(While I do identify as a therian, note that each individual (anyone) has their own limited knowledge on complex concepts like this. I'm always open to corrections and learning, in regards to anything here.)

Therianthropy!

So like. What actually is a therian?

Answer: Skim the first google result! (JOKE.)

Therianthropy is a term used by those who identify with/as an animal or creature in a unique way. This can be spiritual, physical, or otherwise. However, as with gender, it doesn't just fit into any 'box', and that includes this description.

Therians define their own existence/identity based on their own expiriences. For example, I do not consider myself human. I do human things (guitar), and I don't act like a cat in public. However, I use terms like 'Paws', 'Fur', and 'Mane' when referring to my body. Me not crawling everywhere or speaking english doesn't "disqualify" my identity or my existence as a cat, and neither does Marina being Anthropomorphic (or me reffering to myself in third person).

Others expiriences vary wildly; for example, at one point, my partners only connection to the identity was occasionally saying 'woof'. I also met, in contrast, someone with four theriotypes, as they were mid-performing Quads. Both examples, as well as myself, are all valid examples of the label. Something I can say with certainty is that Therianthropy is not a kink.

Again, therianthropy is NOT a kink.

Therianthropy is part of ones identity, and should not be dismissed as a mere 'kink'. Therianthropy is not sexual, nor is it pet-play; while it can involve these two things, they do not define it. Similarly, kinks can sometimes provide species euphoria and help one feel like their true self, which is completely valid. This does not make their expirience an 'act' or a 'turn on'. Now that that's clear, moving on.

Most therians use the Theta-Delta symbol (ΘΔ) , as a symbol of therianthropy, as it allows them to identify other therians in plain site across the internet, without the need for explanation or possible risk of harassment; most people generally don't understand what it means, so you'll start noticing people in servers, games, and socials with the symbol in their bio or name.

This is not a requirement, nor is it a sign that they are looking to be outed in the open; it's simply a symbol of representation.

Other terms

Again, these can apply to a majority of therians. As such, don't assume they always apply.

Theriotypes

Typically the species one identifies as. For example, my theriotype is a cat. Some have multiple theriotypes.

SPECIES EUPHORIA

Feeling a sense of belonging in oneself, usually through outside means such as headpats, scritches, praise, or being reffered to as the correct species.

SPECIES DYSPHORIA

The inverse, caused by things such as offhandedly being called human/part of humanity, or seeing pictures/reflections of a body that doesn't belong.

Gear

items such as a tail, wearable ears, paw gloves, or other items that assist with being oneself.

Shifts/Phantom limbs

This expirience differs wildly, but in some sense its entering a headspace with some degree of acting more aligned with your theriotype. This can be caused by distress, euphoria, voluntarily, or just occur without prompt. Phantom limbs are expiriencing the feeling of limbs that may not be physically present, such as twitching ears or a wagging tail.

Quads

An activity where one moves quickly in a similar manner to a canine; jumping, running, hopping, etc. (I don't know much about this myself)