I’m about to step through the doors of BabyFurCon, a convention I would’ve never imagined attending when I joined the AB/DL (Adult Baby/Diaper Lover) community in 1997. A wave of nostalgia and belonging is washing over me, and the con hasn’t even started yet.
Over the past two decades, I’ve witnessed the AB/DL community evolve from a small, tightly-knit group into a diverse, global network. BabyFurCon (“BFC”) is a testament to this growth, offering a safe and welcoming space for individuals to express their unique identities and connect with like-minded people. As a con volunteer, there is only so much I can say about what the con will specifically entail. But what I can say is that the connections we foster in this safe space will be affirming in many unique ways.
BabyFurCon is about embracing a side of ourselves that society often misunderstands. Here, we can regress to a simpler time, free from the pressures of adulthood, and indulge in the comfort and security that age play provides. Personally, I’m not an ageplayer, but I derive enjoyment from the AB/DL experience that definitely makes me feel comfortable and complete.
The convention is a whirlwind of activities—from workshops and panels to play spaces and social events. I will be hosting two of them, in fact! But each moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and forge lasting friendships. The shared experiences and acceptance at BabyFurCon create a bond among attendees that transcends the event itself.
My Connection to the Community
For me, BabyFurCon is a deeply personal experience. It became even more of one when I lost my mother this year.
My mother and I used to be close when I was younger, but we grew estranged once I reached adulthood. While I can say that I had a childhood, I look back at it and see a blur. I have a nice collection of fun memories, but I was riddled with a lot of social anxiety and disassociation.
I was bullied so often at school and got caught in so much drama related to it that one day, I decided I didn’t want to be a kid anymore. I wanted to be an adult, so I hung out and interacted with people older than me — oftentimes twice my age. I related to them more than I did with others from my generation. I wanted to “grow up” so badly that I never truly felt what it was like to be an actual kid.
And when I was older and had enough wherewithal and personal autonomy to figure out what made me happy, I discovered the AB/DL community. Back in the wild, wild west days of the Internet, I came across online communities, newsgroups and message boards that made me think: I like the gist of this, but can it be a little less creepy?
Fast forward to 2024, nearly thirty years later, and now we have various avenues and platforms for people like us to express ourselves in safer environments we have control over. Now we have our own convention? That’s amazing!
The Conclusion
BFC gives me a chance to reflect on my journey within the AB/DL community, to celebrate the strides we’ve made, and to look forward to the future. It’s a reminder that I am not alone, that my experiences and feelings are valid, and that there is a community out there that understands and accepts me unconditionally.
The AB/DL community is a beacon of support and understanding in a world that often stigmatizes our preferences. BabyFurCon amplifies this support, offering a sanctuary where we can be our authentic selves without fear of judgment. It’s a place where friendships are forged, memories are made, and lives are changed.
If you’re part of the AB/DL community, whether you’ve been involved since the ’90s or are just discovering this aspect of yourself, I encourage you to join the conversation. Share your experiences, your hopes, and your fears. Together, we can continue to build a community that is inclusive, supportive, and proud.