“Therianthropy is the belief that one is part non-human animal.” (Source 1) My experience differs from everybody else and has been awkward at times because of the shifting and getting the hang of the quadrobics. But there is also a more personal connection to it. Why would anybody want this? The answer is, most often, those who are, wish they weren’t. There are many misconceptions about the Alterhuman community, (Therian, Otherkin, Fictionkin, Otherhearted, etc.) and what lies within. As a therian, I would like to spread awareness about the therian community, and for those questioning if they are one.
The Difference Between Therians and Furries:
Being a furry, which usually involves having a suit or a fursona, is a choice. Therians can choose to wear gear, they can choose to do vocals, but they cannot choose to be a therian. Furries are fans of anthropomorphic animals, which means they are fans of animals that display human-like traits, such as walking and talking. The suits are made using fake fur and lots of determination. The community has many different colors, from the suits and drawings. Furries do not think they are animals, nor do they want to be treated as such; when people threaten this, it makes them sound like they oppress animals. And while therians believe they are not completely human they can identify with their theriotype. Therians do have much art within the community as well, the masks are made by themselves or are commissioned from another creator, just like some of the tails. The tails can be artificial (yarn, wool, etc.) or real (I do not recommend using one to wear). Most therians prefer the fake tails because most real tails are from fur farms that use the animal for the fur. (Note: You can be both a furry and a therian!)
Theriotypes:
You cannot choose what animal you are connected to, the connections could be phantom shifts, dream shifts, (dreaming that you are that animal), and many more! A phantom shift is when you feel a limb that is not there, like in my experience, a tail or wings. The only shift that is impossible is physical shifting. You cannot suddenly grow a tail. Even if you don’t shift, or have memories of a past life, you can still be a Therian, but as said before, you do not have the choice in whether you are or are not. If you are awakened and know your theriotype, you can say, (me for example) “I am a Coyotekin”, or “I have a Coyote theriotype.”
Quads (Quadrobics):
Quads are the sport of running, jumping, walking, etc, on all fours. Although it may seem weird, it is very healthy for cardio and muscle strengthening. Although a little dangerous (if done wrong, it can cause fractures or broken bones), it helps therians to feel more connected to their theriotype. Doing quads in public is scary at first, but as you keep doing not only will you get better at it, but you will also feel more confident in doing quads. Anyone can do quads if they want to, it is not specifically for therians.
Gear:
Anyone can also wear gear, it does not mean you are a therian or furry because the gear is not what a therian or a furry is. Like the quads, the gear helps with connecting to your theriotype.
Examples of Gear: (I made these myself)
Tail (CLIP ON!)
Mask
Source 2 (Many pages on here to look at for more information!)
