(2025-02-18 20:18)Lupus Ferox Wrote:  Do you believe you can be born trans?

If therianthropy was to make its appearance in the DSM-V, multiple ingredients would have to be present in order to call oneself that and for an extended amount of time (say six months in a row f.ex.) even. Neurodivergency, as you put it, is definitely a contender to be part of the recipe. Yes, I believe in the theory you proposed. I also believe that dysphoria sees many similarities no matter it's based on species or gender. If you can be born with one, then in analogue you can be born with the other (or both) as well. I see no difference as dysphoria is a worldwide, widespread, well-known and much talked about phenomenon. Of course, what dysphoria is exactly, will differ from one individual to the next, depending on the stamina, perseverance, of the individual. But... in general, I would say that what it means to be dysphoric is most likely a universal concept. The way we cope, can differ of course.

I do believe that you are born trans, but I am not an expert so I can't say for sure. I guess I see species dysphoria and gender dysphoria as different concepts in more ways than just the cause. The presentation of both of these things is similar, but one can be treated in ways other than transitioning. The only treatment for gender dysphoria is to transition. You can manage species dysphoria through things like gear, yes, but you can also use a variety of other methods. I generally see species dysphoria as something that only appears in conjunction with other mental health issues, so not therianthropy wouldn't be the root cause. Ultimately I don't know for sure if you are born as a therian, but I don't believe that these two types of dysphoria should be treated in the same way.

Do you believe you can be born trans?

If therianthropy was to make its appearance in the DSM-V, multiple ingredients would have to be present in order to call oneself that and for an extended amount of time (say six months in a row f.ex.) even. Neurodivergency, as you put it, is definitely a contender to be part of the recipe. Yes, I believe in the theory you proposed. I also believe that dysphoria sees many similarities no matter it's based on species or gender. If you can be born with one, then in analogue you can be born with the other (or both) as well. I see no difference as dysphoria is a worldwide, widespread, well-known and much talked about phenomenon. Of course, what dysphoria is exactly, will differ from one individual to the next, depending on the stamina, perseverance, of the individual. But... in general, I would say that what it means to be dysphoric is most likely a universal concept. The way we cope, can differ of course.

What about unbiased confirmation by other people, say people you've just met or hung out with for a short while?
I find that their insights may help, too, in that regard, even if it's just saying you're acting off or not as a human being should. It could be the trigger for you to do the research. Some of you mention deep thinking. But some of those feelings don't need to be thought about all the time, in my opinion. They have to be experienced first before you can narrow down their origins. Of course a bit obvious, but I thought why not mention.

I didn't need to do a lot of research. I felt like a cat for years and years, and I always acted like one (I was "the furry" in school since I was like 7 lol, since most people don't know the difference ?) so I knew I was a feline and I knew I was small.

This is certainly true in my case. I am autistic and have had a special interest in animals for as long as I can remember.

This kind of makes sense, except a decent amount of felines and canines are more solitary in nature. It also kind of ignores non canine or feline animals that are very social, such as fish and bees.

UnholyLeaf's theory makes sense, but I do agree with Eli.
My kintype when I was was younger was primarily feline (big cat, leopard specifically) but shifted as I got older.
Back them I was very much anti-social,only talking to people when I needed to IF I needed to.
I had one singular friend that I talked to willingly and that was it, I avoided all other human contact as much as possible.

Cool post! Why I think there are more canine/feline therian is that we are likely more used to them coexisting with us in society >.. We keep them as pets and we love them lots, ushering a deeper understanding and connection, some might think they are even felines/canines therian. Just a theory, but I think that may be why!

This is a great theory. Of course, a theory is a theory and there isn’t a true reason why there are so many canines/felines, but there’s no harm in there being so many of them either. It does propose an interesting point though. What matters most is we experience non-human instincts, and we band together as a community as such. Thanks for the post

im not entirely sure how to explain my therianthropy because im still new to the community and granted, im also still learning things about myself. i kinda just see it as something ive experienced for while but didn't really think about until a couple years later. i think i've always had non-human tendencies when i was younger, i never really related with people as much and i've always wanted to be around animals more and even wished to be one. obviously i would do typical kid things like pretend to be an animal when i was playing with my friends but i never really stopped outside of that. i was especially more vocal as a kid and would often hiss or meow but im not very vocal as i was when i was a kid, im even hesitant to practice vocalizing because im afraid its something people will be weirded out by.

i would often be teased because of this and overall i was just a really weird kid so it was pretty common for my own "friends" i considered at the time to treat me like a personal pet or something. as i got older these feelings didn't really go away and it actually made me question my identity. on the bright side, im not as ashamed about it anymore its something that im still trying to come to terms with.