have sex in fursuits (usually).
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
My personal definition is that a furry is someone who identifies with an animal persona and enjoys anthropomorphic characters, art, etc.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
The furry community challenges the norms of sexuality and behavior. It's not necessarily normal to walk around with a tail or ears.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I don't see a difference between how women are treated inside and outside of the community.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes I believe it is very much more accepted in the fandom, because it seems that many furs do have non-heterosexual sexualities and are very open-minded in the sexuality department.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I don't feel that it is repressed, however it does seem to be less prominent as many furs identify as having alternate sexualities.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I think the majority of furries are not heterosexual from what I've seen, but outside of the fandom it seems that heterosexuals are the majority.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
No I do not.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I think women and men equally benefit from being the furry community in the fact that furries are more open-minded (usually) and accepting of people who don't fit the norm.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Same as above. LGBT are much more accepted in the furry community and thus are not likely to be ridiculed as they would be outside of the community.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Same as above.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes. I have not seen a reason to not think so.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Yes. Society could benefit from being more open-minded to alternate lifestyles and beliefs. People would be kinder to each other.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Nope.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Native American/ Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in?
United States
5. How old are you IRL?
20
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I'd like to, but do not own
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
No
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Not into beastiality
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
I think furrism is mostly a social thing. We can express ourselves through a character without fear of being judged. It allows us to be who we want to be.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
It's like homosexuality. Many are uncomfortable treating gays as equals, same for furries. It's something out of the norm, and therefor frowned on more often than not.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I don't know
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
I think homosexuals are more comfortable in the furry community because to be a furry is to be tolerant of others and how they represent themselves. It'd be silly for one furry to hate another because of race or sexual orientation when they freely accept others for being foxes or lizards. Durries I believe are inherently tolerant.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I think homosexuals are a big part of the community because it's a safe place for them, where they can be tolerated without bias. As such, the demographic I think is skewed, with more homosexuals present than in other group sets. As for whether or not homosexuals outnumber heterosexuals in the community, I am unsure.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
None. I see most treat each other as equals. Why would you be involved in a fan based community if there was a power struggle of any sort?
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
Same benefits as a man. Meet friends, freedom of expression, have fun.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Again, freedom of expression without fear of judgement.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance. I've never been involved in a more tolerant community, every fur I've met having been greatly understanding. If anything, I believe I have greatly improved socially in all manners since being a part of the furry fandom.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
None I can think of.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? American Mutt! White although would probably be the right answer although.
4. What country/state do you live in? Maryland
5. How old are you IRL? 26
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I don't. Ive liked to have but I think Im too clostrophobic.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? No, in my opinion is it horribly overblown. I mean yes there are some strong niches, but at the same time there are as many if not more of the clean, beautiful artists.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? See #1
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? To me it simply means having a love of the furry/anthromophic art style and having a character that fits into such a theme.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Probably of personal image, and in some ways openness on the sexual level.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? No more that outside.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes, in may ways it is just seen as par for the course.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? No, sexual preference in my opinion does not seem to be an issue at all in the community.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Yes.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Yea, among things like the fan arts, and arguments about art having to do with it, and sometimes between thoes that wish to be "decent" and thoes that want the Porn.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? No more than the touside world.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? The community does not judge on sexual orientation at all.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? There is no "races" in the furry world, at least from a human perspective.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Yep
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Better understanding of others I guess.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Nope

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? female

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? asexual heterosexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL? caucasian

4. What country/state do you live in? USA Indiana

5. How old are you IRL? 22

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? No, I would roast alive

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Some of them are yes, but some people go out of their way to embody the stereotype

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? The stereotypes? No everyone who is furry likes adult work

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? To enjoy anthro animals and feel connected to the fandom

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? If we are talking about the sexualized fandom, then seeing anything animal or with animal features as sexually attractive goes against pairing norms.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Not really. I have had issues in the past with people excluding me simply because I was female in the fandom. (And thus a scary, scary thing). I suppose I could be more free and accepted if I had a male character. When I first joined I got a very strong vibe that the fandom was a "Gays only" club, thankfully I have since found many wonderful people of all genders and orientations. The hateful remarks about women and the portrayal of most women characters (and the comments that tend to follow), really make me think it is worse inside the fandom than what I generally encounter in "normal" society.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes, there is a larger homosexual population percentage inside of the fandom, and a push within the fandom as well to be supportive.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Yes. Especially for males. Many of the male straight furries I have met get CONSTANTLY teased about being straight and get pressure from other furries to be gay or bi. I am openly heterosexual and very rarely get negative comments about it, however, so it isn't actively frowned upon by most.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Eh, it's probably about the same. More people feel safe coming out now though.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. Not that I really can see, but I don't watch that closely.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? They get to see lots of cute animals? Otherwise, eh, I dunno? The same benefits as anyone else?

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? Support system

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Characters can be sort of an equalizer for race. Unless you say or post a picture no one knows.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Depends on the section of the furry community you are talking about. But for the most part, yeah.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? More acceptance might be nice.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Nah

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1: Male.
2: Straight.
3: German/Irish/Welsh.
4: USA, Washington.
5: 22 years of age.
6: I don't own one, not sure if I want to own a fursuit though.

Opinion:
1: Yes, because stereotypes are presented by people who do not try to understand something and would rather judge it.

2: Furry stereotypes are wrong because not everyone is the stereotype(s) that people think.

3: Personally, I believe being a furry is a type of lifestyle which you become closer to your inner animal. It also lets people be themselves around other people with who have similar interests (being a furry for one). I also believe that you are born being a fur; much like I believe people who are gay are. So it is not really a choice to be a furry, it is like being born a male or female. You have no choice in it, but when you find out what you are, you can understand it and enjoy it. A lot of furries also love animals.

4: Yes, I do believe the furry community challenges the 'norms' of society, even though I don't believe that things are 'normal' even in society.
A: For one, the furry community in general challenges the norms because we are different, abnormal, or even taboo as some might think.
B: The furry community also, from what I've seen, accepts all kinds of people into its community, Gay, Straight, Pansexual, Asexual, Black, White, Asian, etc. I don't see that a lot in the 'norm' of society.

5: This is a good question. I am going to say yes to this one because, in general/majority of us are opened minded about a lot of things.

6: Yes. I believe homosexuality is more accepted in the furry community because, for one (from what I've see) there are a lot of homosexual males and females in the community. As I stated in a couple previous questions, the community is, in general, very opened minded about many things.

7: I'm don't understand the question much to answer it. :/

8: I do not think heterosexuality is dominant in the furry community. As I said in question 6, homosexuals are, from what I've seen, the majority of the community.

9: Power struggles, no. Though, just like IRL, artists are usually popular and well known without actually knowing them as a person.

10: I believe women benefit from being in the furry community because it is a bit more equal and opened minded about things. So if she were bi/gay she could come into the furry community and feel safe and be understood more than IRL, though same could be said for males as well.

11: As I stated a few times. LGBT's (Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual, and Transgender) can benefit from the furry community because it is like a safe haven for them because the community is more open minded and non-judgmental then people IRL.

12: Minorities (or any race) can benefit from the furry community because, as far as online, we don't know what race people are or what they look like. So racism is not really a big problem in the community. Though, just like IRL, there are a few close minded, mean, racist, etc. people in the community, but you'll find that in every community you find. I'm not saying it’s right, just saying no community is 'perfect'.

13: I believe just about all groups of people are welcome into the furry community, so-long as you are a nice person I think they are welcome. No one likes a mean/hateful person.

14: I believe society could benefit from the ideals of the furry community. One of which is having a much more open mind about things, such as gay/bi people, or race, or people in general. I also believe society could benefit from the ideal that some of us (including me) won't usually judge something/someone until we understand it first.

15: The furry community is not a bad thing. It is just who we are. We enjoy being ourselves and being around others like us. We enjoy being in a community were judgments and opinions are not forced down our throats by the media or society. We are a proud community and nothing can or will ever change that. We love ourselves for who we are, and how we have come to be. If all of this is a 'crime' or taboo, then fine. Put me in cuffs because I'm not changing my way of thinking.

