Cosplaying ‘furries’ in colourful costumes speak out while gathering at Harbour City Fur Con

Hundreds of furry fanatics have descended on Sydney as part of the fascinating ‘furry’ fan culture’s largest annual gathering down under.

The Harbour City Fur Con convention acts as the headline event for the furry community, which sees people splash thousands on custom-made cartoon-inspired animal suits.

However despite their animalistic appearance, while in costume furries retain their ability to speak and walk on two legs while exhibiting human mannerisms and intelligence. 

Over the past three decades the craze has gripped thousands of superfans across the globe with Fur Con expected to host 200 cos players from as far afield as the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Netherlands.

Hundreds of furry fanatics have descended on Sydney as part of the fascinating ‘furry’ fan culture’s largest annual gathering down under

The Harbour City Fur Con convention acts as the headline event for the furry community, which sees people splash thousands on custom-made cartoon-inspired animal suits

The Harbour City Fur Con convention acts as the headline event for the furry community, which sees people splash thousands on custom-made cartoon-inspired animal suits

Over the past three decades the craze has gripped thousands of superfans across the globe with Fur Con expected to host cos players from as far afield as the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Netherlands

Over the past three decades the craze has gripped thousands of superfans across the globe with Fur Con expected to host cos players from as far afield as the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Netherlands

On the agenda for the sold out event is a slew of furry-centric activities which are sure to appease fanatics, including discussion panels, live furry performances a fursuit walk and a 'dedicated hotel room party floor'

On the agenda for the sold out event is a slew of furry-centric activities which are sure to appease fanatics, including discussion panels, live furry performances a fursuit walk and a ‘dedicated hotel room party floor’

On the agenda for the sold out event is a slew of furry-centric activities which are sure to appease fanatics, including discussion panels, live furry performances a fursuit walk and a ‘dedicated hotel room party floor’.

For Elrico Cattaneo from Canberra the hobby is a platform for people with a unique interest to congregate and enjoy normal activities. 

‘Being a furry is really just about a bunch of people who get together to hang out, play video games or have a drink,’ he told news.com.au.

But according to his friend James Marshall, the furry community provides a space for a group of individuals he didn’t know existed.

‘I reckon every furry in Australia thinks the same thing when they realise it. You think you’re the only furry in Australia,’ he said. ‘Then you realise you’re not.’ 

However, despite the seemingly harmless fun, since its inception rumours have continued to swirl about the often secretive world created by the fandom’s devotees.

Common accusations include claims of wild orgies where furries engage in sexual acts with one another while donning their flamboyant suits. 

And the extent of the rumours are sure to be put to the test this weekend, which will see the year’s largest gathering of furries in the Southern Hemisphere.  

Despite the seemingly harmless fun, since its inception, rumours have continued to swirl about the often secretive world created by the fandom's devotees

Despite the seemingly harmless fun, since its inception, rumours have continued to swirl about the often secretive world created by the fandom’s devotees

The extent of the rumours are sure to be put to the test this weekend, which will see the year's largest gathering of furries in the Southern Hemisphere

The extent of the rumours are sure to be put to the test this weekend, which will see the year’s largest gathering of furries in the Southern Hemisphere

On the convention's official website, attendees are encouraged to stay in a specially reserved section of the conference's hotel for 'easy socialising between hotel rooms'

On the convention’s official website, attendees are encouraged to stay in a specially reserved section of the conference’s hotel for ‘easy socialising between hotel rooms’

While many find fulfillment simply from the dress up aspect of the craze, for others its sexual component is an integral part of being a furry

While many find fulfillment simply from the dress up aspect of the craze, for others its sexual component is an integral part of being a furry

On the convention’s official website, attendees are encouraged to stay in a specially reserved section of the conference’s hotel for ‘easy socialising between hotel rooms.’   

While many find fulfillment simply from the dress up aspect of the craze, for others its sexual component is an integral part of being a furry.

Although sexual attraction to furry characters continues to be a polarising issue in the community, one survey found that 96.3 per cent of male participants admitted to viewing furry pornography – compared to 78.3 per cent of females. 

Additionally, another US study revealed 33 per cent of respondents answered that they have a ‘significant sexual interest in furry’, another 46 per cent stated they have a ‘minor sexual interest’. 

In fact, it’s estimated nearly fifty per cent of all furries are in a relationship with someone else who too enjoys the alluring hobby. 

But for their $95 ticket price, fanatics are after more than just sex. 

Fur Con’s ‘NEO-TOKYO’ theme representing ‘future, technology and what it means to be human’ is perhaps even more prevalent for the hoards of devotees who have found human connection in a thoroughly animalistic fashion.

Although sexual attraction to furry characters continues to be a polarising issue in the community, one survey found that 96.3 per cent of male participants admitted to viewing furry pornography - compared to 78.3 per cent of females

Although sexual attraction to furry characters continues to be a polarising issue in the community, one survey found that 96.3 per cent of male participants admitted to viewing furry pornography – compared to 78.3 per cent of females

Fur Con's 'NEO-TOKYO' theme representing 'future, technology and what it means to be human' is perhaps even more prevalent for the hoards of devotees who have found human connection in a thoroughly animalistic fashion

Fur Con’s ‘NEO-TOKYO’ theme representing ‘future, technology and what it means to be human’ is perhaps even more prevalent for the hoards of devotees who have found human connection in a thoroughly animalistic fashion



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