You ever just stop and wonder why you became a furry? Your childhood cartoons may be the reason! In this panel, Codes will analyze the history of animation and cartoons while explaining how it manages to somehow tie into the development of many furries and how it continues to shape the lives of many in the fandom!
Tales of dog-headed people (cynocephali) are widespread in European literature and culture, but they and their significance have varied wildly across time and space. Join Tofte to learn about some of the Classical and Medieval traditions associated with cynocephali and how they came to embody fascination, justice, piety, and terror.
Hiya! My name is Tofte, a.k.a. Christopher Polt — I'm an alpaca and a professor of Classical Studies who has taught at UNC–Chapel Hill, Carleton College, USF–Tampa, and currently Boston College. I specialize in Latin poetry, Roman entertainment and spectacle, anthropomorphic... Read More →
Saturday July 5, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT DLCC 407
"Hello, I'm Wren the ferret! I'm a Naturalist from Indiana, and I'd love to introduce you all to the wonderful world of mustelids! During the presentation, we will discuss interesting facts and information about this mischievous group of little fuzzy mammals. While also covering the basic knowledge of what it means to be a mustelid and how they affect our local ecosystems."
There is a new generation of artists in the furry community – wildly experimental, in conversation with both the fandom and the art world, and critically engaged with the queer possibilities of lives lived in-between the real and the virtual. We’ve invited these artists back to our room, for a group experience that is wholly our own. “Room Party” is an exhibition of work by over 50 contemporary furry artists, running June 6th – July 18th July at Bunker Projects in Pittsburgh. Join the curators (Lane Linecum, Brett Hanover, Paul Peng, and Cass Dickenson) and artists (panel participants TBD) for a look behind the scenes at the development of this exciting show! What does it take to put on a large-scale group art show? What happens when furries invade the fine art world? What’s next for furry art, and why does it matter now? Why is there a pile of plushies in the white cube? All your artsy-fartsy questions will be answered!
Auryn is a filmmaker whose work explores neurodiversity, queer virtual communities, and transformation. Their films have been exhibited at venues including the SXSW Film Festival, Anthology Film Archives, Cinémathèque Française, and many cons and DIY spaces. Their hybrid documentaty... Read More →
Have you ever felt like being around others is awkward because you have to 'play a role' that isn't you? Have you ever felt like some part(s) of you that are longing to be expressed, but can't safely be shown to others? Have you felt 'wrong' or 'broken' in your body, identity, or sense of self? This is a panel about finding authenticity. It will discuss ways to do this, through several lenses common in the fandom, such as gender, neurodivergence, and disability. It is hoped that this panel will spark a discussion about finding acceptance from both others and oneself, and inspire us to be better at both seeking support and providing it for others. Through this, it is hoped that we can do better as a fandom, both for all the diverse people within it and for ourselves.
In this panel, we'll be challenging normative relationship paradigms and exploring healthier ways to approach various types of connection with others, centered around freedom, authenticity, and respect. Though I'll be speaking from a primarily non-monogamous perspective, the content will be relevant to all relationship dynamics, including non-romantic ones. Topics may include communication, handling feelings and needs, expectations, and personal autonomy. Audience questions and input encouraged!
Fang, Feather, and Fin, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to documenting furry history through interviews, blog posts on specific subjects, and an ever-growing archive of furry culture. This panel will include a presentation on current furry history research and a conversation on the challenges and rewards of doing furry history!
Hiya! My name is Tofte, a.k.a. Christopher Polt — I'm an alpaca and a professor of Classical Studies who has taught at UNC–Chapel Hill, Carleton College, USF–Tampa, and currently Boston College. I specialize in Latin poetry, Roman entertainment and spectacle, anthropomorphic... Read More →
Saturday July 5, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT DLCC 407
From the Epic of Gilgamesh to Turning Red, human to animal transformation has been a part of our culture, tradition, and stories. From early shamans and myths to folklore and fables to our modern comics and movies, there are countless stories involving transformation. Join us as we look through the common tropes and elements, the different types of werewolves and werecreatures, and the modern TF community.
Learn more about the backyard birds you love! I'll cover the most commonly seen to the seasonal migrants that bless us with their presence once or twice a year.