Also, I thank you for doing this project. I hope more non-furries will come to understand us and be more accepting of our community.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? stright
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? white
4. What country/state do you live in? ohio
5. How old are you IRL? 17
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? i made mine, i love costumes
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? no its more of a culture, its like if someone said all Germans were nazi
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? i think it takes a long time to understand "furry"
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? that you like anthro animals and you wish animals could walk or talk like humans or humans could have animal qualitys
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? no its just a fun hobby and a way to meet people and a genre of what some one likes
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? no i think they are more loyal like animals some mate for life
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? yes because i find furrys to be understanding and artistically minded abstract
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? i think there is sexual lines in everything human so it could be a sexual preference to some
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? idk yes but i dont quite understand this question
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. nope
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? yes girls meet nice people, and i feel equal to a man
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? yes cause they aren't judged
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? i dont think we have minority here every one is furry
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? yes
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? yeah ears and tails are so fun lol self-expression
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? i think that furrys are furrys and furrys as a hole should all get along

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

I should have plenty of time~ It is spring break and its not due till after the break ^w^

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Faggot
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White
4. What country/state do you live in? Colorado
5. How old are you IRL? 19
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? No
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Sometimes
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? I think fursuits are creepy. And a lot of us aren't fat fappy monsters
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? I dunno. To have a lolsona. And buy furry crap.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? There are no norms in society.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? Not really.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Not really.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Not really.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Not really.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. There are always power struggles in every community. We've got the mods who everyone thinks are stupid and don't know how to do anything, we've got the popular kids who draw everything good so everyone sucks their dick for brownie points, and we've got the people who scarily fit every furry stereotype, we've got the people like me who don't really give a fuck about the fandom and do it for shits and giggles, and we've got those kids who are regular on te site, kids who are new and don't even have a lolsona, you know.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? N/A.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? N/A.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? N/A.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?Well yeah. Everyone kinda excepts everyone on the internet as long as they share similar interests.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? No. No no no.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? get your dick out of your pants

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)): Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White
4. What country/state do you live in? Las Vegas, NV
5. How old are you IRL? 20
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I wish to own a partial one at least. I just think it would be cool to own one after my fursona is, well permanaent. It would be pretty cool to go to a con with it too :3
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? "Do I beleive that most people know what we really are?" No. Some people fit the steretype but hardly what the general public beleives.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? To me it seems most people connect furs with being sexual deviants. Now is their a sexual aspect to the community, yes, but that's with EVERY type of community. Ours is just liked to be poked and laughed at because fursuits are involved. That or they think it's completely connected with beastiality, which it seems most of the community is offended when that's even mentioned.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? My friend who got me into the fandom told me this, "It's what you make of it." Well for me I feel more comfortable with myself and the people around me. I see a slightly spiritual aspect to it, I truely see Shadow as apart of myself. As well as I see myself connected to animals more then humans.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? A few that I can think of. 1. It's not usual to see anyone walk around in a fursuit, anywhere unless it's disney land. Now some find it cute others find it scary. 2. The art of it all is usually amazing, but not to many people will show off pics in the general public of a anthro wolf and anthro dragon having sex. Some might find that...odd. I cannot for the life of me think of anything else at the moment.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I kind of laughed because to me a lot of the females on here get mistaken for a male unless its bluntly stated up front, even then some don't beleive them. But generally your treated the same. I do think women are more open here then most places. But the one thing that bugs me and always will is the few that go after females yiff and RP yiff and all that. I, personally, don't like chatting like that but many still presisit.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? I personally think it is. I've seen trolls for a huge amount of things, but being gay is one that rarely pops up. At least from what I see. While socitey as a whole isn't as bad as it used to be it still has a very loud negative voice. In the world of furrys, I've never heard that kinda of negative take on it.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? In the art it's not as "popular" but no I don't think it's repressed. Sexual freedom on here is kind of a key point it seems like.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Out of the furs I know, I know mostly gay couples. So no it's not as dominant but it's not completely gone either.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. We have what we call the Popfurs, which are the popular furry artiest or just popular furs for whatever reason. But like with any group there are a few furs that hold more sway over others, I hold little because well I don't do much. But then you have the 'trolls' who have fun with poking at everything and everyone to get a rise out of the group. But it's generally the same type of issues in any other group. We just growl a bit more =p
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Easier ways to express themselves, a bit of control *choices their fursona and all that*. For me, being female, I feel more comfortable with myself and have become a bit more social.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? The community as a whole is exteremly open minded, which is one of the things I love about it. So say there's a member on here that wants to do a fundraiser for their local LGBT, most likely they'll get a massive responce on here depending what it's for. Or their spreading the word, journals on here spread faster then a wild fire. Plus this is a massive social networking site in a way, you have connetions all over the globe.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Honestly, I can't think of anything. Race or minority groups isn't to stressed on here.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Completely.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? More open minded and excepting. Here's more of an example then anything: I've seen many furs pass away, sadly. Now I've seen friends pass away as well. Both cases they needed help badly, both emotional and money wise. This fandom rises up to help so fast it make my head spin sometimes. With two very recent loses I've seen journals and many other things to help without question. Sadly, most don't do that in socity today without severly questioning it.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Not at the moment.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? : Male.

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? : Straight.

3. What is your ethnicity IRL? : Caucasian.

4. What country/state do you live in? : Illinois, United States of America.

5. How old are you IRL? : 23.

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? : No. I never have an never will. I can understand why some people do, I suppose, but to me they are just strange and in my opinion, taking an appreciation or love for anthropomorphic animals--the fantasy of it, taken too far. On the other hand, to be fair, it is not THAT much different from cosplaying a favorite anime character, or dressing up for a convention of any other kind. The weirdness of it really comes from the stereotype. The automatic reaction of many, if not most people, when they see somebody in a fursuit, tends to be "oh, they must be a pervert!" So, if the stereotype did not exist or was dis-proved, perhaps fursuits would not seem so creepy and weird.

Opinion:

