here is some actual advice to young therians, coming from an adult therian who is also a parent:
- you do not NEED to come out as therian. if it is not safe for you to do so, or you feel uncomfortable, it is by no means necessary. however, if it safe and would make you happier, then please do!
- with this being said, being semi-stealth, at least in public or with strangers, is probably your best option. when you enter adulthood you will need to hold a job, maintain schooling and friendships. there is a time and place for gear (if you use it). you can show your alterhumanity through pins, stickers, and jewelry!
- DO NOT EVER give out your personal information online to try and find other therians irl. the world can be a very scary and dangerous place, and not everyone you meet, ESPECIALLY in places like discord or roblox, is sincere and they may have bad, predatory intentions toward you. i know being alone can feel awful, but your safety is much more important.
- with that being said, there is a high chance you aren't actually alone. go to the closest comic-con near you (with an adult if you're a young minor) next time it's around. you will 100% run into furries and therians and like-minded people and can make friends in a safe environment.
- please do your research on how to properly practice quadrobics. incorrect positioning can lead to life-long injuries like arthritis, pulled muscles, or even broken bones. keep yourself safe!
you are not a freak, a weirdo, gross, unloveable, or broken. most people will not understand you and that is okay, because ultimately, no one knows you better than yourself. ask yourself who you need approval from? will you die without it? likely not. BE YOURSELF and don't ever let anyone shame you for it! i have known i am a therian since i was 8 years old. i was bullied relentlessly throughout school. i didn't fully accept myself until i was 19 and met friends who were like me. i haven't publicly come out because it just makes more sense for me to stay semi-stealth. occasionally someone will comment on my therian pin in public. i have a life partner who loves me for me and would never ask me to change. my toddler and i play "dress up" and we wear tails and ears together.
you are an animal and you deserve, and will achieve, a life full of love, support, and safety. love you. 🐾
vaporwave
gracieabrams
prguitarman
andulkaphoto
