Today, I want to address the recent policy changes by FurAffinity (FA) that have left our community feeling marginalized and unwelcome. While their stance is disappointing, it’s sadly not surprising, given their lack of engagement with our community.
FurAffinity recently updated their content policies, explicitly targeting AB/DL and babyfur content. Their actions are based on a demonstrably flawed premise: that age-regressed adult characters are equivalent to minors, and therefore, such content sexualizes minors. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of our community and the content we create.
Despite babyfur content creators explicitly stating that the characters depicted in their work are over the age of 18, their content has been removed and their accounts suspended. The appeals process has proven to be largely ineffective, with little to no progress being made in reinstating wrongfully banned accounts.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this situation is FurAffinity’s insistence on equating fictional artwork and fantasies with real-life sexual assault and exploitation. This conflation is not only misguided but also harmful to our community. It stigmatizes our content and delegitimizes our voices in discussions about these policies.
FurAffinity’s policies seem to be in a state of constant flux, with the goalposts for what is acceptable content continually moving. This lack of consistency creates the perception that FA can never be satisfied, and that their policies are arbitrary and capricious. Moreover, this opens the door to further scrutiny of other fetishes they deem “problematic,” creating a slippery slope that is a byproduct of poor site management.
FurAffinity has made a poor attempt to diagnose the intent of AB/DL and babyfur content creators. Instead of making assumptions, they have every opportunity to engage in open dialogue with our community. If they were to ask us about our intentions, we would tell them unequivocally that we categorically reject the use of minor characters in any babyfur content of a sexual nature.
Our community is built on consent, respect, and the clear differentiation between fantasy and reality. FurAffinity’s failure to understand this, and their unwillingness to engage in meaningful conversation, has led us to this impasse.
What’s particularly frustrating is FurAffinity’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with the AB/DL and babyfur communities. They’ve made no credible attempts to understand our content or work with us to find a mutually agreeable solution. This lack of engagement has left us with little recourse but to consider other platforms.
The new rules restrict and censor the types of art and stories that our community can share on their platform. This is a clear step backwards for a site that once prided itself on being a haven for all types of expression within the furry fandom.
The Impact on Our Community
These policy changes have had a significant negative impact on our community. Here’s why:
- Marginalization: Once again, we find ourselves in a position where we have to defend our community from being marginalized by one of the largest furry institutions online. Members of the babyfur community have reported receiving an uptick of harassment and threats from furries outside of their community as a result of FA’s revised policies and enforcement.
- Livelihoods at Stake: For many artists, their FurAffinity accounts are tied to their livelihoods. Losing access to their audience and commissions on the platform can have serious financial repercussions.
- Lack of Acknowledgment: There has been no clear acknowledgment by FA staff of the harm these policies are causing. Our concerns and appeals seem to be falling on deaf ears.
The Impact
These policy changes send a clear message: AB/DL and babyfur content is not welcome on FurAffinity. This is a slap in the face to all the creators who have spent years building their audiences and communities on the platform. It’s also a loss for the wider furry fandom, which thrives on diversity and inclusivity.
What Can We Do?
Given FurAffinity’s unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue, I urge all AB/DL and babyfur content creators to consider leaving the platform. We deserve to be in spaces where our work is valued and respected, not censored and shunned.
Here are a few alternatives where you can submit your content:
- SoFurry: A furry art site with a more inclusive content policy.
- Personal Websites and Blogs: Consider starting your own website or blog. This gives you full control over your content and presentation (i.e. Crinkle Cat Tales)
- Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Bluesky, Telegram and Mastodon can be a great way to connect with your audience directly.
Looking Ahead
Leaving FurAffinity may seem daunting, but remember, our community is resilient. We’ve faced adversity before and have always found new spaces to thrive. This is an opportunity for us to come together, support each other, and create new homes for our content.
Let’s not dwell on FurAffinity’s disappointing policies. Instead, let’s focus on building a brighter future for the AB/DL and babyfur communities.
Stay crinkly, my friends.