1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? : Yes--but only as far as the stereotype of Canadians all saying "Eh?" in their speech, or all United-States of America citizens being fat, lazy and stupid. We are NOT all fat, lazy and stupid, but the ones who get a lot of attention in the world, or who show up in the news and are made a big deal of, usually are. We appear fat and stupid to the rest of the world, because they only see those people who are made a big deal of on TV. Not all 'furries' are perverts who like gaping buttholes, bestiality, vore, and wish they could have a gang-bang with twenty other fursuiters. We all get lumped into the same basket with those people, which is completely unfair. -- I could also describe it as being similar to calling a man with long hair gay, simply because he has long hair, or calling a woman a lesbian, simply because she wears men's clothing and has short hair.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? : See above.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? : I think it's simply the enjoyment and appreciation for anthropomorphic animals, and even more-so, an appreciation for having a community of more-or-less like-minded people, who you don't have to feel ashamed in front of, and who can commiserate with you when you have problems. There are some less-than savory people in the community, but for the most part, people get along and just have fun being themselves. I think that is what being "a furry" is all about--being part of a community.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? : Sure. It challenges sexual boundaries, societal norms concerning fashion and personal appearance, but for the most part, outside of our own circles, we are more-or-less normal people who just want to be allowed to live the way we want, without everybody acting like it impacts their own lives for us to live ours.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? : Women and men seem more openly sexual in the furry community than I see elsewhere. In many ways, however, I think that it is more because of the anonymity of the internet, than actual openness of their sexuality.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? : More acceptable? I would say yes, simply because so many homosexual people tend to find and absorb into the furry community. As people with a generally-frowned-upon interest in anthropomorphic animals, we know what it is like to be unaccepted or unwanted by society, and with the knowledge of how that feels, I believe we are more compassionate toward people with other oddities about them, such as homosexuality.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? : Sometimes, it seems that way to me, but I don't think it's heterosexuality being repressed, but homosexuality and bisexuality being more abundant than we are accustomed to seeing elsewhere.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? : I would not say that heterosexuality is dominant in the furry community, but I would say that it is still strongly present, and always will be. Our liking of anthro-animals and the rest of the furry community is not based upon our sexuality, and our sexuality is not based upon the community, either. We are what we are, regardless of whether or not we are part of any community. How open we are about our sexuality is the only thing that is based upon whatever community we are in, and how accepting it is.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. : I am not sure about the answer to this question, so I will pass on it.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? : As much as men, I would think, in that they are able to be more open about their views, their beliefs and their sexuality, where they might not be as open as they want to be, in a society which frowns upon said openness.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? : Being in a community such as this can benefit LGBT people, again, thanks to the openness and accepting nature of the community. Not everybody in the community is so accepting, but for the most part, it is easier to find acceptance from this community than it is in most others.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? : See above.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? : Welcomed by the majority of the community, yes, absolutely.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? : Acceptance of people with different views, different lifestyles, different sexual orientations... Just general acceptance of people. We are all different, but still very much the same as one-another. We're all people with feelings, hopes, dreams, regrets, fears and the basic desire to be wanted. Sexuality is just one trait out of so many others that make us all human.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? : Only that, as much as I realize it is hard to believe that not all furries are sexual deviants and perverts who have sick, disgusting sexual fantasies such as 'gaping', 'hyper', 'micro', 'multi-dick-tit-gargantuan-vaginas-enveloping-talking-dicks-made-from-other-people-who-ate-smaller-people-and-will-later-shit-them-out-philia', those fetishes and fantasies exist in people in any community. Okay, probably not that last one...*shudder*...But! My point remains valid! People all over the world have weird or even shocking sexual fantasies and fetishes. The only reason they appear so often in the furry community is that, being as accepting of people's awkwardness and oddities as we are, more people with strange fetishes tend to absorb into the furry community. The furry community does NOT -make- people this way. It is NOT part of being a furry, not in any way! Those people would have those fetishes and fantasies whether they ever became part of the furry community or not.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. I consider myself Bi or Asexual
3. White
4. Montana USA
5. 49 yep a gray muzzle we do exist.
6. I have owned one but someone needed it more than I so they took it. But having played in suits for Disney before, the joy you get to see on a childs face is the second most gratifing thing about suiting....right behind seeing the look on the parents and grand parents faces. those are priceless and you know you have brought some happiness to this other wise F up'ed world.
Opinion:
1. stereotypes of any kind are wrong. Why a person choses a life style, be it a hard core sports fan or a hard core politicial activist is their own reason.
2. Because you can never know what someone thinks or feels until you have stepped in their paw prints....er walked in their shoes, otherwise your guessing.
3. Furry is a fandom...within the fandom there are various types....just fans, or Therians (me) or Otherkin or "insert apt description here" but furry is a fandom and there are deeper meanings than just a "lable"
4. No more or less than say a sports fan does.
5. I think both are more free because most do not see themselves bound by the "norms" of society.
6. Accepted might not be the best term. I think people are more open to alternate life styles and don't judge for the most part on a life style choice. Just the whining and bitch that comes with the drama.
7. Repress? No, I think most furries are just simple open to new experiences and life styles.
8. No, not at all. I know many people who are "straignt" on the street but are bi in private life. Its more than most know about.
9. I see drama, but power struggles....maybe at conventions from the hosts, but how can there be a power struggles in a leaderless society?
10. The same as they do in real life. New friends and expanded life experiences.
11. Less critical societial bull shit frankly.
12. Minority, thats one term you generally dont hear in the fandom, because all races, religions, ethnics and sexuality are generally accepted
13. Bigots are not welcomed. Haters are not welcomed, perverts are not welcomed...other than that...the gray muzzles are generally shyed away from.
14. Yes, they might stop being such tight asses and start seeing people for the souls they are instead of stereotypes
15. The freedom of people in the community and their lack of judgemental attitudes, until drama errupts, could be enlightning to the rest of society.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. male
2. bi
3. white
4. USA, Florida
5. 23
6. yes, I'd like to either make my own, or work with a pro to add in animatronic components
Opinion:
1. not really, so far all the furries I've met in person are nice people
2. Many people either don't or refuse to understand furries. I see it much the same way with how people react to religious, gay, lesbian, black, oriental, etc people.
3. I feel it's a unique expression of individuality and imagination.
4. Yes. Sexuality is a commonly perceived part of the fandom. More so the open expression and diversity of ones and others sexuality. Long standing customs and rules of society discourage this. I am seeing more people being accepting of the fandom though.
5. Hard to say. The anonymity of the fandom online does give them more freedom. I haven't really been to a large furry gathering or con, so my experience outside of the internet for this question is negligible.
6. Yes. In extension to what is said in #4 and 5, The anonymity of the internet allows furries to more freely express their sexual identity. When they meet in person, especially if they have maintained, or established, a correspondence online, the shyness of such topics are more quickly passed by.
7. Partially. From immediate appearances, the gay portion of the community appears to be the majority. This perception can influence newcomers to the fandom into thinking that furries are primarily gay.
8. Yes. In extension to #7 and including information from the 2008 Furry Survey. Approximately 32% consider themselves straight, while about 22% consider themselves gay. While this information is dated, it is reasonable enough to assume that the numbers haven't made any drastic changes. I think one of the reasons straight furries aren't perceived as the dominant sexual orientation is that there are more vocal furries for the gay portion than there are for the straight portion.
9. Not sure how I would answer this.
10. Not sure how I would answer this.
11. There is a general acceptance to many sexual aspects in the fandom. I feel this is mostly due to the anonymity of the online communities.
12. Minorities aren't the same here as in other things. Anonymity forces a different classification of classes. In the fandom, a minority would be species of fursona or primary fetish, if we include sexual aspects of the fandom.
13. Yes.
14. Yes. Much of the fandom is in acceptance of varying sexual orientations and situations. and if not acceptance, at least some amount of tolerance.
15. Having organized 2 local furry gatherings for my area, I've learned more about the fandom. Sexual topics are generally more acceptable in public conversation, conditionally of course (wouldn't want to corrupt children ^_^). As a whole the community is very nice and understanding. We tend to get along for the most part.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White/Hispanic
4. What country/state do you live in?
Oregon, Unites States
5. How old are you IRL?
16
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
Nope! I don't own one and am not interested in getting one.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Sure. I've seen some stereotypes that are true. Not all of them of course.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Most of these stereotypes are just wrong portrayals really. I can't speak for everyone, but we aren't all perverted and we aren't all porn drawers who get turned on by the animals fucking.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Being someone who's interested in anthropomorphism, whether they're an artist or just a commissioner. I think the name "furry" is just a label that other fandoms give what I simply think should just be called "anthro".
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Of course! The community definitely questions sexually and relations with animals. I see a lot a open mindness and tolerance in these subjects specifically.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Well, from what I've seen in person where I live (and even on the internet), they're not much repressed anyway. In fact, a lot of my favorite (and, IMO, more popular) artists here are mostly female. I feel there is a sense of more freedom in the community, but then again, I'm not a female.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Hell yeah. I've seen a lot more gay couples on here than straight couples. Plus, again, this community seems very open with sexuality, too.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I don't think so. People don't seem to look down on straight people here. However, I honestly do think straight people are the minority (I'm probably wrong about that though).
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Maybe. I don't see it AS dominant as outside the community.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
I do. In terms of popularity, the more popular artists here (that I've seen) create art that depicts porn or suggestive material. I also think the more popular artists are favored for their techniques and not their concepts.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't know really. More freedom to express themselves.....?
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
For me, it helps me better understand a person's reasons for choosing to be LGBT. This community has taught me a lot about tolerance in this way! Hopefully tolerance here has benefited them, too.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
I really have no idea xD
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Of course.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
I guess. Tolerance is all I can think of. Though, I'm not sure that furries would be the best candidate for this.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
I would like to say that it's great to see so many people here who believe in gender equality! However, I think a lot people get too specific when it comes to their sexual preference. I'm not saying people don't know their sexuality, but all these different terms make things complicated for others to understand and leads to more division (of any kind really).

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Bi Female
3. White
4. US CA
5. 29
6. No

1. What stereotypes are you referring to; every one has their own perspective. Labels just get in the way.
2. Most of the time furries end up in the media it's focus is on human sexuality. It's a very limited view; played up because it's dramatic. To me saying all furry fandom dresses up in suits and humps is like saying all comic book fans just dress up as comic book characters and have sex.
3. That there is some aspect of anthropomorphism you enjoy. Maybe you just happen to like cartoons. Maybe it's just a form of entertainment.
4. A community of individuals who are free to express them self. Individuals are free to express the whole range of emotions, clothing, personalities, sexual identities, physical identities, physical and emotional identities.
5. It's hard to say. How do you know if some one is Male, Female, Transgendered, extra online or in a fur suit.
6. every thing is more excepted
7. nopers
8. traditional society is very oppressive. As such I dare say, it's hard to get a real reading. Men's gender role in society is very limited.
9. social groups form in the same fashion as any other cultural group.
10. You should ask a women. But I would submit they're more likely to have a partner that is emotional available.
11. People are free to express their identities in a sexual or non sexual way.
12. Furry art is more focus-on the output of art then the identity of an artist. The same can be said for any anonymous activity online. any advantage or disadvantage is relative.
13. yes
14. support creativity, and be more free to explore their identity

