Menagerie, Part I

This is my submission for the first of (hopefully many) Midway Menagerie events. If you somehow reached this page without context on what that is, I refer you to Lark's original post on the subject. With that aside, let us begin.

Fandom and Community

Goodness, where to begin? I'll say this - I have not historically been much into "fandom", as a general rule. I definitely get invested in various media - I flush somewhat remembering my time obsessed with Doctor Who, Firefly, Welcome to Night Vale, and others - but I find that this rarely manifested as the typical trappings of fandom. I didn't make much fanart or write much fanfic, I never went to any events or expos, and I rarely interfaced much with the online communities that surround these properties. I couldn't tell you exactly why this is, though I have my suspicions.

Firstly, even for media which I still feel very attached to - Steven Universe, for an example - I have very little impulse to attempt to engage with it creatively. I don't feel much ownership over these characters - I just enjoy watching them do what they do. Perhaps it's to do with my ADHD's desire for novelty - I don't want to make art of something I've seen before, especially when it's already been done so well.

Secondly, much of the fan community exists in large online spaces, which I often feel uncomfortable in. Too much information coming in at all times, too many social expectations, too much for me. I would lurk and consume what people publish, but I rarely mustered up the courage to engage with anyone. To me, these people were as unapproachable as the stars on TV, not other humans typing away at 2am because they had once again neglected sleep.

My experience with the furry fandom started out very similarly. I existed in online spaces, sure, but I never spoke up. I knew what people were talking about, but didn't feel like part of the conversation. It was only when I found out that these gay little animals in my computer actually meet up in real life and hang out that I realized what a joy it was to be part of the community. Being able to talk face to face made everything so much easier - these were no longer nebulous titans, but actual people animals with their own personality and quirks.

My reservations about making "fanart" also melted away - rather than media properties that employ highly skilled artists to create beautiful work, these are individuals who have their personal favorite guy. They'll eagerly show me their characters and be delighted when I hand them a drawing in return. I'm not comparing myself to professionals - I'm handing them the proverbial second cake.

In a way, furry is the way of engaging with fandom I didn't know I needed. It has similar aspects - the conventions, the art, the connection - but the structure is shifted just enough that everything just clicks for me. I'm not flooded by messages online, I'm not holding my art to the standards of a professional team, I'm just a part of a group of welcoming people excited about their critters. I really am delighted to have found this community, and I hope to stay for a long time to come.