So I may be completely off base here. But not so long ago I had read a story somewhere on this world wide web, I believe it was a editorial piece. Cant for the life of me remember where i found it. but i do remember the gist of the piece. It simply boils down to the authors thought of Furries shouldn't "come out of the costume closet" and that Furry Pride is generally a silly thing. Based on the fact that they don't see other fandom's(sci-fi, anime and so forth) doing the same types of things. This is where it pretty much falls down for me. I know I am Furry, I know that the good things I see come out of the community make me proud to be a part of it. I know this fandom like so many others has its very deep rooted sub-culture. I know of several Star trek fans that have life size recreations of the bridge of a star ship in their basement and they go to conventions and role play and such. As I have seen since finding the Furry Fandom it is very dynamic and ever changing. We have role(cos)-players, professional performers, scientists, Computer programmers, fursuiters, fans, authors, musicians, just about a true culture inside of our own. So it seems to me if you want to tell your friends and such your furry and are proud of it go ahead and tell them. If you do not wish to do this then that is fine to. It just makes sense that a fandom that gives it membership young or old the family feeling when you are with your close friends and are welcomed into the community by nearly everyone you meet at conventions, furmeets, etc. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion and the way they do things. But this is all I have to say about that. Thank you for reading and any input you have is welcome. Now if you will excuse me i have to go close the door on the costume closet so nothing falls out.