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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 2d

Our ACFI booth is here! We'll be hanging out resource sheets for San Antonio, San Marcos, and Austin along with our community support zines from 10-6 every day!

Find us right across from the board game room.

A picture of the Real Talk Fur All community aid booth at ACFI with Po in fursuit paws

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 4d

Tomorrow is the first day of #ACFI2025! We could not be more excited over here. 🥳 Stop by our community support booth for zines, local resource information, and FUN!
@furryinvasion.bsky.social

Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 10d

Alcohol and You (Zine C-02, Convention Series)

Parties and drinking sometimes go hand in hand. How can you stay safe so everyone has a good time?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

Alcohol and You. Parties and drinking sometimes go hand in hand. How can you stay safe so everyone has a good time?

Drinking 101. ‘One drink’ is 5oz wine, 12oz beer or 1.5oz of hard alcohol. Risk Reducers: Eating Food, Drinking Water, Sipping and Savoring your drink. Risk Increasers: Drinking rapidly, Empty stomach, Mixing alcohol with other substances. *Try to drink water between each alcoholic drink you consume.

Drunkenness. Most people reach intoxication after consuming 2 drinks in an hour. Effects start within 10 minutes, but peak about 1 hour after you drink on an empty stomach. *Wait for it before drinking more. Effects of Intoxication: Delayed Reactions, Lowered Inhibitions, Reduced Coordination, Impaired Judgement.

Take Care. A person’s reaction time and coordination deteriorate as their blood alcohol level rises. Even if a person is good at masking obvious symptoms of intoxication, their physical capabilities are compromised. In fact, people with a high tolerance are arguably more risky because it’s difficult for others to tell when they’re impaired.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 6d

Sneak peek of the first batch of prints we'll be handing out at the booth! =^-^= #ACFI2025 @furryinvasion.bsky.social

A kitchen island covered in prints on trans and gay flags with hate will not save us and cat and mouse designs on them.

Two small tables covered in prints on trans and gay flags with hate will not save us and cat and mouse designs on them.

A messy desk covered in prints on trans and gay flags with hate will not save us and cat and mouse designs on them.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 10d

Dare to Care! If you see someone who seems over intoxicated, check on them. *Help only as much as you are comfortable, and walk away if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Would they like your help? Can they find their friends? Do they need water or help getting back to their room? *Belongings can always be collected later, being safe and healthy comes first.

Alcohol Poisoning. Alcohol poisoning happens when a large quantity of alcohol is consumed in a short period of time, and can even be deadly. Signs to watch out for include: Vomiting; Passed out, or going in and out of consciousness; Slow breathing; Confusion; Clammy skin; Seizures.

When It’s an Emergency. In the event of alcohol poisoning, call 911 and get medical attention immediately. Do not leave the person alone, and make sure they are rolled onto their side or sitting up. Things that do NOT help include putting the person in a cold shower, giving them coffee, or letting them sleep it off.

It’s never a bad time to take a break and re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol. Ask yourself: Is a situation you feel like you need alcohol to be in a situation you really want to be in?

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 10d

Alcohol and You (Zine C-02, Convention Series)

Parties and drinking sometimes go hand in hand. How can you stay safe so everyone has a good time?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 11d

8 Days Left Until @furryinvasion.bsky.social! 🎉🎉

RTFA is a Texas furry group about having fun, sharing community resources, and publishing educational zines. Look for our booth at #ACFI2025!

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 12d

9 Days Left Until @furryinvasion.bsky.social! RTFA will be debuting our community information booth with local resources and zines to help YOU make #ACFI2025 your best con ever! See you there!

Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Rooming Together (Zine C-01, Convention Series)

Rooming with new friends can be an exciting way to learn about one another! How do you make sure your space is safe and fun for all?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

Rooming with new friends can be an exciting way to learn about one another! How do you make sure your space is safe and fun for all?

Communicate Ahead of Time. Who books the room? Who pays, how much, and when? Will there be parties, friends over, or anything else that might come as a surprise? Is anybody bringing anything potentially triggering? (Alcohol, other substances, adult items, etc.?) *Remember, everybody starts with a different idea of what a comfortable space is. Talk it out together, and if something makes you worried talk about it as soon as you feel it!

Communicate At the Con. Create a group chat for the room and use it to share who is in the room and when to know what the vibe will be like when you return! If you’re ever not sure if something will be okay, ask! If you think something will be okay and it isn’t, apologize. *Remember, everyone is here to have a good time, including you! Your wants and needs matter, and all your friends’ do too!

Be Responsible For Yourself. Do you get hangry? Bring food Do you need quiet time? Bring earplugs or headphones Do you have enough space for your belongings? Pack smart Do you need the bathroom first in the morning? Tell people! *Ask for what you need, and be ready to accommodate the needs of your roommates, too!

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 12d

Our local meet last night was so much fun! We folded zines for #ACFI2025 and ate Okonomiyaki together. 💖

A table with two plates of Okonomiyaki and a bunch of folded zine pamphlets of community safety education for ACFI 2025

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 16d

This is an amazing guide, #1 is great not just for homeless teens but for anyone that feels powerless and afraid as a queer person in the US and doesn't know where to start.

