I've never had that problem in school or life because no one knows and I am the person who explains it. My friends who knew what it was don't care about it(we actually joke around about it; negative jokes, but funny nonetheless).

None of my friends are 'that' ignorant(if they are ignorant, that is) to pull something like this.

The ones who did ask me if I had sex with animals discerned the truth after my explaining it to them.

Would it not become obvious you are one after explaining so much to people? At least you have an opportunity to educate people. I can't because no one wants to hear it.

No one wants to hear it because they are close-minded individuals and it will more than likely get them nowhere...

this is why I don't wish school even upon my worst enemies

other students are chronically cruel. about everything different.

i'm 'out' about being furry with most adults in my life and have only encountered curiosity and fascination from my friends and colleagues.

be strong.

Adults are generally more intelligent than students, in the respect that they find it interesting by listening to you explain why it is great. Most students promote promote their first impression without realizing they're listening to bias. Thanks though.

Lol, the fuck?

Even some people at work know I'm a furry... I don't really ever use the word or say "I'm a furry" but they know. There are a few people there who know about the fandom (well know through media) and I just tell them that I'm not really into the adult side of it.... I've never gotten guff about it from anybody!

I'd just ignore him or say something along the lines of 'clearly you don't know about the subculture' and leave it at that. It's just someone fishing for a rise outta ya!

I dunno really.
I tell everyone I know. Even my boss knows.
They laugh sometimes and some people even like it and some even search for pictures of me when they should be working cuz I make it sound fun.

People in school are silly. They don't have a firm grasp of reality yet.
You might just have to deal with it for now.

And remember, the more taboo you treat it, the more taboo everyone else will treat it.
Acting like you have something to hide will give them a reason to be suspicious that you are taking part in something wrong.

As for activists... well... I won't go here because I would be burned at the stake.
I will just say this: They are looking for someone to beat into submission with their message. It is their purpose so if they can't find someone that is actually hurting animals then they will look for the next best thing.

If you need me to talk to anyone to help them understand then just let me know.

Good luck *hugs*

Kind of agree with not being so quiet about it. Maybe I'll do that... thanks. ^^

It's sometimes hard to tell who has decided they want to make fun and who is actually interested.
I try my best to only share with the ones that don't yet know what to think.
And really at that point it's just a matter of sharing the things that you really enjoy about the furry fandom.
Like "I like the furry community because they are really kind to me and I really like the cartoon furry artwork. It reminds me of some of my favorite shows as a kid like bugs bunny and has inspired me to create my own character ^.^"

That's just a personal experience from me but I'm sure you have plenty of your own reasons of why you are into the furry culture :3

Just keep in mind that most people don't use furry terms. A lot of people don't even know what furry is so when they use Google... they may think it means you have sex with animals. Yes it is stupid and no you may not be able to change their minds. They may be lost at that age. It's sad but it's true. They still need experience to realize their ignorance and still some of them will live a pathetic judgmental life.

Don't let this bother you though. I met someone that seemed to be interested in making fun of me all the time then for some reason he calmed down one day and seemed to not want to hurt anyone anymore. People change. It might not be while you know them but some day they could be less judgmental ^.^

Anyway, just share the good things. People will like you for it. The ones that don't... well, they just don't understand.

Thanks for all the information. Yes, I only share it with those close to me, and it's obvious why. Majority of those who hear it say it's weird at first but think it's pretty neat after a while.

People do exactly that - use the internet. That's why most individuals who know tend to take a long time (a year) to realize what this actually is.

It's not bothering me anymore. I stop caring about insults after a while anyway. It's hard to actually let negativity sink in because I simply can't care about it. Thanks.

Welcome *gives you fluffy hugs* :3