PHOTO BY AIDAN MCCLAIN

Another Anthrocon has passed, and a phalanx of fursuited visitors has come and gone from Downtown.

Each year, the largest annual gathering of anthropomorphic-animal enthusiasts takes place in Downtown Pittsburgh, centered around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Thousands of guests from far and wide come to Pittsburgh to peruse artwork and crafts, show off outfits — including the full-body “fursuits” that garner the most attention, particularly during a yearly parade — and pass time with like-minded individuals.

The economic impact of Anthrocon is significant. WTAE reported that the event was estimated to pump $21.7 million into local businesses. The news station quoted Baris Budak, owner of Pizza Parma, who said, “Everybody’s super busy … they’re extremely happy.” Budak gives Pizza Parma a furry-themed makeover for the event and says that Downtown businesses consider Anthrocon to be “Christmas in July,” in terms of the boost of traffic and money.

(One fact is beyond the scope of this column: Yes, there is a decidedly adult side of this fandom for many, but not all, participants. I’ve been told by attendees that this represents only a small portion of the wares on display at the convention, as most of the event is family-friendly. While this element is confusing or risible to many non-devotees, it doesn’t affect the overall impact of the event on the community.)

The furries, for their part, seem to love Pittsburgh. I spoke with one friend who is a frequent Anthrocon attendee (and a local resident) who said that visiting guests gush over their time in Downtown Pittsburgh. They rave over the city’s architecture and landmarks — the inclines are particular favorites — and enjoy exploring Downtown beyond the convention center.

They appreciate Pittsburgh so much, my friend says, that they’ve made her see Pittsburgh through new eyes.

In other words, this is a group of tourists who gather Downtown once a year and love it. While many explore Pittsburgh beyond the Golden Triangle, the brunt of the activity is centralized around the convention center, packing nearby hotels and restaurants. These guests not only spend time Downtown — they genuinely love it.

Consider this, then, in sharp contrast to an oft-repeated narrative about Downtown espoused by some locals. We have heard for years — particularly online, but also in some corners of traditional media — that Downtown is deserted and dangerous. That crime is everywhere; that the city center has been all but abandoned.

That must come as news to the 20,000 furries who find hotels, restaurants, attractions and nightlife there each year.

A local once reached out to me on social media to express concern about coming to Downtown proper for an event; he said he was genuinely worried about being a victim of crime between a Downtown parking garage and a major theater. While I’m sure he was exaggerating to an extent, the narrative holds; many people who live in Western Pennsylvania but aren’t regularly Downtown have become convinced that they’re going to be mugged or worse while visiting.

We know this is unrealistic, of course, but that doesn’t stop many from casting a wary eye at the Golden Triangle. Never mind that Pittsburgh’s violent crime rates have dropped in recent years (and rates in the city have gone down while those in the suburbs have one up). Don’t pay attention to those reports that actually rank Pittsburgh as the safest major city in terms of property crime, and the third-safest in violent crime.

Why let facts get in the way of a cynical narrative?

It’d take someone smarter than I am to come up with the reasons for these misconceptions — but data and the experience of locals and visitors alike show that they are indeed misconceptions. The furries will certainly tell you that. So can the tens of thousands of people who go Downtown every day and night to work, see shows, eat and generally enjoy the city.

We all need to engage with the city the way the furries do — come in and spend real time. Don’t merely park, go where you’re going and then speed home; actually visit the city, spend money and appreciate all there is to see and do. The city doesn’t magically become a wonderland when 20,000 fursuited travelers show up; it’s a good place to be anytime

You can lie and tell yourself it’s dangerous and desolate if you’d like, but you’re only denying yourself the pleasures of a vibrant — and, yes, safe — city.