What is a therian person?

A therian is a person who identifies as a non-human animal, either partially or wholly. This isn't a roleplay or a costume; it's a deeply held sense of self. Their experience is often described as a spiritual or metaphysical connection to the animal, rather than a literal belief in being an animal in a human body. Key aspects of therianthropy include:

• Theriotype: This is the animal or animals with which a therian identifies. It can be a specific species (e.g., "I'm a therian with a wolf theriotype") or even a specific individual animal (e.g., "I'm a therian who identifies with a particular wolf I once saw").

• Shifting: This refers to experiencing sensations, feelings, or behaviors associated with their theriotype. These shifts can be emotional, physical, or mental and vary greatly in intensity from person to person. It's important to note that this is not shape-shifting in a literal sense.

• Kintype: Closely related to theriotype, kintype is sometimes used to describe a non-human entity, including but not limited to animals, mythical creatures, or even objects.

• Personal Experiences: Therian experiences are subjective and highly personal. Some therians may feel a strong connection to their theriotype's instincts, behaviors, and senses, while others may primarily experience an emotional resonance.

• Community: A supportive online and sometimes offline community exists for therians to share their experiences, learn from each other, and find understanding.

It's crucial to understand that therianthropy is a complex identity and not easily categorized. There's no single "right" way to be a therian. Some therians are very open about their identity, while others are more private. The experience is individual and should be respected. Comparing it to other identities like furry fandom is inaccurate, as furries are primarily interested in the aesthetic and social aspects of anthropomorphic animals, while therianthropy is a personal identity deeply connected to one's sense of self.