What does it mean to be a therian?
The article explores the growing trend of therians in Argentina, individuals who identify in part as animals, highlighting its history and social implications.
The article discusses the phenomenon of therians in Argentina, where individuals choose to embody animal characteristics, often dressing and behaving like animals in social settings. This trend has gained popularity in various locations throughout the country, such as Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Posadas, and Mendoza, where groups can be seen gathering in public spaces to engage in playful, dog-like behavior. These gatherings highlight a vibrant community that challenges traditional notions of identity and self-perception.
The concept of being a therian originated in the 1990s when people began to self-identify as magical beings, a term that eventually evolved into 'therian' to describe humans who perceive themselves partially as animals. This classification provides a distinction from 'furries,' who engage in a broader cultural and artistic expression related to anthropomorphized animal characters. Importantly, the article emphasizes that for therians, this identification is a deeply personal experience that often manifests in how they socialize and interact with the world around them.
As this trend gains traction in Argentina, the article raises questions about societal acceptance and understanding of diverse identities. It suggests that the therian community reflects broader themes of self-exploration and the search for belonging. Through these social dynamics, therians challenge conventional human-animal divides and encourage discussions on the nature of identity, enabling a more inclusive perspective on what it means to be human.