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Female

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Caucasian

4. What country/state do you live in? Arizona

5. How old are you IRL? 25

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? Sometimes I think it would be interesting, and I think I would enjoy having the opportunity to feel more like myself. On the other hand, being inside a fursuit is really encumbering, and I'm not sure it would feel the way I anticipate (like I've stepped into the correct species' skin), so I doubt I would ever spend the money on it.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? There are many stereotypes, I'm not sure which ones specifically I should address. But, the biggest ones that I've seen that ARE correct: Drama and sexuality. Almost all furries I know cause serious drama. That doesn't make them bad people, it just makes them a little hard to get along with sometimes. Also, most of the furries I've met are extremely sexual, and not too picky about who it is they get sexual gratification from. Again, not bad people because of it. Just a true stereotype. Outside the community, people tend to have stereotypes about furries being what they are because they like to have sex with animals. This stereotype I've found to be untrue in most furries. Some are into bestiality, but the large majority I've found are not.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? People are afraid of what they don't understand. While the furry community isn't prosecuted as severely as many misunderstood social groups, I do think people simply are misinformed and judge based on that misinformation. They go wrong by not trying to understand who we are and why we are what we are.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? For me, it's who I am. It's a representation of who I used to be in a past life.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Furries, by their very nature, challenge what society sees as acceptable social behavior, in the same way that homosexuality challenged it when it first came to light as a lifestyle. Recently, homosexuality has begun to be accepted by society as a normal way to live. It's a long way off from being fully accepted, but it's made significant progress. Being furry isn't just a lifestyle for many of us- for many of us, it's who we are. We cannot help but be it. Because what we are is different from what most people are, we challenge what they see as 'normal' behavior by deviating from it in how we interact with each other, how we choose our spouses, even in the noises we make to indicate happiness or sorrow.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I can't really see a difference between women's 'freedom' inside and outside the fandom. My life didn't change because I was in the furry community. I think if anything women have a tendency to be more objectified within the community than without on a general basis. The overt sexuality of the community tends to show itself by how many of the bi or heterosexual men or homosexual women treat other women.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes, I think the furry community as a whole is more accepting of homosexuality. Possibly because we understand how it is to be different, or simply because we know how intolerance feels, and don't wish to treat others that way. Most homosexual furries I've met have no qualms about letting people know they're gay, and that differs from the numbers of gay friends I have outside of the community who are out to the world.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? No. I think it's more common than most people think, actually. It's kind of rare to find married heterosexual furries inside the community, yes, but I think that has more to do with the age range and maturity level of most furries than with 'repression' of heterosexuality.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? No, I think homosexuality or bisexuality is by far more dominant inside the community.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I never knew we had a 'hierarchy', to be honest. The furries I associate with are more like a social group than a structured community. If there is a hierarchy, I haven't been a part of the areas of the community it's in. I do hear alot of furs talk about 'popu-furs', the furries that are super-famous for whatever reason, and heard them talk about hating them for dumping long-time friends in favor of new cliques, but really that just sounds to be like highschool drama all over again, so I doubt if that's what a furry hierarchy would be.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? The women that I see within the community really tend to be the same as without. I don't think being in the furry community really has any material or social benefits for women...or for anyone, really. In some ways, it actually hurts them.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? I think the furry community provides a places where LGBT individuals can feel more at home...but I also think it varies from social group to social group, how accepting those furries are. Furries are just like normal people, some can be very nasty to people they perceive as wrong. And, in a lot of ways, furries are -more- judgmental than nonfurries.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? As with women, I don't think they really benefit in any way as a group, though they may benefit individually.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Yes, from my experience I think everyone is welcome in the furry community.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Um...I don't know. I think that alot of the community still need refinement. But there are elements of the community, such as the tolerance for almost anything out of the ordinary, and the support each individual community offers to those within it, that society could benefit from.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? I've found that gender is simply not as big a deal in the furry community as it may be elsewhere. Within the furry community, the gender lines can be blurred, and pretty much everyone is okay with it, if not outright supportive of it. That's nice to see- homosexuality may have started reaching good milestones lately, but transgender and transsexual people have to fight pretty hard still for some of what is already granted to both heterosexual and homosexual people. The furry community is a decently supportive place for those people, and that's nice to see.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Straight
3. White, Half-Mexican
4. Washington
5. 18 years
6. Don't own one, kinda want one? I'd like to go to conventions in some kind of costume at any rate.
Opinion:
1. Like how yiffy-yiffy-sex-sex we are? It holds true for some furries, but not all of us, so the stereotypes are far from 100% accurate.
2. CAUSE SOME OF US AREN'T ABOUT YIFFY-YIFFY-SEX-SEX >:U
3. It means that you really enjoy anthro characters, to me.
4. I guess in a sense, some crap about bestiality.
5. I couldn't say, I think the furry fandom applies equally to everybody.
6. Again, I'd think it would accept homosexuality as equally as with non-furries, but there definitely seem to be more ambiguous orientations within the fandom.
7. Yeah, I don't see as many purely-straight people on FA as anywhere else.
8. Again, nope. Bisexuality seems to be the norm here, actually.
9. Ahahaha what? I wouldn't think so, it's not like there's a king and queen of furries or anything (except maybe Krystal, but she's a game character, so :I)
10. I wouldn't know personally, but they definitely seem to come off as sweeter/cuter in this fandom for the most part <3
11. Judging by their acceptance and prominence in the fandom, it's likely they benefit from anonymity or otherwise.
12. No clue, I actually haven't seen as many minority furries as I thought I would. On FA, I've probably only seen a handful of black people and a couple of Mexicans, going by ID's.
13. Definitely. :U
14. Mmm hard to say. The acceptance of all orientations is definitely something the rest of the world should pick up on, but otherwise, things seem to be the same as outside of the fandom.
15. There's probably too many herms and cuntboys on FA, even taking the diverse orientations into consideration. 8T Otherwise, it's all good.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? Female

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White

4. What country/state do you live in? Illinois

5. How old are you IRL? 20

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I own 2, planning on more. I'm a fursuit maker and I enjoy going to meet-ups and things of the like.

Opinion:

1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Not the vast majority of them. There are some that use this an an outlet for their fetishes, but from what I have seen and experienced, those are very far between and few and I have yet to meet anyone who participates in it this way, or at least someone who is open about it.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? A huge majority of us are not involved in this sexually. It's wrong to deny the fact that it happens in the fandom, but it's safe to say that this is not the main aspect of the fandom, and it's not as wild as media makes it out to be.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry? We use Anthropomorphic beings as an art form, creating art of many mediums, costumes, etc out of these characters of your own design. It's like many other art forms like acting, puppeteering and etc while you're in a fursuit as well. In my eyes, it's a whole diverse art-based subculture surrounding these human-like animals. It also gives you a change to bring out your inner kid at times

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? It's not every day you see people willingly step into a mascot costume or dress up as a giant fuzzy animal, or refer to themselves as a human-like animal with wild colors and features. The simplest aspects of the fandom, like having a 'fursona' already go against the norms of society.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? As a female, I never really noticed any difference outside the fandom than in.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes. In society, homosexuality is still a little taboo and not preferred, but in the fandom, everybody is accepted no matter what.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Not at all. Like I said, everyone is accepted here.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? I believe homosexuality/Bisexuality is more dominant in the fandom.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. The more popular artists and characters here are looked up to by many. But as for power struggles, not many.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? It gives women a way to sort of blend in and not be judged merely for being female.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? It gives us a place to feel accepted and normal, and its a place where it is quite easy to find others like ourselves.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Like I said with women, it gives them a place to blend in and get on the same level with everyone else.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Definitely.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Most definitely. The furry fandom is very open for the most part. Open to new people, every type of person, new ideas. It would be great if society could be more like that. This is why the fandom is such a nice place to be in my opinion.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Furries are not sexual deviants, and many, if they do participate, keep it behind closed doors and do not flaunt it. It is NOT the main aspect of the fandom, and often times, it is not right to be brought up around others.
Gender/orientation/minority equality is very present in the fandom. In this group, everyone is accepted for who they are, not what they are.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Hetero
3. White
4. USA/WA
5. 30
6. NO
Opinion:
1. NO
2. Any diverse group of people will have people that do the same things furries are stereotyped as doing.
3. I am not sure, but I believe if you feel like a furry, then you probably are a furry.
4. Not really
5. Not really
6. Not really
7. Not really
8. Not sure, not sure how dominant it is outside of the furry community
9. Not really
10. As far as I can tell no one benefits because of gender.
11. Can't say they do
12. You tend to see them before you know they are part of a minority group.
13. By the majority, they seem to be.
14. I don't really see a difference between society as a whole and the furry community.
15. Not really

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. Male
2. Straight
3. Caucasian
4. Washington
5. 24
6. No suit, suiters creep me out

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Yes, all stereotypes are based on a few individuals within their demographic.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
We're not all sex-crazed suiters.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
I am one because I've always had an animal side and, when appropriate, I like to let it out.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Only the individuals that outwardly show it, such as the suiters and lifestylers.


