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Author: Leo Hardy

Leo Hardy is a multifaceted individual known for his creative pursuits and intellectual engagements. As a published author, he has contributed significantly to the furry literature community, earning a dedicated following for his vivid storytelling and imaginative worlds. Leo is also a singer-songwriter, blending his love for music with his literary endeavors to create a unique artistic identity. Beyond his creative work, Leo is deeply involved in political discourse, offering insightful commentary and analysis as a political junkie. His expertise extends to consulting, where he provides valuable insights and strategies to various clients. Leo is a familiar face at furry conventions, regularly making appearances to connect with fans and fellow enthusiasts, further cementing his role as a prominent figure in the furry community.

Why the Furry Fandom Must Resist and Rise Against Oppression

For many of us, the Trump administration has felt like a storm cloud looming over the values we hold dear: inclusivity, creativity, and the freedom to express ourselves without fear. As furries, we’ve built a community that celebrates diversity in all its forms — species, gender, sexuality, and beyond. But right now, those very ideals are under threat.

Take LGBTQ+ rights, for example. Our fandom has long been a sanctuary for queer and trans individuals, a place where people can explore their identities freely and without judgment. Yet, under this administration, we’ve seen relentless attacks on these rights — from attempts to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military to rolling back protections against discrimination in healthcare, housing, and employment. Just recently, President Trump lashed out at a pastor for daring to plead with him to have mercy on transgender children.These actions send a clear message: that some lives are worth less than others. But in the furry fandom, we believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect.

Then there’s the environment. Many of us feel a deep connection to the natural world, whether it’s through our fursonas inspired by animals or our love for the ecosystems that sustain life on this planet. Yet the Trump administration has systematically dismantled environmental protections, from withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement to opening up protected lands for drilling and exploitation. These actions don’t just threaten the habitats of the animals we admire — they threaten the future of our planet. As a community that values creativity and imagination, we have a responsibility to fight for a world where future generations can thrive.

And let’s not forget the broader attacks on civil liberties. From the Muslim travel ban to the crackdown on protests and the militarization of police forces, this administration has consistently prioritized power and control over justice and freedom. These actions disproportionately harm communities of color, immigrants, and other marginalized groups—communities that are also part of our fandom. When we say the furry fandom is inclusive, we mean everyone. And that inclusivity is under threat.

The policies and rhetoric coming from the Trump administration and its allies are a direct affront to everything our fandom stands for. They seek to divide us, but we are stronger together. They seek to silence us, but our voices are louder when united. They seek to strip away our rights, but we will fight to protect them — not just for ourselves, but for everyone who shares our values of love, acceptance, and creativity.

This isn’t just about politics. It’s about survival. It’s about ensuring that the furry fandom remains a safe space for all, no matter who they are or where they come from. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. And it’s about proving that our community is more than just a group of people who like anthropomorphic animals — it’s a movement of compassion, resilience, and hope.

I know many of you are worried. I am too. The world feels like it’s on fire sometimes, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the challenges we’re facing. But worry alone isn’t enough. Outrage alone isn’t enough. A retweet or a hashtag might feel good in the moment — it might even make us feel like we’re part of something bigger —but it won’t stop oppressive policies or protect the most vulnerable among us.

Social media activism has its limits. Sharing a meme, retweeting a call to action, or posting a hashtag can raise awareness, but awareness alone doesn’t create change. It doesn’t sway lawmakers, it doesn’t dismantle systemic oppression, and it doesn’t protect the people who are most at risk. In fact, it can sometimes give us a false sense of accomplishment, as if we’ve done our part simply by clicking a button. But the truth is, oppressive systems don’t care about your retweets. They care about power — and the only way to counter that power is through sustained, collective action.

The 2024 presidential election was a stark reminder of this. Despite widespread outrage on social media over issues like climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial injustice, the election results showed that passive reactions weren’t enough to shift the tide. Voter suppression tactics, disinformation campaigns, and the mobilization of far-right extremists proved that the forces we’re up against are organized, relentless, and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their grip on power.

