What I Considered Before Coming Out as a Therian to My Parents

Coming out as a Therian is frankly terrifying, and I know it can feel really vulnerable. I wanted my family to understand and accept my identity, but I also knew that sharing this part of myself with my parents might not go as I hoped. Here are seven reasons I thought about before deciding to come out:

Potential for Misunderstanding

Many people do not know about Therianthropy, and I think my parents may not understand what it means to identify as a Therian. They might see it as a phase, a mental health issue, or a way to escape reality. If they do not understand my identity, they could misunderstand it and respond with confusion or disbelief, which might cause tension between us.

Concerns About Mental Health

I knew that coming out as a Therian might worry my parents about my mental health. They might not see Therianthropy as a real identity and could think something was wrong with me. If they made assumptions or suggested I go to therapy, it would make me feel judged or invalidated, which I wanted to avoid.

Risk of Rejection or Alienation

Telling family members about being Therian is not always easy. Some families are open-minded, but others might not understand. I worried that if my parents reacted negatively, it could hurt our relationship and make me feel more alone and disconnected.

Lack of Support Resources for Therians

Therianthropy does not have the same support resources as LGBTQ+ identities. This means my parents may struggle to understand my identity. They might feel frustrated or helpless without educational resources. Without proper guidance, it may be hard for them to accept what I am sharing.

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Possibility of Increased Dysphoria

I thought about how a negative reaction could make any dysphoria I feel worse. If my parents don’t accept my identity or take it seriously, it could increase my feelings of species dysphoria and make me feel even more disconnected. Instead of providing comfort, coming out might actually intensify those feelings of alienation.

Fear of Being Treated Differently

I also thought about how things might change if I came out as a Therian. Even if my parents wanted to support me, they might act differently—maybe more carefully or by avoiding certain topics. This could make our conversations feel awkward or strained. If I wasn’t ready for this change, it seemed better to keep my identity private for now.

Coming Out May Not Be Necessary for My Happiness

I realized that I don’t need to come out to be happy or healthy. I can fully accept my Therian identity in private or with friends I trust. Keeping some parts of my life private helps me stay calm and keep good relationships with my family, especially if they aren’t ready to understand.

Final Thoughts

Coming out as a Therian is a personal choice that requires careful thought. I had to think about my family’s beliefs and whether they would be accepting. It's important to have support from friends and online Therian communities to find comfort and validation. There’s no need to rush into coming out. Protecting your peace and happiness should always come first.

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