Below are some words about just a few of our members—we have 70+ Covid-conscious furries in our Telegram chat!
My name is yatchi (he/him). I've been maintaining a high level of caution ever since the start of the pandemic in 2020, but as restrictions began lifting and masks began coming off—in spite of Covid only becoming more entrenched—I found myself feeling increasingly alone and isolated. I despaired that I would have to choose between protecting my health or being able to participate in the fandom I love.
But as conventions returned, I continued to see furs talking about Covid issues online, especially those who worked in science, and I discovered furries organizing events that prioritized Covid safety. I came to realize that I wasn't as alone as I thought: there are a ton of furs who still care and are willing to learn and help each other stay safe. All we'd have to do is connect with each other, so that's why I started Covid Safe Furs.
Events I have attended since the beginning of the pandemic include Stratosfur (Houston), Tail (Long Beach), UwU (Los Angeles), MAW (Arcadia), GSFC (Los Angeles), LVFC (Las Vegas), BLFC (Reno), and ANW (Seattle). Apart from hosting the Covid Safe Furs panel, I've also performed as a DJ at many of these!
An extra special shout-out goes to GBFM and MSFM (LA/OC), who began organizing vaccine-required outdoor meets in 2022—I'm so glad to have met everyone there.
The art of me is by my fellow hyena Scout Pawfoot!
Juni (he/him or they/them) (B.S. Microbiology, Rutgers University, 2019) has 7 years of lab research experience in microbiology and molecular biology. In 2020, he worked on RT-qPCR COVID-19 test development! Juni and his loved ones are at high risk for severe complications from Covid, so he wears an N95 daily at work and other crowded indoor settings. He cohosted the Covid Safe Furs panel with Yatchi at BLFC 2023!
And my name is JJ Wolverine—I think Covid is a serious and ongoing health issue that we should continue to address. I have lost friends and family to Covid, and even now (in 2024) i have loved ones suffering from long Covid, which is both severe and common. I believe that simple, common sense mitigations like ventilation and masks can help reduce harm while we support the science to beat this terrible disease.