My Life With “Justin Beaver”: Confessions Of A Closet Fur Owner

For 30 years, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals led the charge to jettison fur from our nation’s collective sales racks. The “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign was at the center of their ad blitzkrieg, originally launched in 1990 with rock-and-roll royalty The Go-Go’s serving as the ad’s first tantalizing centerfold. Over the years, countless celebrities and athletes lent their voices and bodies to the cause. Ads featuring supermodel Christy Turlington were soon joined by the tattooed profiles of Dennis Rodman and others calling for “Ink Not Mink”.

Now there is little doubt of the growing disdain for real fur products in our domestic market. In October 2019, California became the first state to ban the sale and manufacture of new fur products. Other states — including Massachusetts — are considering similar measures. In late 2019, Macy’s joined luxury chains Prada, Chanel and Burberry in removing fur from their stores. Even Queen Elizabeth II vowed not to don any new outfits made with real fur. After three decades of activism, PETA claimed victory and ended the campaign.

As a lifelong animal lover, you would think I would revel in this victory. But instead, I find myself oddly conflicted, haunted by the fact that I am a closet fur owner.