In this edition of People UNTAGged we speak with Aquatadoggo, a New Zealand-based creator and proud member of the furry community, who shares her personal gender journey. From early moments of confusion to embracing her identity as a trans woman, she reflects on the role of self-expression, online visibility, and creative storytelling in shaping who she is today. Through her character Aquata and her content, she highlights the importance of community, authenticity, and using your voice to advocate for trans awareness and acceptance.
I learned about being trans and realised, “Yeah, that’s me.”
Could you start by introducing yourself briefly? Your name, where you come from, and how you currently define your gender identity?
Hi, I'm Aquatadoggo. I'm a creator from New Zealand. I'm a furry and my pronouns are she/her.
What has your gender journey been like?
My journey started when I was around 12 years old. It was a really confusing time, but I knew I wanted to be a girl, I just didn’t fully understand what that meant yet. Later in my teenage years, around 14 or 15, I learned about being trans and realised, “Yeah, that’s me.”
At 17, I started medically transitioning, and here I am today. I’ll be celebrating four years on HRT this October.
What are some things that affirm your identity (styles, names, communities)?
Clothing plays a big role for me, especially dresses and skirts. I also really like swimwear and exercise wear. Being part of the furry community is also important to me. My fur suit is a big part of how I represent myself online and express who I am.
How did you first discover the furry fandom, and what drew you to become a creator?
I discovered the furry fandom around 2018, when I was about 13. I came across a YouTube video featuring being a furry (something like a reporter trying one on) and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
From that moment, I really wanted a fur suit. It took a few years, but I eventually got one, and that’s when I started creating. I wanted to express my gender identity online and make a difference through my content.
It’s powerful to have a character that reflects your identity so deeply.
Do you think the furry community creates a space where people can explore gender more freely?
Absolutely. The furry fandom is a really special space for exploring and expressing gender identity. You can do that through your persona, your original character.
My character is Aquata, and she uses she/her pronouns. I have reference sheets and some artwork, but I mostly represent her through my fur suit.
It’s powerful to have a character that reflects your identity so deeply. The furry community is also very accepting of queer people, which makes it an even more supportive space. I’m really excited about my future within both the furry fandom and the trans community.
Being open about who I am helps show others that it’s okay to be yourself. That visibility matters.
Do you have a favourite outfit or a go-to piece that makes you feel confident?
My favourite outfit is definitely a dress.
I wear dresses when I go out, but they’re also a comfort item for me. If I’m having a bad day, putting on a dress helps lift my mood and makes me feel more confident.
What value does expressing your gender identity online bring to your life?
It’s really important to me. I want people to see that I’m just like anyone else, just a person trying to live my life.
I also want to advocate for trans rights and raise awareness. Being open about who I am helps show others that it’s okay to be yourself. That visibility matters.
Have you noticed your creative style or themes change as your gender journey has evolved?
Yes, my style changes from video to video. Sometimes my content is more serious, and sometimes it’s more lighthearted.
The core of my content is talking about trans-related topics. Over time, I’ve become more focused on making sure each video has a clear topic or message.
Even the way I present myself has evolved, sometimes I speak directly to the camera, and other times I let the visuals speak. But there’s always something I want to communicate.
How did Aquata become your original character?
Interestingly, Aquata wasn’t originally my character. I bought the fur suit pre-owned and received the character rights along with it.
I decided to keep the name Aquata because I thought it was beautiful, and I wanted to continue her legacy. She’s become a core part of my content, and I’d love to keep building on that.
How would you describe queer culture in New Zealand? Are there any queer-focused shops?
There aren’t many explicitly queer-focused shops, but there are definitely places that queer people gravitate toward.
Stores like Dangerfield and op shops (thrift stores) are popular because they offer a wide range of styles and sizes. Op shops are also more affordable, which helps.
That said, we don’t really have dedicated stores for things like binders or trans-specific swimwear. Most shops just sell general clothing that happens to appeal to queer people.
Are there organisations or businesses in New Zealand that support the trans community? Have you faced any challenges?
It’s hard to say how supportive organisations really are. On the surface, many companies present themselves as inclusive, but I’m not always sure how that translates in practice.
Personally, I’ve been struggling to find a job, and I sometimes feel like being trans plays a role in that. It’s difficult to know for sure, but it’s something I’ve noticed.
One space that did feel supportive was my university. Many universities in New Zealand have queer-friendly environments and clubs, and I was proud to be part of one.
In general, I think most people in New Zealand are pretty respectful, people tend to be chill and not overly concerned. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Right now, my biggest challenge is employment. The job market is already tough, and it can feel even harder as a trans person, especially given the current political climate. But I’m doing my best to keep going.
You can find some cool pictures of Aquatadoggo below! Thank you for the interview. Make sure to give her a follow on insta: @aquatadoggo