5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I'm not aware of any liberties the have with us that they don't have outside.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
I do. Most of us understand the consequences of being different from society's expectations. In fact many of us hide the fact that we're furries from our families/friends because we understand that we'd be treated differently.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No I don't. Why would it be? o_0

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No. Like I said before, being different from society makes you more tolerant of other differences in people.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Not that I've noticed.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?


11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
As I stated before, they're tolerated more easily because we're more aware that being different isn't a reason to discriminate.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
I interface with the furry community online, that puts an effective mask on anything that marks you as different offline.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes, I do. ...except sport hunters and poachers, most of us are against them. ;3

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
I definitely feel that the degree of tolerance we feel for each other would benefit the rest of the world. The fact that we share a societal difference gives us a feeling of unity. The world seems to have forgotten that being a human is the same thing.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Yes, I believe that many of us act within the community differently than we would in our own lives. These differences can be especially different in regards to sex and gender because we use the community to escape the norms of society and (online anyway) there are far fewer consequences to such actions. However, in real life I wouldn't be surprised if even the most promiscuous characters were actually timid virgins.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Caucasian
4. What country/state do you live in? WA State, US
5. How old are you IRL? 22
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I might, if it could be a really good one, but no not really
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
There is grains of truth there, but a lot of it comes from minorities in the furry community, or is greatly exaggerated
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Well, a lot of people seem to think that every fur is a sex addict, or gay, which is just not the case
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Ah, this one is a tough one, because the answer is different for everyone. But for me, its the dram for a better body, one that feels, right.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
It certainty does, otherwise we couldn't be considered strange by everyone, but, it dosent push it too much.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I dont know, but it think this is more of a "internet" thing than a "Furry" thing
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Certainly so, In the furry community there is a significantly higher portion of them, making us more accustomed to it, and being "Strange" ourselves, furs seem to accept them better than normal
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No, not really
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Yes
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
No, not really
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I dont think Women, in specific will get anything special from it.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Hmm, Probably more accepting of a community than many others.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Uhm, None? Except maybe finding people that are just as much of a minority, just in a different way
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
I would like to think so, and generally it seems, yes they are, but there is always exeptions
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Society is such a piece of shit, it could benefit from ideas from just about anywhere, but yeah, they could learn a little tolerance
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Well, an interesting thing to note, is perceived gender is more important than real gender, as everything is done through the internet. So, if you identify strongly as a female Character, and interact mostly "In character" Even if you are male IRL people will still identify with you as a female.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Female

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian

4. What country/state do you live in?
Illinois, US

5. How old are you IRL?
20

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I do not own one, but I've pondered the idea of one. Mainly because I'm so shy in real life, and I feel like hiding behind the mask would really help me break out of my shell and learn to be more outgoing, and not having to worry what people think of me.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
About 95% of the time not.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
It seems that mostly everyone who sees the fandom and isn't involved thinks we're a bunch of weird, sex craved lunatics. We aren't. For me, it was somewhere that I fit in without worry.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
To me it's something personal. I have two animal spirit guides, and I love the fandom can let me express that. Not that I have an animal inside my soul, per say, but at the same time...it's entirely the case. My friends and I were furs without even realizing it at first. It was just something we all connected with. Being furry means being with people who are just as 'weird' as you are. Being furry means fitting in and being happy.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
This one I think is hard for me to explain. It challenges the fact of living 'inside the box' and doing something different. If that makes sense.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I think everyone is a bit more free inside the community. We can be ourselves here.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Absolutely! We don't shun anyone for who they love, from what I see anyway.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
I don't think so. Again, we can all be ourselves here. Most of us don't judge each other for who they love.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
No. I think in terms of orientation we're equals here.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
---

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
---

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Not having to worry about being shunned, I think. This was the first place I was ever openly bisexual, and I was never shunned or told I was wrong.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
---

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Absolutely!

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance! :P

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
---

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White (Italian, Scottish)
4. What country/state do you live in? United States
5. How old are you IRL? 16
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I wish I owned one. I've always loved dressing up as characters even when I was little. To be able to be Zipp for a day is something that sounds like loads of fun!
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Only a little. There is a very small percentage of people in the fandom who fit in some way or another the stereotype. The problem is, they're the ones who show up in the media.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? I believe overall it is most definitely wrong.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? To me, being a Furry means that you have an open mind, and a great imagination.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? I think that the Furry Community challenges the expectancy to stop having such a vast and wild imagination.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I believe so. Women actually get a lot of respect and kindness in the community, because we as the community respect people for who they are, not what the world expects them to be.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Oh, most definitely! There are a loads of people in the community who are homosexual, and they are met with acceptance and love.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? I haven't seen this happen before, so I would say, from my own personal experience, no.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? From what I've seen, no. Because of how open the community is, I would say at least half of the furries I've met were a different orientation than hetero.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. No. Some of us don't get along, but the majority of us love each other and support each other. We are a family.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Like I said before, women do benefit in the community. They receive so much respect and kindness from other Furries.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? There are so many of them here, that they are commonplace in the community. They are accepted and loved for being themselves, and no one discriminates them.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? If they don't have a family, or someone to vent out to, the Furry Community is always here to help our fellow furs out with their problems. Plus, you make so many friends. I've made several that I am now very close to.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Most definitely! We don't turn anyone away for being different.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Yes. They could see a group of people who love and care for each other despite their differences. The community has built strong friendships, relationships, saved lives, has opened minds, expanded imaginations, and has shown people to just have fun and enjoy life no matter how hard things get.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Gender equality is not an issue in the community. Everyone is accepted, and we are a small community. There are only about 200,000 in the community, and that is a fairly small fanbase compared to others. We are close, and we are like a family.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? Female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Straight
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? White
4. What country/state do you live in? Texas
5. How old are you IRL? 24
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? No, but i want one.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? For the most part no... but there are stereotypes for a reason, but those ppl are few and far between.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? because ppl only go after the negative side to things when it comes to most stereotypes and i wish they wouldnt.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? that you feel more connected to animals than the average person and like to represent it in yourself.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Not that im aware of O.o (a il confused about this question)
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I feel men are more "free" but sure why not.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Yes i do and because the furry community is open to anyone and everyone and anything.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Of course not. lol and look at answer above.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? Of course.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. umm... no?
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? The benefits of being part of the furry community, no matter who you are is to be accepted for who you are and what you like.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? O.o i dont even know what that is.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? Again, like i said with the woman answer. Acceptance.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? Of course.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Of course! and like i stated before, acceptance for anyone and everyone and being tolerant. and just have fun being yourself.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? nothing that i havent stated already. lol

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender?
Male

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Straight, leaning towards bi when it comes to furries

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
Caucasian

4. What country/state do you live in?
Norway

5. How old are you IRL?
21

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
No, I do not own a fursuit. If I were to have one, it would be for simple cosplay purposes; that is: just for fun. :)

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Some, perhaps, but people differ enough to make stereotypes very hard to use, really.

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
The whole furry = bestiality or "otherkin" thing, at least. As said, people differ. Liking furry humanoids is no different than liking things like green-skinned babes from Star Trek or Na'avi from Avatar, in my humble opinion.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Whatever you make it out to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Forbidden love seems to be a theme; though not necessarily just with animals. Discrimination against groups, stereotypes, dangerous prejudices and assumptions... this comes naturally from the whole animal deal.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Perhaps, yes. I haven't really thought about it. I see both male and female artists in this "community", so I'd say they are about equal.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Eh, most furries I've seen of course accept the iffy subject of "animal sex" through the anthro characters. Homosexuality sort of comes below it on the "importance ladder"; and so yes, I believe the furry community is more lenient when it comes to that. And I mean, have you seen the amount of transgender characters, fetishes and orgies that are rather often displayed? I'm not saying that is unique to the furry fandom (because that is a separate fetish in and of itself) but I'm saying that homosexuality is almost too plain to be worried about in comparison. :)

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
It depends on each person's tastes, honestly. If you go into a gallery with a lot of gay material, then it is natural to assume that mostly gay people will flock there. Therefore, proclaimning the want for heterosexuality in such a place might lead to backlash. This goes vice-versa in straight galleries.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I honestly have no idea.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Mostly by site admins trying to control what subject matter is posted on their sites. Apart from that... can't think of any at the moment.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
Er, I dunno, really.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I was not familiar with this abbreviation, but after Googling it: I don't believe any specific group benefits from being in the fandom except the base group of "furries". I mean, maybe some of the fetishes are more common in the furry fandom, but I don't think anyone benefits beyond "we have a place to gather".

