Ethan Ingratta shows off a fursuit head he is in the process of finishing.

Fake fur and squishy foam are spread across the table.  The snipping of scissors can be heard underneath the chatter of friends. Animalistic foam heads sit in front of each person at various stages of construction. Chopped up rainbow fur is sprinkled all over the floor and clothes. Each person is focused on building something that feels uniquely them.

According to an article on What are ‘furries?’ Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools in The Conversation by Dr. Sharon E. Roberts published on November 7, 2022, “Furries are a group of people who formed a community — or fandom — because they have a common interest in anthropomorphic media, friendships and social inclusion.” 

Toast Richards is a 20-year-old post-secondary student that lives in Lethbridge who joined the furry community in 2019 after discovering it through the art community. They aligned with their “fursona” of a Maine Coon cat after drawing it in the ninth grade.

“I feel very connected to this character as it represents the better versions of me and my ideal version of myself in an identity way such as his confidence and silliness as I’m someone who struggles with anxiety.”

According to a story on Furries in Canadian Schools and Beyond in Contemporary Legend: University of Alberta by Gail De Vos on April 2, 2023, “About 95 per cent of furries develop their own unique avatar-like character called a fursona. The product of deep reflection, fursonas can represent idealized versions of the self that are imbued with positive characteristics, like being sociable, funny, and less anxious. Fursonas can be a safe, functional way for furries to explore who they are as people, including their gender identity and sexual orientation.” 

Dustin Morle is also a post-secondary student living in Lethbridge that joined the community in 2014 after finding fursuit unboxings and furry convention videos on YouTube. 

His pre-existing interest in drawing had led him to wanting to discover more about the community. Morle struggled with identity issues which made it difficult to establish a fursona for himself, but in 2025 landed on one that felt authentic to him.  

“As someone who has particularly struggled with gender dysphoria, having a fursona meant letting myself feel like I could control aspects of myself that gave me the confidence I wanted to interact with others.”

Richards and Morle discussed that drawing, creation of their fursonas and interacting with the furry community gave them a sense of something to belong to and express themselves in a new way. Richards shared that she has over 300 pieces of art that she created of her character as well as sculptures and a fursuit.

 “I use drawing as a pastime to relieve stress and to focus on different things and to express my feelings in ways that I don’t feel safe doing on a daily basis.”

Morle found comfort in art to explore his identity and as a way to express himself through imaginary rather than needing to provide personal context. 

“I can create art that represents me without ultimately giving up on the project due to my struggles with how I see my body.”

Both Morle and Richards were open about the connection of furries and being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Morle spoke about how his experience as a transgender person and a furry, he can present his fursona and approach his identity without having others immediately look at his gender. 

“The [furry] community has found its common ground with those who feel out of place in the world, which has also meant it can be a safe space for those looking for friendship without the fear of discrimination. People see you as a version of yourself you want to be, which can be greatly affirming to those in the LGBTQ community.”

Richards and Morle are members of Lethbridge’s furry club, LethFURidge that hosts local events for members and newcomers. In the summer, members hold a small convention where they can gather to work on their art and fursuits with each other. Throughout the year they maintain contact with one another though different social media platforms and will hold holiday parties. 

There are a lot of negative assumptions on what furries are and how they conduct themselves. Going out and talking to the community you’ll find they are genuine people that artistically express who they want to be. The LethFURidge club has a website that answers common questions about furries, as well there are many furry creators online that create content that talk about life as a furry.