CALGARY- A show that’s three decades old has suddenly sparked a surprising new fan base.
The show My Little Pony has changed a lot since premiering back in the 80s, and fans say they are drawn to the animation, characters and values taught in the cartoon. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are just some of the unicorn and pony stars.
While the target audience is little girls, some unlikely fans have emerged: ‘bronies.’
Bronies are adults—including a surprising amount of young men—who have founded meet-up groups.
John Wavrecan founded one, which now has one hundred registered members. He says the show has helped them find a place to belong.
“People feel bad about it because this is a show for little girls, not for grown men, not for teens. This is for little girls, and people see these stereotypes,” he explains. “Someone has to do it, or else those stereotypes will be there.”
The meet-up’s have had an unexpected benefit: it’s where Wavrecan met his girlfriend, Michelle.
“I guess it’s charming when 16 guys walk in with pink shorts that say ‘I love ponies,’ it’s really kinda cute,” laughs Michelle Thonger. “There’s like four girls to 16 guys, we take up a minority. I affectionately call them all my boys—honestly, I have my pick of the litter over there.”
The sheer amount of bronies has even led to a travelling event called Bronycon. Click here for more information about the Calgary groups.
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