Furry Weekend Atlanta (FWA) 2025 was a big convention for me — my first out-of-state convention in nearly twenty years and my first time leaving California in almost thirty. As I hit the big 4-0, I wanted this trip to be a milestone, a memory to cherish. Spoiler alert: it was everything I hoped for and more, even if the con itself had a few… let’s call them learning opportunities.
A Rocky Start at FWA 2025
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: FWA 2025 had some serious organizational hiccups. The virtual queue system felt like it was thrown together at the last minute, leaving attendees confused and frustrated. Event locations were poorly communicated, and it seemed like the staff were still grappling with the same logistical hotel issues from the previous year. As someone who’s been to my fair share of cons, I know running a furry convention is no small feat, but FWA has some homework to do for next year.
That said, the magic of a con isn’t just in the schedule or the signage — it’s in the people. And oh, did my crew make this experience shine.
The Power of Chosen Family
What turned FWA 2025 into a highlight of my year was the group of friends I shared it with—my chosen pack, my crinkly comrades, my ride-or-die fuzzbutts. These were my people, folks I knew I’d vibe with from the moment I started planning the trip. And let me tell you, the connections we forged at FWA didn’t just make the con unforgettable — they deepened bonds that I’ll carry with me for life.
Many of these friendships started in the virtual world, specifically VRChat, where I’ve been hanging out for nearly two years. Over countless late-night chats and dance parties in VRC, I got to know a group of folks who became my regular crew. We clicked so well online — sharing laughs, supporting each other, and just getting one another — that I knew meeting them in person would be a blast. And then there were the friends I connected with through the AB/DL & Babyfur Telegram group, a space where I’ve found so much acceptance and understanding. These were people I could already tell were my kind of weird, the kind of folks who’d bring the same playful, open-hearted energy to a con that I love to bring myself.
When we finally came together at FWA, it was like stepping into a warm, fuzzy hug that lasted the whole four days. Navigating the crowded raves, geeking out over our favorite furry art, or just chilling in our hotel room swapping stories, every moment felt effortless and electric. The chemistry we’d built online translated beautifully in-person, and the con gave us the chance to solidify those connections into something deeper. We weren’t just hanging out; we were building memories, strengthening ties, and creating a sense of belonging that hit me right in the heart.
This year, those connections took on an even deeper meaning for me. Last year, my family got smaller, and that loss left an ache I wasn’t sure how to fill. But at FWA 2025, my chosen family got larger. These friends — the ones who laughed with me, shared their own stories, and made space for every part of who I am — reminded me how vital it is to surround yourself with people who lift you up. They showed me that living life to the fullest means leaning into those bonds, celebrating the joy of being truly seen and accepted. To my FWA pack, whether we met in VRChat, Telegram, or right there in Atlanta: you’re my people, and I’ll never forget what you’ve added to my life.
Exploring New Depths
Now, let’s talk about the spicier side of my FWA experience. As many of you know, I’m deeply rooted in the AB/DL and babyfur communities, and I love sharing stories and content that celebrate that part of myself. But I’m also no stranger to the broader world of BDSM, and FWA 2025 gave me a chance to explore that side in a way that felt excitingly electric.
I won’t spill the tea on the specifics — some moments are best kept private. But I can say that the experiences I had with trusted partners brought a new level of intensity and intimacy to my time at the con. There’s something incredibly empowering about leaning into those connections, about feeling safe enough to explore and express parts of yourself that don’t always get the spotlight. It left me feeling more comfortable in my own fur, more at home in my own skin.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
FWA 2025 wasn’t perfect, but it was perfectly me. It was a reminder that the heart of any convention lies in the connections we make, the moments we share, and the ways we grow. I came back to California with a heart full of love, a suitcase full of diapers and gear, and a renewed sense of confidence in who I am and what I bring to our colorful, crinkly community.
To everyone I met, hugged, or shared a laugh with at FWA: thank you for making this milestone so special. And to those of you planning your next con adventure, my advice is simple: find your people, embrace the chaos, and don’t be afraid to explore what makes you feel alive.