politics Archives

Let’s talk about X. Formerly known as Twitter, the platform has become a shadow of what it once was under the leadership of Elon Musk. For those of us in the furry fandom — a community built on the principles of diversity, inclusion, and creativity — the ethical concerns surrounding X should give us pause. It’s time to ask ourselves: is staying on a platform that actively enables hate speech, antisemitism, and the erosion of democratic norms really aligned with our values?

The Problem with X

We’ve all seen the headlines. Elon Musk’s tenure at X has been marked by a series of alarming decisions that have turned the platform into a breeding ground for hate and disinformation. Hate speech on X has skyrocketed by 50% since Musk took over, and neo-Nazis are now brazenly running paid ads without consequence. This isn’t just a coincidence — it’s a direct result of Musk’s leadership and his apparent willingness to platform extremism for profit and political gain.

Musk’s actions extend far beyond X. His involvement in government contracts, his unconstitutional power grabs, and his access to sensitive federal data raise serious questions about his influence and intentions. This is a man who has joked about the Holocaust, made Nazi-themed puns, and openly supported the dismantling of government agencies without oversight. His actions are not just irresponsible — they’re dangerous.

Why Are We Still Here?

I’ve spoken to many in the furry fandom who are still on X, and their reasons are understandable. Some have spent years building a following, creating content, and fostering connections. Leaving X feels like starting over, and that’s a daunting prospect. Others stay because it’s convenient—they’ve grown accustomed to the platform, and the idea of migrating elsewhere feels like too much work.

When we log onto X, scroll through our timelines, and interact with content, it’s easy to tell ourselves that we’re just passive participants. We’re not buying X Premium, we’re not clicking on ads, and we’re not engaging with the worst elements of the platform. Surely, we think, our presence doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. But this is a dangerous illusion. Staying on X isn’t a neutral act—it’s an implicit endorsement of Elon Musk’s agenda and the toxic ecosystem he’s cultivated.

Every time you post a “tweet,” like a post, or follow an account, you’re contributing to X’s user metrics. These metrics are the lifeblood of the platform. They’re what Musk uses to attract advertisers, secure partnerships, and project an image of legitimacy. Even if you’re not directly giving Musk money, your activity on the platform helps him maintain the illusion that X is a thriving, vibrant community worth investing in.

Think about it: advertisers don’t just look at raw user numbers — they look at engagement. They want to see likes, retweets, and comments. They want to know that people are actively using the platform. By staying on X and continuing to engage, you’re helping Musk sell the idea that X is a viable space for brands to spend their money. And in doing so, you’re indirectly funding a platform that has become a haven for hate speech, disinformation, and extremism.

Musk’s strategy relies heavily on maintaining a veneer of normalcy. He wants the world to believe that X is just another social media platform, no different from the others. But it’s not. Under his leadership, X has become a place where antisemitism, racism, and bigotry are not just tolerated—they’re amplified.

By staying on X, you’re helping to normalize this behavior. Your presence sends a message that this kind of platform is acceptable, that it’s just another place to hang out online. But it’s not. It’s a platform that actively harms marginalized communities and undermines the values of diversity and inclusion that so many of us hold dear.

The Furry Fandom Deserves Better

As members of the furry fandom, we have a responsibility to stand up for our values. Our community is built on a foundation of love, acceptance, and creativity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, and we’ve worked hard to create spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Staying on X — a platform that actively undermines these values — is a betrayal of everything we stand for.

It’s not enough to simply disapprove of Musk’s actions or to quietly distance ourselves from the worst elements of the platform. If we want to live up to our ideals, we need to take a stand. That means leaving X behind and migrating to platforms that align with our values.

We deserve better. Our art, our stories, and our community deserve to thrive on platforms that align with our values. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Platforms like Mastodon and, Bluesky offer spaces where we can connect, share, and grow without compromising our ethics. Yes, migrating might mean starting over in some ways, but it also means taking a stand for what we believe in.

A Call to Action

Leaving X isn’t just about abandoning a platform — it’s about reclaiming our values and refusing to be complicit in Musk’s harmful agenda. It’s about saying no to hate speech, no to antisemitism, and no to the erosion of democratic norms. It’s about showing the world that the furry fandom stands for something greater.

If you’re worried about losing your followers or your content, consider this: the connections we’ve made in the fandom are stronger than any algorithm. Our community is built on genuine relationships, not follower counts. And as for your content, it’s never too late to start fresh. Share your art, your stories, and your ideas on platforms that deserve them.

The furry fandom has always been a beacon of creativity and inclusivity. Let’s not tarnish that legacy by staying on a platform that undermines everything we stand for. It’s time to leave X behind and embrace a future where our values come first.

Together, we can build a better, more ethical online space—one that truly reflects the heart and soul of the furry fandom.

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

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?

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.