Sexuality Information

Furvert: Part 1 in an Investigative Series of Obscure Sexual Fetishes


Borne of the science fiction and fantasy fan scene, the subculture of Furry fandom is a thriving genre in the fetish world.

We're not talking here of 'plushies', those who fetishise stuffed 'plush' animals like teddy bears. Nor are we referring to the Furries who enjoy a non-sexual devotion to cartoon animals from comic books and animated TV shows. Instead, we are looking at Furverts, the label given to people who sexualise their cartoon characters.

The Furvert scene emerged in the 1980s and, in the main, Furvert activity deals with creating or collecting illustrations of imaginary furry characters and/or role-playing in online sites like multi-user dungeons (MUD's) and other interactive fan sites.

The crucial feature of furry fandom is the anthropomorphic nature of the characters. That is, fictional animals with human traits such as walking on two feet, talking and wearing clothes. If we imagine an eroticised version of Little Red Riding Hood, where the wolf walks and talks in a human fashion, and then move on from the vicarious into role-play and sexual activity, we are very close to understanding the enjoyment of the Furvert.

Some Furries scorn the adult material and activity, claiming that it gives Furry fandom a bad reputation. This is somewhat understandable given that much of the origin of a Furverts enjoyment is in material aimed at children.

However, that is to misunderstand the subculture. Whilst many furry fans are adults who enjoy themes that are considered unsuitable for children, Furvert activity is not about paedophile behaviour. To outsiders, the combination of childhood imagery and sexuality can be disturbing but Furverts have no interest in sex with children. It is about "grown up" childhood dreams and fantasies.

As well as engaging in cybersex, for the serious Furvert there are furry summer camps and conventions, where people interact with other Furverts in role, sometimes in homemade costumes known as fursuits. Interestingly, a very high percentage of the Furvert scene is comprised of gay men. Some consider this the case because one of the original convention organizers was a gay man who promoted it to the general gay community. But, there has long been an affinity between some gay men and Disney animated movies and characters. And it should also be noted that creative costuming and performing are more acceptable among men in the gay community than in the straight community.

Increasingly, Furverts are beginning to explore BDSM scenarios and BDSM fantasies, particularly pony play, where the anthropomorphic nature of furry fandom is contradicted to the extent that it is the human taking on animal traits. However, the use of bondage and other sado-masochistic behaviours in this more extreme fetish does not reflect the Furvert subculture in general. To your average Furvert the sexualised cartoon character is enough and, despite the media focus on the more extreme aspects of furry sexuality, the wealth of material reflecting this shows that not all Furverts are engaging in furry cybersex or running through the hills in their favourite Disney costume, regardless of the highly entertaining mental image that conjures up.

Claire Gaskin is a social researcher and co-founder of two successful dating sites: http://www.fetish-mate.com and http://www.music-mate.com


MORE RESOURCES:

The Money Times

The WSJ weighs in on abstinence pledges
Columbia Journalism Review - 8 hours ago
By Katia Bachko Studies about teen sexuality are irresistible media bait, and for good reason: parents are interested because they’re worried about their ...
Ellen Goodman: American teens and sex International Herald Tribune
Media Misinterpreted Study On Teen Virginity Pledges, WSJ Opinion ... Medical News Today (press release)
Like a Virgin: The Press Take on Teenage Sex Wall Street Journal
Tampabay.com - Medical News Today (press release)
all 65 news articles


"Seduction" Surveys Sexuality in Fashion
Fashion Wire Daily (subscription), NY - 6 hours ago
The old adage of that which is concealed can be more alluring than what is revealed is just one of the classic tropes about the role of sexuality in fashion ...


LGB youth less healthy if parents reject their sexuality
Out & About, TN - 7 hours ago
"For the first time, research has established a predictive link between specific, negative family reactions to their child's sexual orientation and serious ...


Examiner.com

Sexuality in 'Sally Forth'?
Examiner.com - 10 hours ago
When CBS broadcast "Swingtown" last summer - all about the spouse-swapping sexual revolution of the 1970s - the decision was met with raised eyebrows and ...


MTV.com

Aubrey O'Day Opens Up About Her Sexuality: 'I Think It's Funny ...
MTV.com - Jan 6, 2009
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias Aubrey O'Day certainly doesn't mind courting controversy, particularly with regard to her sexuality. ...
Aubrey O'Day Speaks About Her Sexuality Examiner.com
all 43 news articles


A 60-Year-Old Woman With Sexual Difficulties
Journal of American Medical Association (subscription), IL - Jan 6, 2009
In a Clinical Crossroads article published in February 2007, 1 Jennifer E. Potter, MD, discussed the impact of menopause on female sexuality, ...


Malaysia Star

Pleasure hotspots
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 49 minutes ago
Have cultures changed and has the world become more open-minded about sex and sexuality? Dr Whipple’s response is surprising. “In the West, we aren’t really ...


Times Online

Film clips
River Forest Leaves, IL - 13 hours ago
Rated R for some scenes of sexuality and nudity. Director Sam Mendes didn't do much to make a case for suburban living in "American Beauty," but here he ...
Our critics recommend... Philadelphia Inquirer
all 437 news articles


Is Sexual Harassment Overplayed?
Culture11, VA - Jan 6, 2009
By Ericka Andersen XX Factor has got an interesting conversation going on about sexual harassment in the workplace — specifically the restaurant business. ...


ScienceBlogs

Rejecting Homosexual Children Results in Disastrous Health ...
ScienceBlogs - 12 hours ago
Attitudes and perceptions about homosexuality are, not surprisingly, a source of denialism as certain overvalued ideas about sexuality are being challenged ...

Sexuality - Google News

home | site map
© 2006