As a furry myself, I am deeply worried about the act that the Texas government aims to pass against us - the F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act. This is an intrusive legislation, which not only threatens me, but also my friends who identify as furries and therians. The proposed act, when passed, could subject us to severe punishments, ranging from detentions and suspensions to transfers to juvenile containment schools just for expressing ourselves in nonhuman ways, such as making animal noises and wearing animal accessories. To us, especially for many young students, our identities are not mere whims – they are an integral part of our lives. They are part of our self-expression, and in many cases, our coping mechanisms to get through the daily struggles of school and friendships.

With the passing of the act, our right to freedom of expression, granted by the First Amendment of the Constitution, is at stake. Freedom of expression allows citizens to express their ideas and personality openly, without fear of retaliation, censorship, or sanction. It is supposed to create a 'marketplace of ideas' in which everyone's viewpoints are heard and valued. Thus, non-human self-expression should fall under this as well. 

In addition, a 2018 study by the International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP) suggests that identifying as furry is positively associated with life satisfaction and has psychological benefits, proving that it is not just a harmful whim, but rather a tool of self-expression that could be beneficial for mental health (IARP, 2018).

We need your help to stand against this assault on our freedoms and our identities, as this act is scheduled to be passed on September 1st. Please, sign this petition to halt the proposal of the F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act and help numerous young Texan furries keep their freedom of expression.