Discover the bizarre lifestyle of people who act like animals and their heartfelt plea

In a world where individuality and personal identity are increasingly celebrated, a unique subculture has emerged that challenges the very boundaries of what it means to be human. This group, known as 'therians' or 'furries', has captured the public's imagination and sparked both curiosity and controversy. They are individuals who identify deeply with animals, not just in spirit or as a playful hobby, but as a core part of their being. Some eat from bowls, use litter trays, and even walk on all fours, embracing an animalistic lifestyle that defies conventional norms.


At the Seniors Discount Club, we've seen our fair share of trends come and go, but this one truly stands out. It's not every day that you hear about someone who identifies as a llama or a person who spends their days living as a domesticated pet. Yet, these are real stories from real people who are seeking understanding and respect for their chosen identities.


compressed-punk rock llama.jpeg
A therian community member named Punk Rock Llama opened up about their community's struggles. Image credit: TikTok/Punk Rock Llama


Take, for example, the American TikToker who has gained a following by sharing her life as a self-identified llama. Her account, punk.rock.llama, is a blend of comedy and self-expression, where she uses animal puppets to convey her message. She's not alone in her journey; across the globe, thousands of young people gather online to share their experiences as 'therians' and seek advice on how to navigate a world that often misunderstands them.


The term 'therian' refers to those who feel an innate connection to a particular animal, believing they share characteristics or even a spiritual link with their chosen creature. This is distinct from 'furries', who typically see their animal personas as characters or alter egos, sometimes with a sexual element. Therians, on the other hand, experience their animal identity as an intrinsic part of themselves.

This phenomenon isn't limited to the fringes of the internet. Schools in the UK have reported instances of children with 'species dysphoria' who wish to be recognised as animals among their peers. And in a move towards inclusivity, US singer Dorian Electra made headlines by adding litter trays to public toilets at their concert venues.

The therian community is diverse, with members identifying as domestic animals like cats and dogs, as well as wild creatures such as wolves and foxes. Some even believe they are extinct species, a subgroup known as 'paleotherians'. They often wear masks and tails to express their identities and claim to feel a profound connection to nature.


While many find solace and joy in their therian identities, the lifestyle can lead to challenges in daily life and relationships. For instance, a Channel 4 documentary explored the secret world of 'human pups' in the UK, revealing individuals who fully embrace the life of a canine, complete with handlers and puppy play. The documentary highlighted the escapism and sense of freedom that participants find in their animal personas.

As seniors, we've seen society evolve in countless ways, and the rise of the therian community is yet another example of this ongoing transformation. It's a reminder that the quest for identity and acceptance is a universal one, transcending age and background.

While some may view the therian lifestyle with scepticism or even disdain, it's important to approach these stories with an open mind. After all, the essence of dignity lies in respecting the individual choices of others, even when those choices seem unconventional. As the health minister insists, everyone deserves dignity, and that includes those who find their truest selves in the spirit of an animal.

Key Takeaways

  • An American TikToker has shared that she identifies as a llama, highlighting a growing community of 'therians' and 'furries' who adopt animal characteristics and behaviours.
  • The therian community differentiates themselves from furries, with therians believing they are non-human animals on a deep level, while furries see their animal personas as characters, sometimes with a sexual element.
  • Some individuals take their animal identities into their daily lives, using litter trays, walking on all fours, and wearing animal masks, while a health minister has emphasised they deserve dignity.
  • The trend has brought about mixed reactions, from accommodation such as adding litter trays in public toilets for inclusivity, to concerns raised by schools and parents about the implications of children identifying as animals.
So, let's engage in a conversation about this intriguing subculture. Have you ever encountered someone who identifies as a therian or furry? What are your thoughts on this unique expression of identity? Share your experiences and perspectives with us in the comments below.
 
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Another mental health issue that is confined to the Western world, a world that has plenty of everything and nothing meaningful to do. I bet there are no furries or therries in Ukraine or Gaza!
I’ve been hoping someone else would comment on this story. I really can’t believe a lot of these conditions & am seriously wondering what has gone wrong with people.
 
