Therians, a growing community within the United States, are individuals who identify as animals, either spiritually or psychologically. They believe that they are non-human animals, but not in a biological sense. This distinct group of people defines themselves as beings who identify as a species of non-human animal, setting them apart from furries, who have an interest in anthropomorphic media but do not necessarily identify as non-human animals.
It is important to note that therians are not to be confused with otherkin, another group of individuals who believe they are not completely human but instead identify as mythical or fantasy-based beings. Therians specifically identify as animals, while otherkin may identify as creatures such as dragons or elves.
The therian community has been growing steadily over the years, as more individuals come forward to express their unique experiences and beliefs. For therians, their identification as animals is deeply rooted in their personal sense of self. They may feel a strong connection to a particular species, often experiencing a deep understanding of its behaviors, instincts, and characteristics.
Therians often describe their identification as an integral part of who they are. They may experience a sense of being “trapped” in a human body, longing for a more animalistic existence. This can lead to feelings of frustration, alienation, and a longing to connect with others who share similar experiences.
While therian identity is not widely understood or accepted by society at large, the therian community provides a support system for individuals to connect and share their experiences. Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups allow therians to form relationships, discuss their feelings, and find solace in the company of others who understand their unique identity.
It is worth noting that therian identity is not considered a mental illness or disorder. Therians do not believe they are physically or biologically animals, but rather have a deep spiritual or psychological connection to their chosen species. It is a personal and subjective experience that varies from individual to individual.
Although therian identity may be difficult for some to comprehend, it is important to approach this topic with an open mind and respect for the experiences of others. By understanding and accepting diverse identities, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for all individuals.
What Is Therian Person?
A therian person is an individual who identifies as an animal, either spiritually or psychologically. They believe that they possess the characteristics, behaviors, or instincts of an animal species, and they may even experience a deep connection or affinity with that particular animal. This identification as an animal can vary from person to person, with some therians feeling a strong spiritual connection to their animal identity, while others view it as a psychological aspect of their identity.
Therians typically feel a sense of being “born in the wrong body” and may experience a longing or yearning to physically embody their animal identity. However, it is important to note that therians do not physically transform into animals or believe that they possess any supernatural abilities associated with their chosen animal species.
Therianthropy, the term used to describe the phenomenon of identifying as an animal, is often seen as a form of otherkin identity. Otherkin is a broader umbrella term that encompasses individuals who identify as mythical creatures, fantasy beings, or even inanimate objects. Within the therian community, there are various animal species that individuals may identify with, ranging from domesticated animals like wolves or cats to more exotic creatures like dragons or unicorns.
It is worth mentioning that therianthropy is a deeply personal and subjective experience for each individual. It is not recognized as a clinical or medical condition by mainstream psychology or psychiatry. Instead, it is considered a self-identified identity or subculture.
It is important to approach the topic of therianthropy with an open mind and respect for individual experiences and beliefs. The therian community provides support and a sense of belonging for those who identify as therian, allowing them to connect with others who share similar experiences and understandings of their animal identity.
What Makes You A Therian?
Being a therian is a personal and complex experience that varies for each individual. Here are some aspects that may contribute to someone identifying as a therian:
1. Identification with Non-Human Animals: Therians strongly identify with and feel a connection to a particular non-human animal species. This identification is not based on physical characteristics but rather on a deep sense of self.
2. Shifting or Awakening: Many therians experience mental or spiritual shifts, where they feel a temporary or partial change in their perception, behavior, or instincts, resembling those of their identified animal. These shifts can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, nature, or specific activities.
3. Spiritual or Psychological Connection: For some therians, their identification is rooted in a spiritual belief or understanding. They may believe that their soul or essence is connected to a non-human animal species. Others view therianthropy as a psychological phenomenon, a way to explore and express their inner selves.
4. Exploration and Self-Discovery: Identifying as a therian often involves a process of self-exploration and self-discovery. Therians may engage in introspection, research, and seek support from others in the therian community to better understand their feelings and experiences.
5. Community and Acceptance: Many therians find comfort and acceptance within the therian community. Connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar experiences can provide validation and support.
