ZA Furries: A Story of the Furry Fandom in South Africa

[Rakuen Growlithe]

Here is the video from my talk at Eurofurence 22.

Learn about the history of the furry fandom in South Africa by following Rakuen Growlithe's experiences and the founding and growth of the South African furry forum, ZA Furries.

Have you ever wondered how other people have joined the furry fandom? Or what it is like in different countries? Although [adjective][species] covered a number of "foreign" furry fandoms in a series of articles, it did not include South Africa. This talk is an opportunity to learn about how the furry fandom developed in an isolated corner of the world.

We will follow the fandom's history through two perspectives. First, following Rakuen Growlithe's discovery of the furry fandom and growing involvement and, second, the formation and growth of ZA Furries, the South African furry forum. You will learn what you have in common with furs from South Africa, what's different, the challenges of holding a furry convention, what causes problems for websites and how the fandom is starting to influence the rest of the furry world.

The slides are available here: https://puu.sh/qVWYX/0a6140f946.pdf

[Adagio]

Zen is from South Africa????

Well! That was quite good! I enjoyed it!

[Galahad]

I watched most of your presentation. I believe you gave a very good portrayal of South Africa in general, including the fandom. A point I particularly found relevant in my situation was your acknowledging the university protests. (I must admit I chuckled when you initially said P.W Botha won a Nobel Peace prize... Fortunately, you corrected yourself. ) Yet, of course, you also showed the positive side of South Africa.

"Porn got me into furry." Not many can say that with a straight (pun unintended) face, but everyone chuckled mostly because I doubt you are the only one who had such an introduction to it.

You also touched on the racial makeup dsparity of the furries - how we are overwhelmingly white, and you mentioned that it ties in with the income inequality. I agree, and would also wager that cultural difference is a significant factor. Those of that class with a stronger affinity for tradition might see anthro animals as something superstitious. There is also the fact that it is overwhelmingly white in itself - no-one likes feeling like a total foreigner when joining something.

I could go on, but I do not want my message to be overbearing. Overall, an excellent and interesting presentation.

[Franky]

You mentioned me!

lel

Though it was a good panel.

[Rakuen Growlithe]

Thank you all the comments! I wasn't sure how many people would actually watch this. Didn't think too many would care about the history of furry fandoms. I guess it's a bit more interesting when it's your own community though.

Zen is from South Africa????

Yup. Though he has almost no involvement with the local community. :/

I must admit I chuckled when you initially said P.W Botha won a Nobel Peace prize... Fortunately, you corrected yourself.

Yeah... I'm still embarrassed about that slip up. But that's the risk of live presentations. Mistakes get out and there's nothing you can do.

You mentioned me!

I mentioned lots of people. There are many good furs here. ^^