This nonsense has to be stopped. What is wrong with people nowadays - "I'm a llama, cat, dog"- for the love of God get some help! At the very least they should be neutered in true veterinary fashion and at least that would stop them procreating, as I'm pretty sure that will be their next claim! It is truly disgusting that this is even given space in magazines and news outlets.
 
Is it any different to those who dress up as a non-human Star Trek character? Or even those gooses who live their daily lives dressed up as a long dead "entertainer", namely Elvis Presley?

People who dress up as something that they are not is nothing new.

The term "therian" is derived from "therianthrope" and the description of placental mammals which includes rodents, cattle, bears and primates, including humans!

There is some conjecture to whether therianthropy is a mental disorder or not. It is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
 
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Believe it or not, Therians and Furries are found in more parts of the world than most people think. Yes, even in war torn countries! Whilst it seems strange and unpalatable to the majority, it is not that long ago that for us straight people, LGBQIT was also considered unpalatable. Further back and not that many decades ago, being pregnant and unmarried was also scorned upon as was divorce, "living in sin" or even bodies covered in tattoos! As long as humans are on this earth, all sorts of percieved "weirdness" and socially unacceptable behaviours will exist. As long as no harm is caused to another human, who cares? It is also human nature to be very judgemental..
 
Believe it or not, Therians and Furries are found in more parts of the world than most people think. Yes, even in war torn countries! Whilst it seems strange and unpalatable to the majority, it is not that long ago that for us straight people, LGBQIT was also considered unpalatable. Further back and not that many decades ago, being pregnant and unmarried was also scorned upon as was divorce, "living in sin" or even bodies covered in tattoos! As long as humans are on this earth, all sorts of percieved "weirdness" and socially unacceptable behaviours will exist. As long as no harm is caused to another human, who cares? It is also human nature to be very judgemental..
Yet many people throughout the world still practice an evil and decrepit custom called RELIGION!
 
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Is it any different to those who dress up as a non-human Star Trek character? Or even those gooses who live their daily lives dressed up as a long dead "entertainer", namely Elvis Presley?

People who dress up as something that they are not is nothing new.

The term "therian" is derived from "therianthrope" and the description of placental mammals which includes rodents, cattle, bears and primates, including humans!

There is some conjecture to whether therianthropy is a mental disorder or not. It is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Well maybe its time that it was listed in the Manual of Mental Disorders 'cause it sure 'aint "Normal behavior." :unsure:
 
Yet many people throughout the world still practice an evil and decrepit custom called RELIGION!
Religion has been around forever, with evidemce even from paleolithic times. The term "religion" however, didnt come about until around 16th century. Prior to written texts such as the Quran and Bible, humans all over this planet expressed their spirituality in many different ways. Not a recent concept, and religion/sprituality will always exist, despite anyone or not believing it is decrepit.😁
 
Guys, guys....calm down. It's a culture, not a disease.

Almost everything we each identify as truths about ourselves, and about others, are very far from reality. It's an illusion that we think, "this is the real true truth". Even biology.... the way 99.9% of us think of our body as working is more wrong than right, usually quite deluded... trained biologists excluded!

These people probably have fewer murderers and assaulters among them than the societal average. Perhaps it is we who should be locked up!

cheers
 
Believe it or not, Therians and Furries are found in more parts of the world than most people think. Yes, even in war torn countries! Whilst it seems strange and unpalatable to the majority, it is not that long ago that for us straight people, LGBQIT was also considered unpalatable. Further back and not that many decades ago, being pregnant and unmarried was also scorned upon as was divorce, "living in sin" or even bodies covered in tattoos! As long as humans are on this earth, all sorts of percieved "weirdness" and socially unacceptable behaviours will exist. As long as no harm is caused to another human, who cares? It is also human nature to be very judgemental..
Speak for yourself, I have never thought of the gay community as unpalatable!! But this is ridiculous, cat litter trays in public toilets or at schools? for God's sake!!!
 
Speak for yourself, I have never thought of the gay community as unpalatable!! But this is ridiculous, cat litter trays in public toilets or at schools? for God's sake!!!
You misread the bold part.

The trend has brought about mixed reactions, from accommodation such as adding litter trays in public toilets for inclusivity, to concerns raised by schools and parents about the implications of children identifying as animals.

There is no relationship, explicit or implied, between litter trays and schools.

Maybe I misread you! o_O
 
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