Hey everyone! You might have seen my initial post with just #therian and #taxidermy, and I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what those hashtags mean to me and my journey. It's a world many don't understand, but it's incredibly significant for those of us who identify as therians. First off, let's talk about bird therian wings. For many bird therians like myself, having wings isn't just about a costume; it's a profound extension of our identity. It's about feeling whole and expressing that intrinsic connection to our theriotype. Crafting or finding realistic, ethical wings can be a long process. I’ve personally explored various materials, from intricate feather work using ethically sourced molted feathers (never from live plucking or unethical means!) to lightweight, durable frameworks. The goal isn't to pretend to fly, but to feel grounded in our true selves. It’s a form of self-expression that brings immense joy and a sense of belonging. The dedication to making or acquiring these wings truly reflects the depth of our connection to our animal selves. This often leads to discussions around therian taxidermy. Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, for most therians, this isn't about traditional taxidermy practices involving preserving whole animals. Instead, it often refers to utilizing ethically sourced animal parts – like shed antlers, molted feathers, or even responsibly sourced fur scraps – to create therian gear. This could be anything from the aforementioned wings, to tails, masks, or other representations of our theriotypes. The emphasis is always, always on ethics and respect for the animal. It’s about honoring the animal, not exploiting it. Learning about ethical sourcing has been a huge part of my journey, ensuring that any materials I use are obtained in a way that respects wildlife and natural processes. It’s a very niche craft, but incredibly rewarding when you create something that truly resonates with your inner animal. Beyond the physical expressions of therianthropy, there's also the beautiful aspect of therian love and community. It’s not always easy to explain therianthropy to outsiders, so finding others who understand and share similar experiences is invaluable. I've found so much warmth and acceptance within the therian community. Whether it's friendships, mentorship, or even romantic relationships, connecting with fellow therians brings a unique level of understanding. It's about finding someone who appreciates your whole self, including your animalistic identity, without judgment. These connections help validate our experiences and provide a safe space to be authentic. Sharing stories, tips on gear, or just simply existing together enriches our lives immensely. If you're curious to see more of my creative process or just want to connect, you can find me on TikTok @wolfalder! It's a great place where I share snippets of my life and passions. Being a therian is a deeply personal and enriching path, and I hope this sheds a little more light on what it means to me.