Scarleteen @scarleteen.com · 16d

LGTBQ+ youth disproportionately experience homelessness compared to their straight and cis peers. In the US, up to 40% of unhoused youth identify as LGBTQ+.

That’s why this series was created - to provide support, essential tips, and resources to youth who are so often overlooked by the system.

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Reposted by Real Talk Fur All

Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Rooming Together (Zine C-01, Convention Series)

Rooming with new friends can be an exciting way to learn about one another! How do you make sure your space is safe and fun for all?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Genuine Means Enthusiastic. Both parties should feel enthusiasm. Agreement does not equal enthusiasm. Mumbling, looking away, frowning, being distracted: Consent may not be genuine. If these signals are unrelated, state enthusiasm clearly: “I enthusiastically consent.”

Genuine Means Explicit. Both parties should be as clear as possible about what they want. Check for understanding and recap if possible If consent is conditional, make sure the conditions are clear Yes > Sure, Uh-huh, I guess *Communication isn’t done when you deliver a message, it ends when you’re sure it’s understood.

When Consent is Violated. Mistakes happen. Communication is imprecise and no-one is perfect. If someone tells you they feel you violated their consent: Focus on that person’s feelings. Seek support elsewhere. Thank them for the bravery and respect of sharing that with you. Ask what they need. Listen to their answer, and follow through.

Ask Today: “If you felt like I violated your consent, what would you do?” Identify the signs and make a plan together. Assures you care and will respond with care when it happens. Helps your partner regonize their role in ensuring genuine consent on both sides.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Genuine Consent (Zine F-02, Friendship Series)

Consent is an important part of all relationships between two people. What makes it genuine?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

What is Genuine Consent? Consent is communication. It is a two-way street, and means something different to everyone. Each person has their own communication styles and needs. What works for you or what has worked in the past might not be right for another person. Consent is not just for physical or romantic relationships, but for every relationship, every time.

Genuine Means Informed. Both parties need to know what to expect before things start happening Aware of potential risks - Activity, Personal, Health, etc. Includes limits, boundaries, starting and stopping points.

Genuine Means Sober. Both parties are in a clear state of mind and ordinary faculties. If planning to not be sober, consent comes before. Negotiating while inebriated is not genuine consent. *Includes being free of social pressures or coercive situations.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

So What’s the Issue? We tend to forget that everyone is instantly relating, categorizing, and responding to everyone else based upon many influences out of our control. Often, we are being categorized and responded to in ways that have nothing to do with us at all.

Like most behaviors, validation-seeking exists on a spectrum. Interpersonal Difficulties > Antisocial > Sense of Entitlement

Like most behaviors, validation-seeking exists on a spectrum. Need to Impress Others < Compromising to 'Keep the Peace' < Ignoring Rights < Enduring abuse to avoid abandonment

We have all been socialized to devalue ourselves. Can you afford to allow anyone else’s perception of you shape how you feel about yourself? Strange Yet True: The more you validate yourself internally, the more external validation will come your way!

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

External Validation (Zine H-01, Happiness Series)

It feels good to be liked by others, but do I want it too much?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

What is External Validation? External Validation is validation that comes from things outside of your control like jobs, friends, family, social media, and community members. *Internal Validation is confirming your beliefs, actions, and self-worth from within. It means living by your personal values and lets us accept our accomplishments and learn from our mistakes.

How Does It Start? Many people receive too little validation in childhood. This hampers emotional awareness and the ability to regulate emotions. Symptoms include: Difficulty Trusting Others High Levels of Anxiety Fear of Rejection Unpredictable Behaviors Over-apologizing, or feeling like you've done something wrong when you haven't.

Is External Validation Bad? External validation feels good, and is healthy in moderation! Validation from friends and loved ones gives us support and encouragement. It helps us celebrate our wins and fulfil our needs for community and socialization.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

How to Identify Cliques? Membership is decided by leaders’ opinion. Mean, even to others in the clique. Pressure to conform. Individuality and questions are not appreciated. Expects you not to talk to certain people to stay in the group. Insists you agree to their version of the truth.

What Should I Watch Out For? Your boundaries taken as a personal offense. Being told not to talk to other people, or not to confirm information given. Threats to revoke access or turn others against you. Threats to lie, share private information, or to hurt themselves or others

What Can I Do? Being friends with someone doesn’t mean you have to share the same opinions, values, and beliefs. Speak up, but be prepared to move on. Remember, cliques control others for their leaders to feel secure with themselves.

Ask Yourself: What do I believe in? What do I value? Am I proud of the way I and the group treat others? Does this group engage in gossip, drama, or ‘cancel culture’?

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Cliques and Bullying (Zine F-01, Friendship Series)

When friends aren’t acting like friends, how can you tell? What should you do?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

What is Bullying? Bullying is when a person repeatedly and knowingly uses words or actions to cause distress to others. Often, a bully wants someone to feel powerless or helpless. A bully can be any gender, age, size, race, group, or identity. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or relational (attacking reputation and/or relationships.)

