A unique subculture has emerged in Barcelona. Known as ‘therians’, these individuals identify psychologically, spiritually, or neurologically with a non-human animal. Fuelled by online platforms like TikTok, this growing community recently organised its first major gathering in Catalonia at the Arc de Triomf.

Therianthropy, often called the therian phenomenon, goes beyond simply dressing up. Members define their identity as a deep-seated connection with a specific animal, considering it an integral part of who they are. For those unfamiliar with the term, Wikipedia explains therianthropy as the belief or spiritual experience of being, in whole or in part, a non-human animal.

Inside the Therian Experience

To understand this phenomenon, consider Fin (a pseudonym), a 17-year-old from Sant Feliu de Llobregat. For nine years, Fin has identified as a therian, specifically an albino grey wolf. Speaking to Agencia EFE, Fin explained:

I feel connected to this animal; I feel that I could easily be one in my past life.

Fin often wears a self-made mask, furry ears, and a long white tail, often using these accessories daily. While reserved in public, Fin moves on all fours at home, describing it as an exercise enhancing “agility, balance, and muscle mass.”

Self-acceptance has not been an easy journey. As a child, Fin communicated more through physical movements, mimicking animal behaviours. This led to self-rejection. Fin recounts:

I felt ashamed because it’s not normal, and it caused a rejection of myself that I slowly had to learn to accept.

Now, Fin takes curious stares from passers-by in stride but condemns the systematic harassment the community faces. Fin reports:

Fake accounts are created where people pretending to be ‘therian’ propose gatherings to attract people, then attack them.

Threats and Cancelled Gatherings

The transition from the digital sphere to real-world gatherings has been turbulent. Violent threats forced the cancellation of a planned gathering in Lugo. Messages included disturbing threats such as, “We are going to tear off your skins,” and “You are sick, I hope they lock you up.”

Fin acknowledges that few therians in Barcelona and its metropolitan area dare to express themselves publicly. Fin stated:

Two years ago, we had to go all the way to Asturias to meet one. Here, they don’t dare to go out so much.

Expert Psychological Perspective

The rise of masked youths identifying as animals has sparked discussions about mental health. Claudia Rossy, a health psychologist and lecturer at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), provides context. She notes that adolescence is a crucial stage for identity development, and many young people find refuge within the therian community, where they feel “well received.” Rossy warns that while this is often a search for identity influenced by social networks without functional consequences, “it is crucial to monitor its evolution during adolescence to avoid a disconnection from reality.” You can find more information about the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya on their official website.

Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital and home to over 1.6 million residents, is governed by the City Council of Barcelona under the purview of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The Arc de Triomf, a historical monument and popular gathering place, served as the meeting point for the therian community, according to its Wikipedia page.

The therian community’s experiences in Barcelona reflect a broader trend of individuals exploring alternative identities and seeking acceptance in a complex world. While the phenomenon raises questions, understanding and empathy are essential for navigating this evolving social landscape.

This story incorporates reporting from Metrópoli Abierta.

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According to the official source, see Llega a España el fenómeno ‘therian’: jóvenes que se identifican y actúan como animales – EFE.