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
See above.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
The fandom is so diverse that it is impossible to say for sure. Groups seem to flock to the same groups both inside and outside the community; so if you are/accept lesbians, for example, you would stick with them. There will always be harassment both inside and outside the fandom. As said before: The only thing that unites the "furry community" is specifically the "furry" part. Apart from that it's like any other community; for example fan sites for films or video games. You may go on a video game site and talk about a game you like, but you don't necessarily "buddy" with everyone there.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Being more accepting of people's quirks and differences. If there is one thing I have learned from the internet, it is that despite outward appearances, most people are likely "normal". Where my kid self would be all "Haha, you like that?", now I instead go "Not my cup of tea, but I accept your decision." Possibly: "Tell me more". As long as no one gets harmed, I can accept most anything.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Statement 1: "As much as I like my catgirls and my orgy fantasies and my beast art... no, I am not going to rape your dog. Or your kid. Or you, for that matter."
Statement 2: "We are not all alike. Do not make assumptions about anyone or anything. View each person, each event separately."
Statement 3: "I would rather see that such a survey was not needed at all. Tolerance and equality and all that, y'know."
Statement 3: "

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Pansexual
3. 50% Mexican, 50% white mutt (Mostly Norweigian)
4. Alaska
5. 26
6. Maybe for Halloween and cons, since they're cute, but I really don't have the personality to wear one

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?/2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
Many stereotypes are derived from a grain of truth, but become less and less relevant as time goes by. Furthermore, just because a stereotype is correct for a specific individual, or even multiple people in the group the stereotype is directed at, doesn't mean the stereotype is "correct." I would say that, in accordance with the stereotype about furries being sex-crazed, that for a number of furries, sexuality is an important aspect of their lives. Whether or not this is more than non-furries, I don't know, but I would say probably not. It's only that people interested in sexuality who are also furry stand out more than people interested in sexuality but who are sexually "vanilla" otherwise.

As for other stereotypes, I don't think there's anything to them. We aren't all gay, for instance. Or the drama stereotype, for example, is probably "true", but only in the sense that furries tend to be a closer community than say, 4chan, therefore drama is going to come up more. But if the stereotype is that furries make more drama regardless of the situation, then no, that's just silly.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
To have an interest in anthropomorphic animals, and to consider yourself a "furry".

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Yes, particularly when it comes to gender. I think there is a remarkable acceptance of alternative gender behavior in the furry community, whether its alternate sexuality, transgenderism, or simply boys who are boys but like to act like girls (or the inverse).

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
In some ways yes, in others no. While I think furries are more gender-blind than non-furries, the ways in which they are not gender-blind are often unique compared to non-furries. For example, I think furries are slightly more apt to be critical of women artists who draw or depict gay men because of the sense that women do not belong in that realm. Not a criticism I agree with, but I think it's there.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Yes. While I wouldn't say that it's more widespread, I would say that people aren't afraid of showing it, which is probably why it seems so much more widespread.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Repressed? I don't think so. I would say that there is probably more discrimination against heterosexuality in the furry community (i.e., a little bit) than in the world community (i.e., none). I think because gays are so comfortable in the furry community that when they hear a heterosexual male say something minor about, say, a picture ("I wish this was a girl!"), they see it as typical anti-gay chant made worse because it's in one of the few places where being gay isn't generally a big deal. So I think the anti-hetero behavior is mostly born of oversensitivity.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
Yes, incredibly so.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
I think the biggest one is always the struggle between people who don't create, but want to be a part of the community, and the very talented artists. Being one or the other doesn't mean you want to be super popular or have a sweeping influence to the community, but as it stands, a talented artist is going to be able to be those things while someone who doesn't create isn't.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
As before, I think furries tend to be a bit more gender-blind than non-furries.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I believe they benefit from the openness and tolerance from the furry community. Though I would say transgender people face a problem here that is inherent to any community more open to transgenderism; there is the tendency to see them more as sex objects from people who are accepting of transgenderism because they think it's hot. While acceptance can be easy to find here, I think real acceptance can be more difficult to root out than outside the community.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
As a largely internet-driven community, nobody can see your ethnicity unless you show or tell it, so people are generally more willing to learn about you before they learn about your ethnicity. Also, people from all over the world can participate, bolstering diversity.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
I think most groups of people are very welcome in the community, but certain groups (more "normal" groups) are not. Straight men are probably less welcome in the community than other groups, unfortunately.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Yes, mainly the transparency of sexual orientation, transgenderism, and genderqueer behavior. These are things that are much more feared and discriminated against outside the furry community.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Another unique thing about being in the furry community is the ability to be a straight male who doesn't act like the typical straight male. There's much more freedom to act less traditionally masculine (and much less freedom to act more traditionally masculine, probably).

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Bisexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Scotch-Irish
4. What country/state do you live in? Florida
5. How old are you IRL? 26 (27 in less than a month)
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? I do, but not so much a fursuit as a motorcycle riding outfit with a custom helmet shaped like my fursona's head.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? Stereotypes are correct in the fact that like most of them, there is always a basis for the rumor that is true.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? The stereotypes don't apply to everyone and the rumors that furries are involved in satanic, sinful activities.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? "Do you like animals? Do you embrace the joy in life regardless of social stigmas that are placed on you? If you can say yes to these questions then you're a furry, whether or not you realize it."
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? I believe that furries hold some of the beliefs that most people in the world should hold to. The truth that you shouldn't care so much about what other people think about you is something that furries hold onto far stronger than most other people that say "I don't care what anyone else thinks." Furries don't put a whole lot of emphasis on what other people think about their choices. Furries are also far friendlier to strangers than most people.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? I don't think "women" specifically are more free than anyone else that lives in the furry fandom. I believe that living in the fandom gives a person a group of people that they can open up to in more than just a similarity of interests. People in the fandom are more accepting so there's a lot less judgement being made against people.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? Much like the last question, a lot of things that are socially stigmatized are more acceptable in the furry fandom because a lot of furries are victims of various stigmas of one form or another.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? I don't believe that heterosexuality is suppressed int he community as much as an openness to sexuality is promoted. I do believe that there are people within the community that believe that an openness in sexuality is almost a requirement for being a part of the community and that causes clashes with people that have more stringent limitations in their sexuality.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? I don't believe honestly, that heterosexuality is as dominant as people seem to believe it is outside of the furry community. There are far more homosexual, bisexual and non/a-sexual people in modern society than is widely believed. I personally can say with 100% certainty that I know more than a hundred people that aren't straight/heterosexual.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I wouldn't say there are power struggles inside the community but there are definitely people that hold a position of authority or prominance. Any power struggles I've seen in the furry community always seem to derive from situations that are at least in part if not wholely, based outside the community such as positions that are responsible for the operation of furry meet-ups or conventions.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? Women benefit from being in the furry community by being in situations where less emphasis is placed on any perceived weaknesses and they're not limited in their standing because of it.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? (read answer 5)
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? (read answer 5)
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? I do believe that all groups of people, regardless of involuntarily affilitation (black groups, mexicans, gays, lesbians) are welcome in the furry community. Groups where affiliation is voluntary, or labels that are the result of a choice aren't always welcome in the furry community. Not so much because of bigoted opinions, but because some of those choices are things that while they are similar to accepted labels or groups (gay/bisexual) they are voluntary (pedophiles, zoophiles) and so public opinion holds more weight with negative impact.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? (read answer 4)
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.? Nope

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
female
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Straight, and I'm happily married
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
white
4. What country/state do you live in?
USA/Oregon
5. How old are you IRL?
24
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I don't currently own one, but I do have one in the making. I think they are fun, just to dress up and go around making people smile :)

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?[/b
All stereotypes come from truth, it just so happens that the popular outlook on furries is based off of how a VERY small number of those in the fandom act/do things.
[b]2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
They are only wrong in the way that people make it out to look like thats how EVERYONE in the fandom is, and thats just not true. We dont all dress up in fursuits and have giant scritch/yiff piles
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
it means, to me, simply that you enjoy the art, the costumes, anthropamorphic animals, or the "care free" lifestyle" that seems to be common though the fandom.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
I think it challanges all of them. There is no "normal" really, and what people tend to see as normal just does not seem to pertain to any of the furries or atleast most of them).
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
not at all. As one of the females in the fandom I feel there is alot more pressure. You are almost expected to either be a subby pet, a slutty whore, or very butch. Seeing as the majority of furries are gay males, females are treated often with far less respect than males.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
yes, because about 95% of furries are homo's, so they kind of have to accept it.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Yes, mostly because most of the community is gay. Being straight you automaticly get slapped with titles such as "breeder" and other things like that. Its almost to a point of being looked down upon.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
no
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
Yes, because every sub-group in the community, every click, they all have the more dominant personalities that tend to be in controll of the majority of the group, and if you get those people from different groups together there is clashing.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
We don't, we get treated alot of times like the weaker sex, the gay's have a tendancy of being fearful of our breasts, and we are just generally looked down upon because we don't have a penis.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
no idea what LGBT means
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
minorities and majorities are all treated as equals from what I've seen.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Still don't know what LGBT is, but pretty much aytype of person is welcome in the fandom in one way or another.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
probably mostly from the openness