It is important to note that being a therian is not a medical or psychiatric condition. It is a self-identified experience that falls within the realm of identity and personal belief. Therians often emphasize that their identification as non-human animals is metaphorical and should not be interpreted literally.
Furthermore, it is crucial to respect and approach therian individuals with empathy and understanding, as their experiences may be deeply meaningful to them.
What Is The Difference Between Furries And Therians?
Furries and therians are two distinct groups with different identities and interests. While both involve an affinity for anthropomorphic characters, there are key differences between them.
1. Definition:
– Furries: Furries are individuals who have an interest in anthropomorphic animals, which refers to animals with human characteristics or qualities. This interest often manifests in various forms, such as artwork, costumes, role-playing, and online communities.
– Therians: Therians, on the other hand, identify as non-human animals at a personal level. They believe that their true nature or essence is that of a particular animal species, rather than simply having an interest or fascination with anthropomorphic characters.
2. Identification:
– Furries: Furries may create or adopt a unique anthropomorphic fursona, which represents their alter ego or character within the furry community. This fursona can be any animal species, fictional or real, and is often depicted through artwork or fursuits.
– Therians: Therians, in contrast, identify with a specific species of non-human animals. They may experience a deep connection or spiritual affinity with their chosen animal species, believing that they possess traits, instincts, or characteristics of that species. This identification is more personal and intrinsic to their sense of self.
3. Motivations:
– Furries: The furry fandom primarily revolves around creative expression, community engagement, and the enjoyment of anthropomorphic media. While some furries may feel a deeper connection to their fursonas, it is not a defining aspect of their identity.
– Therians: For therians, their identification with non-human animals is an integral part of their self-perception. They may experience a strong desire to connect with their animalistic side, seeking understanding and acceptance within therian communities.
4. Community Focus:
– Furries: The furry fandom is a largely inclusive and diverse community that celebrates creativity, artistic expression, and shared interests. It offers a platform for furries to connect, socialize, and engage in various activities, such as conventions, art showcases, and online forums.
– Therians: Therian communities, while also providing a space for connection and support, tend to have a narrower focus on personal experiences, self-discovery, and spiritual exploration. Discussions often revolve around therianthropy, animal kinship, and personal growth.
Furries and therians differ in their identification and motivation. Furries are individuals interested in anthropomorphic animals, while therians identify as non-human animals at a personal level. Furries engage in creative expression and community activities, while therians focus more on personal experiences and self-discovery within specific animal identities.
What Is A Therian Furry?
A therian furry is an individual who identifies as both a therian and a furry. Let’s break down these terms separately:
1. Therian: A therian is someone who believes that they possess a non-human identity. They feel a deep connection or spiritual affinity with a particular species of animal. This belief often goes beyond a simple interest or fascination with animals and involves a strong sense of personal identification with the chosen animal species. Therians may experience mental, emotional, or spiritual shifts where they feel more connected to their animal identity.
2. Furry: A furry is a person who has an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters. This interest can manifest in various forms such as artwork, literature, role-playing, or costume creation. Furries often create their own original characters, known as fursonas, which are typically animal-based avatars that represent themselves within the furry community. Being a furry is considered a fandom or subculture, and it is primarily centered around appreciation and celebration of anthropomorphic animals.
When someone identifies as a therian furry, they are combining their belief in a non-human animal identity (therian) with their participation and involvement in the furry fandom. This means that they not only feel a connection to a specific animal species but also engage with the furry community and its activities.
It’s important to note that not all furries are therians, and not all therians are furries. While there may be some overlap between the two communities, they are distinct identities. Being a therian furry implies a dual sense of identification, both with a non-human animal species and with the furry subculture.
Conclusion
Therians are individuals who believe or feel that they are non-human animals in a non-biological sense. They identify as a specific species of animal, either spiritually or psychologically, and often have a deep connection with their chosen animal form. This belief sets them apart from furries, who simply have an interest in anthropomorphic media, and otherkin, who identify as mythical or fantasy-based beings. Therians view their therianthropy as an integral part of their identity and experience a strong sense of connection and kinship with their animal selves. While the concept of therianthropy may be difficult for some to understand, it is important to approach it with an open mind and respect for the individuals who identify as therians.