While many of us were sharing posts and memes, the opposition was knocking on doors, making phone calls, and showing up at the polls in record numbers. They were organized, they were strategic, and they were relentless. And it worked. The election results were a wake-up call: if we want to protect our rights and our communities, we can’t rely on social media alone. We have to meet their energy — and exceed it.

Now is the time to act. Now is the time to mobilize. That means getting involved in ways that go beyond the screen. It means having hard conversations with friends and family, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means donating to organizations that are on the front lines of these fights, volunteering your time, and showing up to protests and rallies. It means contacting your elected officials—not just once, but consistently—to demand accountability. And yes, it means voting, but not just in presidential elections. Local and state elections matter just as much, if not more, because they shape the policies that directly impact our daily lives.

The 2024 election proved that passive reactions aren’t enough to counter the forces of oppression. But it also proved something else: that when we come together and take meaningful action, we can make a difference. In states where grassroots organizations worked tirelessly to mobilize voters, we saw victories that protected reproductive rights, expanded access to healthcare, and defended LGBTQ+ communities. These wins didn’t happen because of retweets —they happened because people showed up.

So let’s show up. Let’s channel our worry and outrage into action. Let’s prove that our community isn’t just a place for creativity and fun — it’s a force for change. Because when we fight, we win. And when we win, we protect the values that make our fandom so special: inclusivity, compassion, and the freedom to be ourselves.

What Can We Do?

  1. Contact Your Representatives
    This is one of the most direct ways to make your voice heard. Call, email, or write to your elected officials and let them know where you stand. Demand that they protect civil rights, fight for environmental justice, and stand against bigotry. Remember, they work for us.
  2. Organize and Protest
    The furry fandom is no stranger to organizing events. Why not channel that energy into something bigger? Join or organize protests, marches, or rallies in your area. Show up for causes that matter — Black Lives Matter, climate justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Our fursuits and creativity can be powerful tools for drawing attention to these issues.
  3. Use Your Creativity for Change
    Art, writing, and storytelling are at the heart of our fandom. Use your talents to create works that inspire, educate, and mobilize. Whether it’s a comic about inclusivity, a story about resistance, or a fursuit performance that highlights social justice, your art can be a force for good.
  4. Support Marginalized Voices
    The furry fandom has always been a haven for those who feel like outsiders. Now more than ever, we need to uplift and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Listen to their experiences, amplify their voices, and stand with them in solidarity.
  5. Vote and Encourage Others to Do the Same
    Elections matter. Local, state, and national elections all have the power to shape our future. Make sure you’re registered to vote, and encourage your friends and fellow furries to do the same. If you’re not sure where to start, organizations like Vote.org can help.

Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone

This may be a hot take for some, but it’s one we need to confront if we’re serious about creating lasting change: to turn the tides, we have to leave our echo chambers. We have to step outside our comfort zones and truly understand why so many people voted for Trump, despite all the controversial things he’s said and done. This isn’t about excusing or endorsing his actions — it’s about recognizing that if we want to build a better future, we need to understand the forces that shape our present.

The 2024 presidential election made one thing abundantly clear: for many voters, this election wasn’t about social issues or cultural debates. It was about the economy. It was about inflation, the cost of living, and the daily struggles of making ends meet. Political experts and exit polls consistently highlighted that economic concerns were the driving force behind many voters’ decisions. While we in the furry fandom are often deeply invested in social and political issues like LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and freedom of expression, we can’t afford to ignore the economic realities that affect millions of Americans.

For many people, the economy isn’t an abstract concept — it’s their livelihood. It’s the price of groceries, the cost of rent, the struggle to pay medical bills, or the fear of losing a job. These are issues that hit close to home, and they often take precedence over broader cultural or ideological debates. When people feel economically insecure, they’re more likely to vote for candidates who promise stability, even if those candidates have troubling records on other issues. This isn’t to say that economic concerns justify supporting harmful policies, but it does mean we need to engage with these issues if we want to build bridges and create meaningful change.

