37C3 - From Hacker to Furry - Why cat ears are just the beginning

Discover the surprising connections between hacking and furry fandom with Cheetah's personal journey, exploring themes of self-expression, identity, and creativity in this unique and misunderstood community.

Key takeaways
  • Furries are a subculture that involves dressing up in costumes and anthropomorphic animal suits.
  • The community has a strong focus on self-expression and identity.
  • Furry Muck is a online community where users can create their own avatars and engage in role-playing and chat.
  • The speaker, Cheetah, became involved in the furry community after being part of the early computer community in the 1990s.
  • Cheetah’s experiences as a furry include attending conventions, making art and music, and engaging in online communities.
  • The speaker notes that there are many misconceptions about furries and that they are often misunderstood.
  • Furry art and music can be found online and in convention events.
  • The speaker has met people who have transitioned to their desired gender and are proud of their identity.
  • Cheetah notes that the furry community has evolved over time and is no longer just about fursonas, but also about creativity and self-expression.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of being true to oneself and finding one’s identity in the furry community.
  • There is a focus on inclusivity and diversity within the furry community.
  • Furry culture has influenced technology, including the development of virtual reality (VR) chat and online platforms.
  • Cheetah believes that furries are not just about costumes and anthropomorphic animals, but about creativity, self-expression, and identity.