Ahhhh~ I got approved for 2 of my panel ideas. Granted, I only applied for them, but JR is so supportive and friendly I am so glad that I decided to go this route. For anyone who is interested, these are the two panel abstracts. There will also be a Meet-and-Greet with me so that I can introduce myself, define my intentions, and let people get a feel off me before I ask/talk about touchy subjects.

Totemic Furs, Animism, & Spirituality
An overview of animism, totemic practice, and a discussion of animal reverance in various cultural traditions around the world. Discuss several case studies of individual furries own spiritual beliefs, and then open the floor up to some discussion about what spirituality is to the attendees, how or why it is important to them, and how they express themselves spiritually. If there is time, there will also be conversation in regards to how spiritual identity relates to their fursona. Attendees are encouraged to approach this panel with an open mind and the area will be considered a 'safe space' for the duration of the panel discussion.

This panel is acting as one part of a required internship credit for the hostess' Bachelor's of the Arts in Cultural Anthropology. There will be handouts, contact information given, and voluntary surveys to fill out and return to Heather by the end of Megaplex 10.

Paracosms, Identity, & Role-playing
A prepared discussion regarding the concept of paracosm, that will highlight and explain the contemporary studies surrounding the idea of 'long term playing pretend' and the relevant topics therein to the furry fandom and enthusists alike. The topics will range from identity and how anthropomorphication to the identity of an individual can be both benefitial and detrimental, how role-playing is a necessary skill for being successful in a social realm and can also grant entertainment value, the importance of cultural relativity and keeping an open mind, and ultimately how these concepts keep us sane. There will be a focus on the idea of characterization versus identity modification, with regards to perception of the individual furry. Attendees are encouraged to approach this panel with an open mind and the area will be considered a 'safe space' for the duration of the panel discussion.

This panel is acting as one part of a required internship credit for the hostess' Bachelor's of the Arts in Cultural Anthropology. There will be handouts, contact information given, and voluntary surveys to fill out and return to Heather by the end of Megaplex 10.

I highly encourage anyone curious to come to the panel! It will be fun. I just hope I do not overlap with anything of the main events. >__<