So, what does this mean for us as a fandom? It means we need to broaden our perspective. Yes, we should absolutely fight for the social and political issues that matter to us — issues like inclusivity, creativity, and justice. But we also need to be cognizant of the economic challenges that affect so many people, including members of our own community. We need to have serious conversations about how we can collectively address these issues, not just as furries, but as citizens who care about the well-being of everyone around us.

This might look like advocating for policies that address income inequality, support workers’ rights, or make healthcare more affordable. It might mean partnering with organizations that focus on economic justice or using our creativity to highlight the struggles of working-class Americans. It might even mean having difficult conversations with people who don’t share our views, listening to their concerns, and finding common ground where we can.

The truth is, we can’t afford to live in a bubble. If we want to protect the values we hold dear—values like inclusivity, compassion, and freedom—we need to engage with the world as it is, not just as we wish it to be. That means understanding the economic anxieties that drive political decisions, even when those decisions frustrate or disappoint us. It means recognizing that change doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when we come together, across divides, to address the issues that affect us all.

So let’s challenge ourselves to think bigger. Let’s fight for the social issues that matter to us, but let’s also be mindful of the economic realities that shape our world. Let’s leave our echo chambers, listen to those who see things differently, and work toward solutions that benefit everyone. Because at the end of the day, our fandom isn’t just about creativity and fun—it’s about building a better, more inclusive world. And that’s a goal worth fighting for, on every front.

Why This Matters

Our fandom is more than just a hobby or a subculture. It’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in. It’s a space where we can be ourselves, free from judgment or fear. But that freedom isn’t guaranteed—not unless we fight for it.

The MAGA movement and the far-right thrive on division and fear. They want us to feel powerless, to believe that we can’t make a difference. But we can. Together, we can be a force of positive change. Together, we can outshine their hate with our love, our creativity, and our unwavering commitment to justice.

So let’s get to work, fuzzies. Let’s show the world what the furry fandom is truly made of. Let’s prove that we’re not just a community of artists and dreamers—we’re a community of fighters, too.

Leo Hardy is a furry author and columnist. Outside of the fandom, he is a marketing and political consultant.

Enhancing Volunteer Engagement at Furry Conventions

I want to take the opportunity to dive into the world of furry conventions and exploring how we can enhance the way we manage and communicate with volunteers. By strengthening our communication strategies, we can create more inclusive, efficient, and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

Introduction

As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but reflect on my recent experiences volunteering for a 2025 convention. I was eager to contribute to our vibrant community, so I applied to be a volunteer, got onboarded, created an account on Slack, checked my emails religiously, and responded promptly to any staff inquiries. However, as the months wore on, I found myself increasingly disillusioned by the lack of communication from department leads. I had spent countless hours working on projects that seemed to disappear into the void, with no follow-through from other volunteers.

While I understand that volunteerism isn’t a paid position and shouldn’t be as demanding as a full-time job, I firmly believe that fostering a spirit of collaboration and teamwork can significantly enhance the chances of a furry convention being successful. With that in mind, I’d like to share some observations and tips on how we can strengthen communications and better manage volunteers at furry conventions.

The Current Landscape of Convention Volunteer Management

Furry conventions rely heavily on the dedication and passion of volunteers to bring our vibrant community to life. However, through my experiences and conversations with fellow furries, I’ve identified some common challenges in volunteer management and communication:

  1. Inconsistent communication: Many volunteers express feelings of being left in the dark about their roles, schedules, and updates.
  2. Lack of clear expectations: Volunteers often have unclear instructions and responsibilities, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
  3. Ineffective feedback mechanisms: Furry conventions struggle with providing timely, constructive feedback and recognizing volunteers’ hard work.
  4. Top-down hierarchy: Con leadership often struggles with communicating in a way that empowers volunteers and fosters a sense of community.

Strengthening Communications: Tips for Organizers

To address these challenges and create a more cohesive and enjoyable experience for volunteers, consider the following communication tips:

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels

Create a centralized hub for all volunteer-related information, such as a dedicated website, forum, or Discord or Slack server. Ensure all volunteers have easy access to this platform and are given the appropriate permissions for relevant channels once they’re onboarded. This helps keep everyone in the loop and prevents important information from slipping through the cracks.

