The Rise of Therians: Exploring Human-Animal Identity in Spain and Argentina

A growing number of individuals worldwide identify as “therians” – people who experience a deep, involuntary connection to a specific animal. Whereas expressions of this identity manifest differently across cultures, the phenomenon is gaining visibility, particularly in Spain and Argentina, sparking discussion about identity, community and the search for belonging in a rapidly changing world.

What is Therianthropy?

The term “therian” originates from the Ancient Greek word thērion, meaning “wild animal” or “beast.” It evolved from “therianthrope,” a term historically linked to the concept of human-animal hybrids, and was adopted by online communities in the 1990s. For those who identify as therians, this isn’t a matter of costume or role-playing. it’s a fundamental aspect of their self-perception – a feeling that emerges from within.

Therian Identity in Argentina: Public Expression

In Argentina, expressions of therian identity have recently taken a more public form, with reports of individuals adopting animalistic behaviors in public spaces. Social media has showcased groups engaging in what has been termed “quadrobics” – moving on all fours – and organizing mock “species fights” in parks. These displays, intended to shock and garner attention, contrast sharply with the more introspective nature of the movement in Spain.

Therian Identity in Spain: An Introspective Pulse

In Spain, the therian community largely exists within digital spaces – on Discord servers and TikTok profiles – where individuals connect and share their experiences. Here, the focus is less on outward performance and more on exploring the internal experience of identifying as an animal.

Personal Stories: A Spectrum of Experiences

The experience of being a therian is deeply personal and varies significantly.

• Ivy, Catalonia: A 22-year-traditional data administrator, Ivy identifies as a ram, a connection rooted in childhood stories from her grandfather. For her, being therian is a spiritual and emotional experience, tied to beliefs in reincarnation and manifesting as “flashbacks” and lucid dreams. She maintains a normal public life, keeping her identity private.
• Odysseus, Malaga: A 19-year-old non-binary trans student of dramatic arts, Odysseus identifies as both a wolf and a bear. Their identity is intertwined with neurodivergence, and they integrate their animalistic feelings into their artistic practice, utilizing animalistic movements in body expression exercises.
• Airas, Balearic Islands: An 18-year-old identifying as Iberian wolf, Podenco, Lechuza and Iberian ibis, Airas experiences “species dysphoria” – a sense of discomfort or distress related to not fully embodying their animal identity. They find solace and connection in nature, expressing animalistic behaviors like running on tiptoes and experiencing heightened senses.

The Role of Online Communities and Potential Risks

Online platforms are crucial for therians to connect, share experiences, and find support. However, these spaces also present risks, particularly for minors. Concerns have been raised about the presence of predatory individuals and the sharing of inappropriate content within therian-related groups on platforms like WhatsApp. Content creator Cuervo, who identifies as a crow and an owl, actively works to combat misinformation and protect vulnerable members of the community.

Sociological Perspectives

Octavio Stacchiola, an Argentine sociologist and researcher, suggests that therianism is a response to the instability and uncertainty of modern life. He argues that traditional institutions no longer provide the same sense of structure and identity, leading individuals to explore alternative frameworks for self-understanding. Stacchiola also notes a difference in expression between Argentina and Spain, attributing the more public displays in Argentina to a stronger tradition of public space appropriation by youth.

Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Understanding

Many therians emphasize that their identity is not a mental illness. They distinguish between genuine identification and psychosis, stressing that therianthropy should not negatively impact one’s life or lead to a detachment from reality. The community actively works to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding of their experiences.

As Odysseus states, “The verb to be is purely identity-based. If we can understand why someone identifies with the abstract concept of being an artist, we can also understand why someone would identify as an animal.”