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Also, I hope you let us know how your project goes. ^.^ Would love to know. :p

I'll try to post the powerpoint, but this is primarily an oral presentation so you may not get the full report X3

It's all good. I just meant like let us know how your class takes your report on furries. Like if they asked a lot of questions, if there were any bashers and what not. I wasn't expecting you to re-report your project to us. X3

Ah well~ I don't expect any bashing because it is something that they know very little about except what CIA did =p I'll let you know though~

Awesome. :P I can't wait to see how it goes :P

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Pansexual (or Bi)
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? white, non-Hispanic
4. What country/state do you live in? ME, USA
5. How old are you IRL? 23
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? No, Ya, I would like to experience going to a con in one.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way? That would depend, but I believe that some parts are yes.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong? Not all furries are fursuiters, and not all furries are sexual deviants.
3. What do you think it means to be a furry? To enjoy the animalistic side of our senses to the fullest, to have a somewhat primal feel in our hearts and minds. To want to be an animal that we are not currently
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how? Definitely, we area for one, a proud group who is willing to stand up for what we believe in, and for the most part are quite accepting of just about everyone.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways? ?
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways? yes, were all a little quirkie one way or another, so we all have that common ground, even if we're straight as an arrow, or curved as a chain.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why? Not at all, in fact I know quite a few hetero couples in the community. I used to be part of one.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community? No, it's more of an even field i would say.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them. I haven't seen any, well besides the BDSM ones of course, lol.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community? They have the same benefits as men, we are all able to be who we want to be, and in turn, make an image of what we can strive to become.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community? see above
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community? ditto
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community? YES!
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be? Acceptance of our true animal nature, and realization that we may have intelegence, but were only a few strands of double helix pairs away from other animals.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? Hetero
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? Irish/Jewish/Lithuanian/Austrian/Acadian
4. What country/state do you live in? USA/MN
5. How old are you IRL? 28
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?

No. Yes. I dunno, that's hard to articulate. I want to express the way I feel my personality looks.


1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?

Yes. Some of you people are weird perverts. Just like me.


2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?

Not enough diapers.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?

Bananarama.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?

I think furry is really just an outgrowth of most cultures' expression of certain traits as associated with various creatures. In terms of what it challenges, furry is far more inclusive than most societies or sub-cultures--just about anything goes. Don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of narrow-mined prick and control freaks in the fandom, but most people just ignore them and do their thing.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?

What does that even mean? I'm not a misogynist so I'm not accustomed to treating women any differently than I treat anyone else.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?

Yes, because people can express themselves within the fandom in ways that they might feel uncomfortable doing so elsewhere.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?

Not really. I think that some folks are a bit too sensitive about their own gender's naughtybits.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?

Yes and no, it depends on the context. I'd say that homo/pan/asexual furs often get more attention--both positive and negative, solicited and unsolicited--but by and large I'd say heteros still make up the majority.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.

Don't ever cross Uncle Kage or Freehaven. But seriously, the fandom thrives on drama, so this sort of thing is endemic.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?

Extra mammaries?

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?

Sparkledogs.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?

Wait, what? I think that'd take a whole study in and of itself. The fandom is a sub-culture of sub-cultures.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?

Redundant, but yes.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?

Eh, I'd say the furry community is a reflection of our society. There's a bit more tolerance, but that's balanced by trolls and other attention whores.

15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?

Needs more goo.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific))
Male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
White European
4. What country/state do you live in?
New Zealand
5. How old are you IRL?
17
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I do not own a fursuit, but would like to. I think they are fun and cool, and I feel kind of naked when my furry friends are suiting and I am not. Also, it is a way for me to express myself, via my fursonas.
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
Not really.
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
As with most alternative cultures, people only hear the loudest voices, thanks to the media and human nature (it's more interesting with scandal).
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
To consider yourself a part of the furry fandom. What being a part of the fandom means is totally up to the individual. For me, it is having a fursona and strong interest in furry culture.
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Nothing is a given. When I click on another persons FA account, I don't assume them to be straight, to have a traditional job, to do anything I may assume if I clicked on a random persons facebook page.
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
I don't think woman are oppressed outside it, although this may be due to lack of personal experiences and the fact that I am a very docile and open person.
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
People within the furry fandom are generally more open welcoming individuals than the general public (close minded individuals would and do not participate or endorse our culture), so yes, it is far more accepted in our community.
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
No? I don't see how it could be? Homosexuality would have to be the dominant social norm for this to ever occur.
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I think heterosexuality is less common in the fandom than outside. As people are generally more open within the fandom, it is not often used by closed mind heterosexuals to dominate other sexualities.
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
No.
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I cannot comment, I am not a woman. As far as I can tell, there would be no benefits specifically for women.
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
They can interact with more open welcoming individuals than one would generally find outside the fandom.
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Again, they benefit by being able to interact with more open welcoming individuals than one would generally find outside the fandom.
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
I think they are more welcome. Biggots still exist.
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Society could benefit from observing the openness and tolerance found in many subcultures, including that of the furry community.
15. Do you have any other comments on the furry community relevant to sex, sexuality, gender, gender equality, etc.?
Within the community there seems to be a different make up of sexual orientations.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

i hope this info helps.

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)):
Female

2. What is your IRL sexual orientation?
Bisexual

3. What is your ethnicity IRL?
New Zealander

4. What country/state do you live in?
New Zealand.

5. How old are you IRL?
22

6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why?
I'm in the process of making my own fursuit as well as one for my fiance.

Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
No

2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
I believe that most stereotypes of any kind blow things out of proportion. They focus on one aspect of what they have heard and then it just kind of snowballs from there. Like most stereotypes, the ones about furries tend to focus more on the negative side of things and so furries in general gain a bad reputation, even though most of us are respectable people with steady jobs with good educations, or are even simply still studying (whether in high school or tertiary). However, most people don't want to look at that and since the only information they are gathering is through stereotypes, they think it is fact and tell others, adding their own embellishments and so it goes from there.

3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
Having an anthropromophic character that you use to represent yourself/your personalities/ideals. However, it is also a personal choice and if you choose to consider yourself a furry then you are, but if you don't and still associate with the fandom, then that's cool too.

4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
Depends how you look at it. Here in N.Z. it doesn't really challenge the norms of society. We come from all parts of society and alot of us are just regular people with most of us having regular jobs (there are a few of course who don't. i myself am an animator, which by no stretch is 'regular' in terms of the general populace). Perhaps overseas where societies ideals are not as open about sexuality and liking different things from the bulk of people, the furry community might challenge the norms of society, but I can't really say for sure as I haven't experienced much of overseas travel.

5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
Depends on the culture of the country the women are from. Here, we're pretty much the same as what the guys are. I mean, we give as good as we take, if not more. At our meet ups and cons, girls are treated in just the same way as guys, in the games we play, meals, drinking, etc. But NZ culture is like that. I grew up playing rugby and in the dirt with my brother and as an adult, I still have more guy friends, than I do girl friends. On the internet side of the community, however, I believe women have more freedom. It is easier for women to hide and pretend that they are male, but a lot of the more advanced (? that is probably not the best word, but it's the only one I can think of at the moment) artistic talents are women and that perhaps makes them a bit more free. It certainly gives them a bit more influence. It's hard for me to judge this, even though I'm female myself, as it kind of depends on the culture you're from and the tolerance that you grew up with.

6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
Overall, generally, yes I believe it is more acceptable inside the furry community. There is less ridicule over your sexual orientation inside the furry community than there is outside of it. It is not as common as what it used to be, or even amongst the older generations, but homosexuality is still made fun of. This doesn't seem to happen as much inside the fandom.

7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
Not really. Stereotypically I shouldn't even exist, but in reality I don't think it really matters.

8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I don't think any one sexuality really dominants in the way that it does in society as a whole.

9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
No.

10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
I don't think women get any specific benefits from being the furry community.

11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
Acceptance.

12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
Again, acceptance.

13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
Yes.