Additionally, consider organizing Zoom meetings for department orientation at the start of the planning process. This allows everyone to get to know one another within the department, fosters a sense of team spirit, and ensures all volunteers are on the same page right from the start.

2. Define Roles and Expectations

Before the furry convention, provide each volunteer with a clear job description outlining their responsibilities, expected time commitment, and any required skills or training. To better equip newly onboarded volunteers, con leadership should offer the tools and resources necessary to understand their roles and expectations. This includes granting access to relevant documentations and drive materials from previous years. Additionally, sharing feedback reports from attendees can help volunteers identify areas for improvement and build upon the successes of the previous year.

By providing these resources, you’ll help volunteers feel more prepared and confident in their roles, ultimately leading to a more efficient and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

3. Foster Two-Way Communication

Encourage open dialogue between volunteers and con leadership. Regularly solicit feedback and input from volunteers, and be receptive to their ideas and concerns. This fosters a sense of community and empowers volunteers to take ownership of their roles.

Why Social Media Information Matters

It’s crucial for volunteers to provide their social media information for several reasons:

  1. Alternative Communication Channels: If volunteers are struggling to respond to messages on Slack or other primary communication platforms, having their social media information allows con leadership to reach out to them on alternative platforms like Telegram, X/Twitter, or Facebook Messenger. This ensures that important messages and updates don’t go unnoticed.
  2. Accessibility and Comfort: Different volunteers have different preferences and comfort levels with various communication platforms. By asking for their social media information, you can gauge their availability and comfort level with discussing con activities or projects. This helps in tailoring communication strategies to better suit each volunteer’s needs.
  3. Timely Responses: If volunteers are having trouble responding at all, it’s important to ask them if there are any platforms they’re comfortable with for timely communication. This ensures that urgent matters can be addressed promptly, preventing any delays or miscommunications.

By fostering two-way communication and being flexible with communication channels, you create an environment where volunteers feel heard, valued, and supported.

4. Implement Effective Training and Onboarding

Develop a comprehensive onboarding process that familiarizes new volunteers with the furry convention’s policies, procedures, and culture. To accommodate volunteers who likely have part-time or full-time jobs, ensure that training sessions and workshops are short, fun, and engaging. Here are some tips for effective training:

  1. Keep Sessions Under an Hour: Respect volunteers’ time by keeping training sessions and workshops concise and focused. Aim for sessions that last under an hour to ensure volunteers can easily fit them into their schedules.
  2. Make It Engaging: Incorporate interactive elements, such as role-playing scenarios, group discussions, and hands-on activities, to keep volunteers engaged and excited about their roles.
  3. Provide Practical Tools: Offer practical tools and resources, such as checklists, templates, and guides, to help volunteers feel more prepared and confident in their roles.
  4. Encourage Questions and Feedback: Create a safe and supportive environment where volunteers feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and feels valued.

By implementing effective training and onboarding strategies, you’ll help volunteers feel more prepared, confident, and excited about their roles, ultimately leading to a more successful and enjoyable furry convention experience for everyone involved.

5. Recognize and Reward Volunteers

Establish a system for recognizing and rewarding volunteers’ hard work and dedication. This can include public acknowledgments, awards, or even small tokens of appreciation. By showing volunteers that their efforts are valued, you’ll foster a more positive and engaged community.

6. Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork

Promote a collaborative environment by facilitating team-building activities and encouraging volunteers to work together on projects and initiatives. This helps volunteers form strong bonds with one another and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

7. Be Approachable and Transparent

As a con leader, make yourself accessible to volunteers and maintain an open-door policy. Be transparent in your decision-making processes, and communicate changes and updates in a timely and clear manner. By fostering a culture of openness and approachability, you’ll create a more trusting and cohesive community.

