Emerging Therian Community Gains Traction in the Canary Islands

A new social phenomenon is taking root in the Canary Islands, where a segment of the youth identifies with animals on a spiritual, psychological, or emotional level. This movement, known as the therian community, is not just a fleeting trend; it represents a deeper exploration of identity and belonging among young individuals.

Exploring the Depths of the Therian Identity

Individuals who identify as therians feel a profound connection with one or more animals, a sentiment that is often described as intrinsic rather than a conscious choice. Leaf, a 20-year-old transgender man from Tenerife, leads a local therian group consisting of approximately 30 members. He articulates that being a therian involves identifying partly or fully with animals, which can manifest in various ways, including emotional resonance and behavioral mimicry. This identification can be deeply personal, often linked to significant life experiences or spiritual beliefs.

For many, the therian identity is not merely about feeling like an animal; it encompasses a broader understanding of self and existence. Leaf, for instance, identifies as a polytherian, connecting with several animals, including a cat, a seal, an owl, and a golden retriever. He explains that some of these identities are tied to what he perceives as past life experiences, while others are rooted in impactful childhood memories that shaped his understanding of himself.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Therians

The therian movement, while appearing contemporary, has its origins in the 1990s within online forums in the United States. Initially focused on discussions about werewolves and transformation myths, these forums evolved into a community of individuals who genuinely relate to animals. Today, this movement has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users share educational content, humor, and personal stories. However, the visibility afforded by social media comes with its own set of challenges, including increasing online harassment and misunderstanding.

Leaf discovered the therian community four years ago through a friend, describing the experience as enlightening. He had long struggled to understand his feelings of difference, and upon learning about therians, he felt a sense of belonging that had previously eluded him. The community provides a space for individuals to express their identities freely, yet it also exposes them to scrutiny and negativity from those who do not understand their experiences.

Facing Adversity: The Challenges of Being a Therian

As Leaf became more engaged with the community, he noticed subtle shifts in his behavior and sensory perceptions. He began to mimic hunting movements, experienced heightened awareness of scents, and felt sensations akin to having wings or a tail. Despite these unique experiences, he maintains a normal life, balancing studies, work, and artistic pursuits like creating drawings and masks for fellow community members. This balance is crucial for Leaf, as it allows him to integrate his therian identity with other aspects of his life.

Leaf emphasizes that being a therian is not classified as a mental health disorder, a misconception that he believes is prevalent in online discussions. He distinguishes the therian identity from clinical lycanthropy, a recognized psychiatric condition where individuals believe they are physically transforming into animals. This distinction is vital for understanding the therian experience, as it highlights the community’s focus on identity rather than pathology.

While Leaf enjoys support from friends and family, he notes that public reactions have become increasingly negative as the therian trend gains visibility on social media. Recent therian gatherings in Spain have attracted large crowds, primarily consisting of onlookers rather than participants, leading to concerns about hostility and aggression. These gatherings, intended as safe spaces for self-expression, have sometimes turned into spectacles that invite ridicule and misunderstanding.

Events, such as a planned meet-up in Córdoba, were canceled due to fears of similar negative reactions. Leaf expresses that the community seeks a safe environment for self-expression, which has become increasingly challenging amid rising scrutiny and misunderstanding. The desire for acceptance and understanding is a common thread among therians, who often feel marginalized in a society that struggles to comprehend their identities.

Key points

• The therian community in the Canary Islands is growing, particularly among young people.
• Leaf, a 20-year-old transgender man, leads a local therian group in Tenerife.
• The movement originated in the 1990s in the United States, evolving from discussions about werewolves.
• Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in the community’s visibility.
• Leaf identifies as a polytherian, relating to multiple animals.
• Public reactions to the therian identity have become increasingly hostile.
• Recent therian meet-ups in Spain have faced challenges, including aggression from onlookers.