The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has initiated a formal analysis of the emerging social phenomenon known as “therianthropy” that has gained significant traction among adolescent populations. Minister Victor Atallah confirmed on Friday that the ministry is collaborating with the Societies of Psychiatry and Psychology to examine this trend through scientific and technical perspectives.
Therianthropy refers to individuals who identify spiritually or psychologically as animals rather than human beings. Unlike costume play or aesthetic preferences, therians describe this identification as an intrinsic experience of carrying an animal essence within their being. The phenomenon has recently gained visibility through social media, including an organized gathering scheduled for February 26th at Juan Pablo Duarte Park in the Colonial Zone.
Minister Atallah emphasized the ministry’s non-stigmatizing approach, stating, “We do not stigmatize anyone, because we do not have to stigmatize anyone.” The Ministry, through its Department of Mental Health and in coordination with the National Health Service (SNS), is currently evaluating the situation’s potential psychosocial impact.
While characterizing the trend as potentially temporary, Atallah acknowledged the simultaneous emergence of these behaviors warrants professional examination. “I think that something is happening that is motivating all of a sudden all these kinds of things are coming out,” he observed, suggesting social contagion elements while maintaining scientific openness.
The Ministry has reminded citizens that unconventional behaviors can have social repercussions and encouraged measured approaches. Public Health officials will continue monitoring the phenomenon’s development while offering professional guidance when necessary, prioritizing population well-being without premature pathologization.
Etymologically, the term “therian” derives from the Greek word ‘therion,’ meaning ‘beast’ or ‘wild animal,’ reflecting the movement’s connection to animal identity conceptualization.