I feel part of it is performing respectability towards our oppressors who hate these "cringe" people more than we do.

"I'm not like these annoying SJW type of queer person, I'm just like you (please don't hurt me)"

As if the types of alt-right people who create hate videos and "cringe compilations" about SJW's being "owned" would respect you for not being a furry...

And I see this in other activist spaces too. Like in my vegan spaces I see a lot of people going "I'm not one of those annoying vegans I don't even mention it unless I'm asked (please don't be mad at me)". Or in leftist circles "I'm a trans person but I'm not like those crazy activists (please don't be mad at me)" or "I'm gay but I'm not one of those hookup culture and drug using gays (please don't be mad at me)".

It's trying to appease those we're still afraid of.