What is a Clique? Cliques are a form of relational and social bullying. A clique is a group that leaves people out on purpose. They promote judgmental and bullying behaviors. Cliques stifle criticism, disagreements, and thoughts that go against their leader(s). Cliques use access, influence, and/or peer pressure to enforce their beliefs.

Why are Cliques Formed? People lead cliques out of a desire for security, approval, and influence, which they attempt to gain by controlling others. People join cliques to find friends who are similar to them or have interests in common, and stay in them for a sense of belonging. Groups of friends can develop into cliques over time.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

4: Clarify Your Needs. Are you more aware of what may trigger you in the future? What do you need to feel supported or understood? Is there a specific request or clarification you would like to make to someone?

5: Communicating Understanding. Show Awareness and Ownership Factually Describe the Situation “I want to talk to something that happened earlier because I got triggered. When [specific thing] happened, I felt [specific emotion], because [explanation of trigger]...”

6: Requesting Assistance. Take Responsibility Express Your Needs Seek Collaboration. “...I know this is really about [past experience, personal sensitivity, current emotional state], but I wanted to share this with you. What would really help me in times like that is [specific request]. What do you think about that?”

Keep In Mind. A trigger is a reaction to past trauma. Recognizing when we’re upset, understanding why, and managing our emotional reactions is the way to overcome them.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Handling Your Triggers (Zine B-01, Bravery Series)

We don’t always act how we’d like when we get triggered. How can you get the help you need?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

1: Pause and Breathe. Take the time you need to calm down, center yourself, and employ coping skills

2: Identify the Trigger. What was said or done that triggered you? Was it connected to a past experience, fear, or unmet need? What are the specific feelings that it made you feel? (sad, hurt, afraid, dismissed, etc.)

3: Examine Your Reaction. How did you respond in the moment? Was your reaction outsized for the situation? Were there underlying assumptions or stories you told yourself about the situation?

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Real Talk Fur All is a Texas community support and education group started by furries, for furries. We believe that free education, honest communication, and radical acceptance are how our fandom will thrive.

Learn more about RTFA or join our social media channels today!
linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

Real Talk Fur All | Instagram | Linktree

is a Texas community support and education group started by furries, for furries. We believe in free education, honest communication, and radical acceptance.

linktr.ee

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Be Responsible For Your Property. People you don’t know may enter your room. Keep things put away and where you know to find them. If you have things that can be broken or damaged, let people know what and where they are. *Store valuables and very important things in a safe place. You can’t put a price on peace of mind. **Bring a trash bag to make keeping things clean easier!

Share Your Boundaries. What level of dress are you comfortable with? What level of physical closeness are you comfortable with? Are you comfortable sharing a couch, a bed, a sleeping bag, etc.? *State your boundaries clearly and be firm about them. If someone isn’t being mindful, talk to them directly or discuss it as a group!

Respect Other’s Boundaries. Remember that everyone’s level of comfort with any subject will be different! When in doubt, ask, and thank others for asking you. *Respecting boundaries means being aware and considerate of them, but expecting their owner to be responsible for communicating and enforcing them.

Remember: Sharing a space takes trust, respect, and communication. If you ever feel unsafe or disrespected, share your feelings. If those feelings don’t change, seek alternative arrangements. Communicate early, often, and plan to have a great time together!

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · 18d

Rooming Together (Zine C-01, Convention Series)

Rooming with new friends can be an exciting way to learn about one another! How do you make sure your space is safe and fun for all?

linktr.ee/realtalkfurall

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Reposted by Real Talk Fur All

Scarleteen @scarleteen.com · Nov 18

We want to make sure that you know about -- and share -- some more safe direct help resources available on Scarleteen and elsewhere, as well as some content on our site that might now or soon be particularly relevant to you if you live in the United States. (1/9)

List of resources all of which are available in plain text in this post thread.

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Reposted by Real Talk Fur All

The Spine (David Michael Bennett) @thespine.steampoweredgiraffe.com · Feb 5

Lot of protests today at capital buildings. For those who can’t do that, calling our representatives seems to be helpful.

You can get “5 Calls” app, put in your address, get a list of issues to pick from, then gives you a script to follow. 1 minute calls, super easy. Calls better than email.

‎5 Calls: Contact Your Congress

‎**As seen on MSNBC...**

apps.apple.com

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Reposted by Real Talk Fur All

Kate Watson @loreandordure.com · Feb 1

In case it helps someone:

The phrase “We don’t do / say that here” is immensely useful in managing people who feel emboldened to try to push boundaries and test behaviour norms in your spaces.
It’s a bland statement of fact, doesn’t contain an accusation, and can be used by anyone including peers.

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Real Talk Fur All @realtalkfurall.bsky.social · Jan 31

Our website is up and we are live! Follow for event announcements, update information, and more!

Find out more about who we are, what we believe, and a link to our Telegram at www.realtalkfurs.org

Real Talk Furs

is a furry group that embodies openness, honesty, and radical acceptance in order to build a truly diverse, inclusive, and healthy community. We ask our members to lead by example, live...

www.realtalkfurs.org

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