Confused about what to call myself

[Alice The Necrofox]

Ok, i know i am a furry, but my dad just pulled me aside and said that when i tell people that i am a "Furry", the image of guys in mascot outfits going to a convention to screw is the first thing in most peoples minds. Now my dad could be completely biased, but it kinda does ring true.
How do i tell people who i am without using that one word that causes (not all) people to instantly be biased twards you.
I sometimes explain what a furry is (they just like Anthropomorphic at varying levels of like) and my friends and peers understand, but still.
Help?

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

frankly, i dont care what people think of me, but then i dont talk to people about my furryness much. You could just say that you think furry drawings look cool, or that you're interested in that image. Then people will get concerned and ask you if you know about the dark side of furryness, then you can explain and educate.

But still... it doesnt really matter. It's not like you'll be saying it on a job interview or something

[userstupidname]

I think you should compromise, remember its not that its ''wrong'' for your peers but it is new for them and in my own personal opinion i think that you naturally react hostile to  something new. I everything works out for you