I know what you are thinking; well, yeah... I'm putting on an animal costume, that's kind of the point. And in some ways, yes, some fursuiters are wearing their costumes for the very purpose of wanting to feel less human and more.... wolf-like, tiger-like, or whatever animal you choose to dress up as. But I want to talk about those OTHER ways one can become less human in an animal costume....

Almost every fursuiter has probably experienced ill treatment while in fursuit. This is not limited to mascot type costumes either. The campaign "Cosplay ≠ Consent" shares many similarities to the troubles fursuiters have regarding people doing things which they may not otherwise in a more normalized situation. The trouble with Fursuits, Mascot costumes and cosplay often lie in the concealing of ones identity. Masks and face coverings seems to give people free reign to treat those in costume as if they are less of a person. This maybe largely be due to the fact that humans are visual people who respond to subtle facial changes to determine mood and emotion. Without those cues, it can be hard to feel the normal empathy one should towards an individual.

Abuses towards fursuiters can range from "harmless" tail or ear pulling (which may not hurt for physically, but could damage your costume), inappropriate touching (such as gender checking, or butt groping), striking, punching, pushing, or even picking up a fursuiter. Like contact with another person in an ordinary social situation, everyone has varying levels of "okay-ness"; whereas some people may be fine with rough play, hugs, petting or other contact, not every fursuiter may like or want that kind of contact. With no visual cues from facial expression it may be hard to tell if a fursuiter wants the sort of contact you are engaging in.

Not all fursuiters are vocal. It is a personal choice to speak in costume and when to "break" character. They may speak up if you cross a certain line, or choose not to speak up at all and bear through a situation in hopes it will end and they can make an escape. In some lucky cases they may have friends or handlers who can jump in and speak up for them to say what is and is not ok, or act as bodyguards to prevent people from approaching them in the first place.

It is easy for forget that cuddly pink bunny or big black dog is not a big stuffed animal you can interact with, but a person with feelings. Please do you best to remember that those in costume have the same rights and deserve the same respect as any person. If you do not know a fursuiter personally, it's always safer to ask permission before engaging in certain activities (for example, "Can I have a hug?"). Even if they do not speak vocally, a fursuiter can still nod or shake their head. If they say "no", don't be upset... it is THEIR choice to accept or refuse an action (remember, they are a person who has the right to refuse if they wish). If a fursuiter or their handler asks that you stop doing something, please listen to them.

It can be easy to forget or ignore that fursuiters are just people; a really great performer can suspend your belief that the character they are portraying is something other than human. But! Fursuiters are indeed people, and their choice to dress up and entertain people does not make them less deserving of your respect.