A gathering of therians, individuals who identify with animals, is set to take place in Barcelona and Bilbao, drawing attention to a phenomenon that has gained popularity through social media.
The therian movement, which emerged in the 1990s, has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among teenagers, due to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. During the upcoming event in Spain, which will be held on Friday and Saturday in cities such as Barcelona and Bilbao, members of the community will express their identities by donning masks and costumes that resemble animals, and by mimicking their behavior. This phenomenon highlights a unique subculture that blurs the lines between human identity and animal representation.
The videos created by these individuals often go viral, showcasing therians engaging in animal-like behavior, such as moving on all fours, jumping, and making sounds that are characteristic of the animals they identify with, including dogs, cats, foxes, and snakes. The visibility and acceptance of the therian community have grown notably in recent years, providing a platform for young people to explore and share their identities in creative ways. People within the community often interact with real animals, further enhancing their unique connection to their identities.
Some therians invest significant amounts of money into their appearance to more closely align with the animal they resonate with. For instance, a Japanese individual named Toco reportedly spent 12,000 euros on achieving this resemblance. This spending underscores the serious commitment some individuals have to the therian identity, suggesting deeper psychological and social implications regarding self-expression and community belonging. The upcoming event is anticipated to attract considerable attention and may further catalyze discussions about identity and acceptance in today’s society.
