Therians: the humans who identify as animals

Humans are living out their animal instincts through the therian movement. A small online subculture, those who identify as therians claim to have a nonhuman identity — one they embrace in their everyday lives. The movement has gained traction on social media, leading to demonization and ridicule. Experts warn against openly rejecting the culture, as doing so could cause harm.

The animal within

A therian is a person who “identifies as a nonhuman animal on an integral, personal level,” said the Therian Guide website.