At Risk? A Critical Reflection on Youth that Identify as Furries in South Africa

Abstract

Youth is a broad developmental age-range, marked by contextual and behavioural risk factors. Marginalised youth cohorts may be additionally at risk. International studies indicate that “furries,” briefly defined by their interest in anthropomorphic animals, may be one such cohort. However, little is currently known about furries in the South African context. Using the social identity approach as a theoretical underpinning, this article draws on research that formed part of a broader master’s dissertation mixed-methods study. Firstly, using quantitative analysis, this article presents the demographic prototype of furries collected from 98 furries by means of the “ZA Fuzzbutts SFW” group chat on Telegram and the “ZA Furries” online forum. This demographic profile provides the first empirical data to map a prototypical profile of the South African furry. Secondly, the article uses qualitative data to explore the risks of bullying and discrimination that this predominately youth cohort is subjected to, with specific focus on the occurrence of bias-based bullying. The study found that the prototypical South African furry is a 25-year-old white, non-heterosexual male who has completed high school, has at least some tertiary education, and is employed. Furries in South Africa also appeared to be bullied more in high school than their peers. While evidence showed that discrimination against furries exists in South Africa, it did not appear to be a primary factor in bullying.