Digging into the psychology of Anthrocon

Pittsburgh's premiere furry convention, Anthrocon, kicks off this Thursday and a record-breaking 15,500 are expected to attend this year's event. Duquesne University's Elizabeth Fein joined us to talk more about Anthrocon.

[@Construct_the_protogen]

It's so nice to see news channels being nice to us. I just wish that I was going to be able to go to anthrocon 2024.

[@DrawnbyaDog]

I love how EVERY Pittsburgh news video on furries is so nice and respectful, Pittsburgh really is pure home 🥰❤

[@davidellis4084]

Sixty-one and furry since 1973 (Robin Hood).

[@VeraExora]

God damn it, Disney xD

[@Garnfolf]

Been in the fandom for almost 2 years, and this person really did a great job at explaining what furries are

[@dinosaysrawr]

Yay Dr. Fein! Yay FURSCIENCE!

[@lizinacan151]

Thank you all for being so kind and respectful to furries!!!

[@M-zg9lu]

She channeled the spirit of Jerma 4:41

[@CxHavok]

Unexpected Jerma

[@ie-8193]

Very well put together and clearly explained by a clear and honest communication. All questions were answered appropriately. 👍

[@RellisLCT]

this is super interesting. i didn't know there were people actually researching the furry culture seriously and the ways it has a positive impact on people and their identity. super cool.

[@bobhill3941]

Fantastic interview, concise, professional, and respectful. I've never seen this analytical side and it's fascinating. This answers questions for me because I got into the fandom as a natural extention of anthropomorphic animal cartoons and movies. Wolves are my favourite animal and I was always drawing anthropomorphic ones and I have lots of books on them. I love the professional artwork and suits and the people I met couldn't have been friendlier or more inclusive. I had a few friends growing up and I socialized, gym, but mostly I was focused on school because it was so hard and I mostly liked to do my own thing.

[@sharkyfish3492]

Interesting, mostly I am still part of the community due to the long last relationships I have made, and continue to hold dear in the fandom. This community has been part of me for over 20 years, from the days of the fandom starting off as collage parties (like D and D). As we progress in life (age wise) the relationships we still hold become more important to us. Knowing I can still meet with my friends, I have known for over 20 years, makes getting old less painful. Humans are still social critters and need the interaction of others in our niche. Maintaining these older relations (swapping stories and sharing age related pains) is a necessity as a natural part of aging process. Meeting new members, sharing with them the “war” stories and lessons I have learned of the community. Watching them enter with the same energy and enthusiasm I once had, helps me age more grateful

[@ChesterRingtail]

Awwww, reading that, makes me sad and happy at the same time, I wasn't around for the beginning, I've been in the fandom along time, it's like a painful nostalgia looking back, [and ive always been super into the history], but it's beautiful at the same time. I hope you always find happiness!

[@Xandyer]

Dang this is surprisingly good

[@Twenty20kmusic]

This is everything.

[@farij_the_black_wolf]

I'm a furry from indonesia

[@ShaydTheDragon]

What are furries

[@Mae_Renneburg]

Shayd we are LITERALLY in the same server.

[@goldenwolf8081]

Fans of anthropomorphic animals with human characteristics.

[@PUSHURT3MPRR]

@@Mae_Renneburgthey're joking 💀 look at their vids

[@Mae_Renneburg]

@@PUSHURT3MPRR I already knew that. I was referring to the Anthrocon discord server that we are both in.

[@bookgirlny8511]

I’m surprised they didn’t ask if this was a sex thing. 🤷‍♀️

[@TwitchDrawz]

Cause we’ve moved past that by now

[@bobnspace]

Cuz it's not

[@erich84502ify]

😂😅don't show this on MSNBC