Safiri

You may be able to access YouTube or Tumblr were there are great therian resources. I usually connect with others on TikTok and Instagram, which I expect are blocked for you. If you can access those when you're home, though, I recommend them to find a larger therian community!

When I was a kid, being a therian was just a fun thing. Everyone knew, "Oh yeah, Nora is a lion." Everyone treated me that way, and that always made me happy. There were some challenges, though. I experienced species dysphoria because I felt, "I am not in the right body." I remember when I was a kid, I would always think, my teeth are so dull, they are not sharp enough. My fingers are just so long, and they do not work. I would wear gloves because I did not like how human fingers looked. They just felt wrong to me.

As time went on, I learned to accept myself, especially after talking with the community. Eventually, I became perfectly okay with having a human body because I get to help lions in the wild and talk to other people. Sometimes I still deal with the occasional bit of species dysphoria. But in general, I have had a really great time being both human and lion.

I've found great friends who support me, too. My friends will sometimes play with me as if I am a cat, and it is really fun. They will dangle things in front of me, which I love. I know they care about me a lot. If you find people who accept you for being a therian, it makes your bonds with them even stronger.

I also love being a lion because I can be outside and just feel so at home. Having a dual perspective also helps me really empathize with animals as well. Pretty much every cat I have ever met has liked me!

I would recommend a lot of research. Look at different kinds of animals and try to see what fits. Investigate the behaviors of animals. Know that not all of your behaviors are going to line up with your theriotype, because people's personalities can be completely different from their theriotype. They do not always intertwine. For me, I'm not super bold usually, but I still am a lion.

So, don't focus too hard on your particular personality, and instead focus on your therian identity. Try looking inwards spiritually if you feel like it is more of a spiritual identity. Try to think about what your soul might be, what your soul is saying to you. Assess what things you do involuntarily that are animalistic and not very humanoid, and try to align them with a particular species.

Sometimes, you'll look at an exotic animal and go, "Wow, yeah, that is it." I have heard that sentiment going around because sometimes there are really rare animals that you do not see in everyday life, and it takes a while to discover them.

I am a furry and a therian! I was a part of the furry community for a while. I have not been very active in it of late, but I still enjoy anthropomorphic animals. I love The Lion King. I have a fursona, and I draw her on occasion. She is basically exactly me, just a lioness with long hair.

The best advice that I can give is to know whether your parents are the kind of people who would be receptive to therianthropy. You always want to be safe, no matter your situation.

If they are, I recommend talking about what therians are before straight up saying you are one. Try to explain how therians work, explaining that therianthropy is not a mental disorder; it is simply an identity. Try to be as calm and patient as possible when explaining, and if they aren't reacting well, bring it up another time.