Author Topic: Where are the disabled furries? (Read 6845 times)

Natura Wolf · « **on:** May 12, 2016, 12:31:34 pm »

OK firstly apologise for the title, I didn't know how best to word it in a title, so I'll explain.

From my ideals and love for furries, they tend to be known for their acceptance and lack of judgement....and sex, but anyway there is a huge feeling of being safe, loved, respected, and not judged or expected to be someone.

You see this with themes relatable to many such as sexuality, race, class, gender identity, body size difference, over weight, even introverts or anxious people, etc. its wonderful how furries relate and welcome all walks of life.

but its dawned on me I've never seen art or stories of disabled furries, such as:
- physical disability (wheelchair)
- social disability (asbergers)
- mental disability (autism)

speaking with an artist they theorised that furries desire perfection. what do you think? have you seen art of these themes? should furries push more boundaries to be more relatable

Kobuk · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2016, 12:36:50 pm »

Well, I don't know about art, but I have seen and met disabled furs at conventions, even ones in wheelchairs who have fursuited.

That's quite an accomplishment.

Lorne · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:26:45 pm »

I've got High Functioning Autism (they got rid of Asperger's in the DSM 5) and for me being a furry and the furry fandom is more a matter of not giving a damn what others think and just trying to enjoy myself, as life is generally unpleasant enough for me

I wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of people in the community that are on the spectrum or have other "disabilities" because I think it takes a certain type of mind that doesn't really care about traditional societal attitudes to pursue this kind of thing, which is great! Adds to the variety of the social strata which is always a desirable thing.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:30:48 pm »

Quote from: Lorne on May 12, 2016, 01:26:45 pm

I've got High Functioning Autism (they got rid of Asperger's in the DSM 5) and for me being a furry and the furry fandom is more a matter of not giving a damn what others think and just trying to enjoy myself, as life is generally unpleasant enough for me

I wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of people in the community that are on the spectrum or have other "disabilities" because I think it takes a certain type of mind that doesn't really care about traditional societal attitudes to pursue this kind of thing, which is great! Adds to the variety of the social strata which is always a desirable thing.

interesting, I was diagnosed as Asbergers Syndrome at youth in the UK and I am still classed as asbergic.

so I would ask them, why doesn't the furry art show this, especially if they show obesity, fender identification and other view points

Lorne · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:34:21 pm »

Probably because it's such a niche thing and they would likely fall into those other types that you mentioned fairly evenly. If we're just talking autistics as well I think their is a trend to try and blend in with the surrounding people so that might explain why there's not a lot of specific stuff related to them. Then again we could just be in the wrong place. Might find that kind of stuff on Wrong Planet, but here that's not the focus so you don't see it.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:38:19 pm »

I donno I would say asbergers is more common than gender fluidity, yet fender fluidity is showcased as more desirable. Yet both is a way of life, and in asbergers sake, its not nessisarily a bad thimg

Loc · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:44:06 pm »

Any art of my character is art of a triple amputee with autism and depression :p Doesn't that count?

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2016, 01:52:28 pm »

Quote from: Loc on May 12, 2016, 01:44:06 pm

Any art of my character is art of a triple amputee with autism and depression :p Doesn't that count?

if you feel the art reflects that rather than hiding it or showing it doesn't exist then, yes it does.
what's a triple amputee? as in a triplet or has 3 missing limbs?

Loc · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:03:28 pm »

As in missing three limbs. One arm at the shoulder and both legs at the knee.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:09:03 pm »

Quote from: Loc on May 12, 2016, 02:03:28 pm

As in missing three limbs. One arm at the shoulder and both legs at the knee.

doesn't you have replacement limbs though?

Loc · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:27:10 pm »

In most art, yes, but not in all. And they are very obviously replacements, no attempts to conceal them.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:29:25 pm »

Quote from: Loc on May 12, 2016, 02:27:10 pm

In most art, yes, but not in all. And they are very obviously replacements, no attempts to conceal them.

Ever thought of having a picture of yourself as you in all your glory?

Loc · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:32:39 pm »

... I don't understand?

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:34:08 pm »

a picture of your furry without mechanic extensions.

just as you are, nude optional as that would be a sweet personal thing for you

Loc · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:35:12 pm »

Did say above, I have art of my character without her replacement limbs.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2016, 02:39:24 pm »

apologise wasn't clear to me

Iara Warriorfeather · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2016, 09:04:01 pm »

I feel that this art does exist in some form, and I feel that writing or drawing from experience is not only incredibly liberating, but also a daunting and difficult task.

I also feel that being furry gives you an alternate life, a second skin, another side to who you are, and it may or may not reflect your entire personality, including any disabilities you may or may not have.

For some, being furry is a way of shedding your usual self and that can include thinking of yourself without any afflictions. For others, being furry is an extension of oneself as is, flaws and all.

Ancusmitis · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2016, 12:04:51 am »

deleted

Yip · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2016, 08:04:12 pm »

I think the main reason you don't see disabled anthro characters very often is because furry art is largely about fantasy and escapism. It's the same reason yiff art rarely shows any concern for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. That is, there is a tendency to leave out some of the more ugly parts of real life.

charcoal · « **Reply #19 on:** May 15, 2016, 07:16:21 am »

I have a mild case of schitsophrenia

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #20 on:** May 15, 2016, 01:01:08 pm »

Quote from: Yip on May 14, 2016, 08:04:12 pm

I think the main reason you don't see disabled anthro characters very often is because furry art is largely about fantasy and escapism. It's the same reason yiff art rarely shows any concern for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. That is, there is a tendency to leave out some of the more ugly party of real life.

I agree, I would urge to try an make furry art reach out and connect to people to. Escapism in to much moderation is as bad as any over balanced thing. I just love how accepting and welcoming furrys are, and I hope they continue to make that their priority

HazardJackal · « **Reply #21 on:** May 16, 2016, 07:14:14 pm »

I've got some issues.

Kobuk · « **Reply #22 on:** May 16, 2016, 09:30:58 pm »

I did find this.
http://www.mrinitialman.com/Gallery/Artwork/thiswasme.jpg

Old Rabbit · « **Reply #23 on:** May 19, 2016, 12:58:18 pm »

Most people would rather not see those who are disabled. That's probably
why you don't see much art or stories about them. I did a drawing of a blind
rabbit a few years back.

I made the cane too short, because I didn't know how long
to make it at the time.

It would be nice if people did think more about them.

Natura Wolf · « **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2016, 03:14:07 am »

Quote from: Old Rabbit on May 19, 2016, 12:58:18 pm

Most people would rather not see those who are disabled. That's probably
why you don't see much art or stories about them. I did a drawing of a blind
rabbit a few years back.

It would be nice if people did think more about them.

I agree, acceptance doesn't come from ignorance. I know this because I live in a town that feels indifferent to anything, granted this means there is minimal bullying etc, but at the same time you are not really supported, it makes living difficult for other reasons