Embracing Change: A Call to Action

It’s time for furry conventions to reevaluate their approach to volunteer management and communication. By implementing these tips and fostering a more inclusive, collaborative environment, we can create even more enriching and enjoyable experiences for our dedicated volunteers.

Together, let’s work towards strengthening our community and ensuring that furry conventions continue to thrive as spaces for creativity, self-expression, and camaraderie. If you’re a con organizer or volunteer with insights to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Dear Sy

Dear Sy,

I’ve never met you, but I most certainly learned a lot about you from my friends and research I’ve done online.

ConFurence, the first-ever furry convention that you co-founded, ended in 2003 when I graduated high school. In April that year, I went with a furry-curious friend and drove around the Hilton Burbank Airport & Convention Center where the convention was held. I saw people walking the streets in animal costumes and thought: My God. Who set this whole thing up? This is surreal. I think that was the first time I realized the anthropomorphic community gave people the creative license to be the animal they wanted to be; that we didn’t have to live a linear existence and remain a “human.” You helped show this bewildered, closeted 18-year-old lion that is okay to exist. You helped show me that there were others like me out there, looking for same love, support and acceptance that I yearned for.

One year later, I was introduced to a furry message board called Yiffy.net by Micah Coon. The message board included an extensive and active roleplaying section. Users posted up to 2,500-3,000 words of text to post. It was there I met a group of furries who, when I asked them, “What got you into the fandom?” they pointed to a series of articles written by someone named Sylys Sable, who wrote articles for FurVersion. I remember reading through the newsletter and realizing there was a living, breathing community that existed around the time I was born; that there was a desire to reach out and connect with others like us. You helped create a network for us to connect with a more primal version of ourselves and tap into our limitless potential as furries — as people who were accepted for embracing their sensual and feral nature without the societal inhibitions that have long kept us in a box without us ever realizing it.

This year, I will be turning 40. Having attended Further Confusion 2024, I saw several generation of furries living their most authentic lives, with their tails out, suits on and hearts open. I bore witness to unabashedly queer freedom that radiated with warmth through the con halls. Throughout the con, I thought about you and I thought about the medical trials and tribulations you’ve gone through recently. You helped pave the path for people to accept themselves. You helped pave a future for generations after us to reach a level of acceptance at a young enough age that they can enjoy a much richer existence of openness for a greater portion of their lives than we have. My generation and the generations before us struggled for years, even decades, to find the kind of peace and acceptance newer generations are able to experience in their prime. As time passes, the fandom continues to grow, and the obstacles to achieving furry self-acceptance and self-love continue to recede.

You walked for us. Now we’re running.

Sy, you literally opened your home in Garden Grove, California as a safe haven for furries to enjoy each other’s company as part of Prancing Skiltaire. Now we have conventions. Now we have outlets to communicate, to find and love each other as the creatures we always knew we were on the inside. You helped bring the animal in us to the outside world, likely saving countless lives of those who would’ve otherwise thought they were freaks and outcasts for relating with anthropomorphic creatures.

I am immensely grateful for your compassion and commitment to the furry fandom. As you make your transition to a higher plane, I want you to know how much you meant to a lot of us. You’ve certainly helped made this closeted kid’s life a little brighter by showing him he could be a proud lion who loves the diversity of his being.

Thank you. Truly.

Mark (Sy) has a long and tough road ahead. As some of you know, Sy was recently diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer and has chosen to live his remaining days at home in hospice care. Vinson, Changa, Mark and Mark’s family need your help during this difficult time. Visit his GoFundMe page and donate to help alleviate the accumulating medical expenses not covered by his insurance. If you’re unable to donate, please share the page on social media and spread the word.

Welcome to My Den!

Thank you for visiting the official website for Leo Hardy. My name is Leo. Check out my author bio to learn more about me! All my books are listed in the Books section. Got a question for me? Check out my FAQ page. For up-to-the-minute updates and musings, subscribe to my Substack page. And if you want to hang out and say hi, head on over to my Telegram channel where I post updates and conversation starters.

This website will feature more general updates.

That’s all for now!