14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
Tolerance for others ideas and preferences.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. What is your IRL biological gender? (male, female, other (be specific)) - male
2. What is your IRL sexual orientation? - heterosexual
3. What is your ethnicity IRL? - German/French/English descendant
4. What country/state do you live in? - USA Illinois
5. How old are you IRL? - 21
6. Do you own or wish you owned a fursuit? If so, why? - would be neat I think, bringing a character that behaves in ways you normally wouldn't to life is pretty fun
Opinion:
1. Do you think stereotypes about furries are correct in any way?
they apply to some individuals but not the furry community as a whole, the same as any other stereotype with any other group of people
2. In what ways do you think they are wrong?
while they have some truth to them, a lot of them are exaggerated quite a bit
3. What do you think it means to be a furry?
it's different for each individual, I've known people to be furry for many different reasons, spirituality, toonophilia, liking animals, interest in furry art and culture, ect
4. Do you think that the furry community challenges any norms of society? Which ones and how?
I don't think so
5. Do you think women are more “free” inside the furry community? In what ways?
that would depend on the location of said women, I don't believe the furry community dictates the freedom of the individual, the local culture and laws, however, do
6. Do you think homosexuality is more acceptable inside the furry community? In what ways?
from what I can tell, furries tend to be very accepting of just about anything
7. Do you think heterosexuality is repressed inside the furry community? How and/or why?
well I haven't had any problems with it, and no one else I know has
8. Do you think heterosexuality is still as dominant as it is outside of the furry community?
I don't believe the dominance of one sexuality over another happens, everyone just seems to do their own thing
9. Do you see any kind of power struggles or hierarchies inside the furry community? Describe them.
there is somewhat of a hierarchy with popularity, the more popular artists have larger followings, more people willing to listen to what they have to say, the artists also tend to outshine the musicians and the writers
10. In what ways, if any, do women benefit from being in the furry community?
well it can be a big self esteem booster
11. In what ways, if any, do LGBT benefit from being in the furry community?
I'd have to say it can be a pretty good self esteem booster
12. In what ways, if any, do minority groups benefit from being in the furry community?
well if you have low self esteem furries are pretty good about raising it
13. Do you think all groups of people, such as women or LGBT, are welcome in the furry community?
anyone's welcome
14. Do you think that society as a whole could benefit from any ideals found in the furry community? What might they be?
unity

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Wow, Timber! How did you manage to get so many people to answer this survey? That's awesome! Anyway, here are my answers, although they seem a lot less relevant now that so many other people have made theirs...

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Gay
3. White British
4. England
5. 18, nearly 19
6. No, they're creepy... look at those dead, soulless, never moving eyes...

Opinion:
1. The stereotypes that furries are sex obsessed and are masters of creating and participating in drama? I'd say yes, in my experience... just look at how much people argue on FA and WC, and look at how much explicit furry artwork is favoured.

2. I'm sure there are many incorrect stereotypes about furries, but the only one I can think of right now is that they are all zoophiles, which is of course wrong.

3. I don't really feel anything spiritual about being a furry, although I would certainly like to be my character IRL, which is why I enjoy roleplaying as him - I think roleplaying as myself would be very boring. But I know I'm not actually a cat, I am a human. To me, being a furry means that I like things with anthropomorphic animal characters... artwork, stories, games, films, books etc, and that I like to partake in the community - most of my friends are furries, and they tend to be a lot kinder and more open-minded than non-furries. They also tend to share similar interests to me, for example, you'll find that a lot of furries are into computers and video games, and other geeky things. Despite the vocal minority giving the furry community a bad name, I absolutely love being a part of it, it's one of the few groups of people where I feel welcome, and accepted for who I am. It's become a big part of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I remember I used to attend art therapy sessions, and if I were drawing something involving me, it would always involve my character, not the real me. The teacher-type person commented that it seemed like a type of escapism, and maybe that's what it is - we enjoy imagining ourselves as these characters as a way of forgetting about the doldrums of everyday life for a little while.
Maybe that is why some people enjoy fursuits, they help them feel closer to being their character. I should mention however that there is a misconception that you need to have a fursuit in order to be a furry, which is completely wrong! In fact, only a very small percentage of furries actually have one.

4. I do think so, yes. Even in today's society, it would probably not be acceptable to be open about one's more unusual quirks, sexual or otherwise, or depending on where you live, even your sexuality. But in the furry community people can be open about such things, and most of the time they will be accepted by others.

5. I think in our society these days, sexism against women is nearly universally frowned upon, so I wouldn't say they're more "free" in the furry community. But thinking about the social norms thing, maybe usually women wouldn't be expected to write or draw erotic things, whereas that's no big deal at all in this community.

6. I believe so, yes. Even if being gay is accepted where you are, chances are at least a few people are going to give you crap for it, whereas I've only seen that happen very very occasionally in the furry community, and when it did, everyone else would heavily criticise the person being homophobic. I think it's because there are an unusually high amount of gay furries, and while there have been theories on why this is, I don't think anyone's really worked it out for certain.

7. I don't think that is the case, no. I know that unfortunately you have encountered some heterophobia within the furry community, but I think this is because, as I said, there are a lot of gay people in it, and they may well be bitter about the homophobia they have suffered outside of the community. I'm not saying this justifies their actions in any ways, two wrongs do not make a right, and the scales should not be tipped too far the other way, but that is why I think that is. I do see a lot of straight furries and furry art even despite the high volume of gay stuff, so that is why I do not think it is repressed.

8. I do not think so - outside of the furry community, unless you're in an LGBT one, the majority of people you see tend to be straight. Whereas with furries, I'd say... roughly about 70% of them are gay or bisexual.

9. As in pretty much any community, yeah, I do. You often see popular artists talking down to people they don't deem worthy of their time, although lately I have been seeing a pleasing trend where they will always try to communicate with their fans. The FA and WC staff also infamously have some rather big issues...

10. As I mentioned earlier, women may be more free from social norms in the furry community, but other than that, I'd say they benefit just as much as men do.

11. I think that LGBT people are far more likely to be accepted in the furry community and they won't be discriminated against, so they benefit a lot from being in it.

12. Minority groups are also more likely to be accepted in the furry community, though there will always be trolls to make fun of them, but from what I've seen, they tend to be pretty good at shrugging them off.

13. I most certainly do think that, yeah!

14. I think that society could benefit from the tolerance and openness of the furry community. Just because something is weird and/or unusual, does not necessarily mean it is bad, and I think it would be great if more people realised that.

15. Not really! I think I've said everything that I wanted to. I would most definitely like to thank Timber for making this survey though, I really enjoyed writing answers for it, and it was a great way for me to collect my thoughts from five years of being a part of the furry fandom, and put them down to words! Thank you, Timmy! I hope my answers are helpful for you, and like VK, I love you!

Oh, I also wanna mention that I know a furry guy that has homophobic views, but he always keeps them to himself and he has plenty of gay friends! I think that's fantastic - if you can't change the way you feel about such things, then you should just make sure you don't impose those views on others. I really respect him for that, and I absolutely think more people should do that!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/

Demographics:
1. Male
2. Bisexual
3. Caucasian
4. America (Washington State)
5. 20
6. Not in their current form, they're too cartoony and... restraining from what I gather. Maybe if they didn't look like freakin' mascot outfits.
Opinion:
1. There is a large demographic of furries that are oversexual or antisocial, so in a way yeah.
2. Every fandom has some people that deviate from the cliches, so it's only natural that furries are included in this law of nature.
3. Having a large interest in anthropomorphised animals, whether that be a sexual interest or not.
4. Yes I do, the sexual fetishism of the fandom goes against morals, ethics, and even common sense depending on how you view it.
5. I'm not sure I understand the question.
6. Yes. Because furries are so accepting of various fetishes, who's to say you're "not allowed" to be gay? Being gay is a much less deviant form of sexual deviance.
7. Not at all. Furries are accepting sexuality so heterosexuality being repressed isn't very viable in the community.
8. Not to the same degree, but yes.
9. Other than the usual drama? No. But you know when someone turns into a greedy pig is when they start making "adoptables".
10. None that I can think of.
11. General acceptance.
12. None that I can think of.
13. Unless they're a neonazi or a very narrow minded person, yes.
14. Acceptance of sexual fetishism and sexual orientation. Maybe showing a little respect for the real animals too, but this might be secondary.
15. Simple solution to any bias: DON'T HATE. And if you do, don't express it in any form. All it'll do is cause anger and never ending arguments for either side. Save your breath for something more important than "This guy likes it up the ass! I have to express to the world that he's a lesser person than I!"

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3381979/