Below are some words about just a few of our members—we have over 150 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.
Besides hosting our panel or handing out masks and tests, you’ll also find me DJing and fursuiting at con!
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’s cohosted the Covid Safe Furs panel with Yatchi at BLFC and AFC!
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.
I’m Shetani (she/her), and I joined Covid Safe Furs because I wanted to learn how to best keep myself and my loved ones safe. Covid is still a major global concern, and based on the government’s reaction, I believe it’s now our duty to come together and pick up the slack as a community. When events in my area chose to stop accommodating disabled folks, I refused to accept this. I joined the staff of a furry events organization in order to enact change where possible, ensuring the fantastic resources and policies put together by Yatchi and the rest of Covid Safe Furs would help protect a wider swath of the community than my lone voice and paws can reach. Some of the actions I take include distributing masks, Covid tests, and Covid Safe Furs materials at public events; performing community outreach with other groups; and hosting the Covid Safe Furs panel at conventions. I live with people who are disabled, and I keep a high level of caution when I’m in any kind of indoor or crowded public space, so you’ll see me wearing my N95 for pretty much everything—working out, going to my job, spending time with friends, running conventions, and fursuiting!
My name is Pepper. I write code and make music sometimes. I’m a totally blind furry with loved ones who are immunocompromised, and I want to help keep people healthy.