Ever since i heard about the therian meeting, i've been super excited. Yeah, me too.

I hope the others don't take long. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with more kids like us.

Oh, oh, oh. But look who we have here.

The crazy ones who think they're animals. Stop, leave us alone, please, don't do anything to us.

I have a score to settle with you, you owe me, foxy. We don't mess with you.

Oh, no, no, no, and neither are we. You say you're animals, well, we're going to treat you like animals, with sticks.

And what are you going to wear tomorrow? - i don't know, we didn't think about it.

- yeah. I still don't know.

I was looking at some dresses that look really pretty. They're like...

Hello, damiana. What do you want, elvin?

It's just that i was alone and i thought i'd come and spend recess with you. Me?

Be with you? Well, we've been doing homework together and i thought we could hang out as friends.

Of course not. If i put up with you, it was so you'd do my homework, but since i already got the ten i wanted, don't even think about coming near me again, loser.

Oh, no, how awful. Well, it was a dress, like a pink one, it's beautiful, beautiful.

I'm going to send you the link so you can see that it's lovely, lovely, lovely. - what are you going to wear?

- a little skirt. - a little skirt?

- purple, yes, yes, yes. What happened, friend?

It looks like you're lost. You don't have any tag of your family around your neck.

Were you also kicked out when you did everything to make them happy? It's not fair.

Who knows how long you've been outside? You must be thirsty.

Wait for me. Although we are solitary, foxes always take care of our family and mothers never leave their young alone.

Not like humans who even forget their own. That's why i'm a therian and i identify as a fox and not as a human animal.

It was a really tough work day today. And with the transportation delay, look at the time we're getting home.

Well, yes, love, but we can't give up. I mean, even if we're not here all day, we have to work.

We barely made it, and look. Oh, your son left half of his sandwich and dinner.

Well, that's on him, violeta. We made sure the fridge isn't empty so he doesn't go hungry.

Love, i think we need to talk to him. - now?

- yes. No, no, no, what are you thinking?

All i want is to be in bed, lying down. In a couple of hours, i have to get up again to go to work.

- you too. - well, yes, i'm tired.

Leave it for your day off. Talk to him that day.

And you'll see that by that day elvin's tantrum will have passed. Well, yes, maybe so.

Perhaps it's best to rest. Friend, you came back.

It doesn't surprise me. You're here grateful for the water i gave you the other day.

You're welcome. I wish humans were like that.

Noble and grateful, like animals. But they are the worst.

Because they don't care about leaving you alone. I can't stay with you because my dad doesn't like dogs.

But you know what? I'm going to take you to a shelter so you won't be alone anymore, okay?

I felt so good seeing the dog i took to the shelter playing with other puppies. At least he won't be alone anymore.

It's good that you invited me to a live stream, so you don't feel alone and we can talk about what happened to you. I know we don't know each other, but i really identified with what you said in your therian video.

Dogs are so affectionate, so loyal, so grateful. They have more good qualities that i feel more akin to them than to many humans.

That dog came back for you because of the good you did for him. Yes, just like i went back to damiana.

Because i thought she liked my company, and all she did was take what she wanted from me and then slam the door in my face. I think that little dog is a lot like you.

Yes, he did things i would do. Honestly, i really identified with him.

You are a therian, and the animal you feel that connection with is a golden dog. Yes, absolutely.

Neither he nor i will be alone anymore. I'm a therian mask designer.

If you want, i can make you one if you like the idea. And that would be your welcome to our tribe.

I really like the idea. No way, i was super impatient for you to arrive.

I'm here, elvin. Here's your therian mask.

And your dog tail. No way.

They're awesome. Mine is my connection to the fox, because i'm restless and curious like them.

That's why i identify as a therian. Look, with this identity i feel free from the human world, full of violence, of injustice, and i no longer feel alone.

You're not anymore, elvin. As therians, we can live for a moment in a better world.

- what's wrong with him? - look at the tail-guy.

Don't say that to him. Oh, where did you leave your tail?

I thought you didn't want us around anymore, damiana. Nor did i think i'd see you in a viral video on clickclack where you say you're a dog.

I'm not a dog. I identify as one, which is not the same.

Well, if you're a dog, you shouldn't be eating that. What's wrong with you?

Oh, don't get angry. I'm just worried about you.

Dogs shouldn't eat human food, because they get sick. - i brought you kibble, look.

- stop! Swallow, dogs swallow.

Bark, bark, bark! Damiana wasn't the only one who bothered me at school.

They kept making fun of me. Don't pay attention to them, elvin.

It's not that simple, mayra. Look, everyone records us as if we were some kind of freaks.

Because they see us from the rotten world they live in and from which we escape at times with our therian identity. And they swear i self-identify as a dog when i don't.

I only connect with their good qualities. Well, yes, they only see what goes viral on social media.

They don't know that we act like people most of our lives and that being therian is nothing out of the ordinary. That's how i feel.

And... ...

Now that i have someone who understands, it makes me no longer feel so alone and that i don't fit in with anyone because i have you. Don't listen to them.

Better connect with nature. What's up, diego?

Diego, diego! - what's up?

- get up, for crying out loud! What is that video where you're a dog?

I'm not a dog, dad. Well, not what you say in the video that went viral, that everyone made fun of me today at work.

It really got to you. Before, they wouldn't even dream of showing up to see me.

- don't talk to me like that! - not like that, diego!

Then how? That's what he needs.

So he drops those ridiculous ideas. You don't know anything.

You've never known anything! See?

So, all this is a tantrum to get attention? Oh, well, you won't want me to be on top of you all day, you'll see.

- i... I think it's better we talk about this another time.

No, no, no, we're not talking about this again, violeta. If i find out again that you're still with these foolish things, now i'm really going to give you a dog's life.

My love, right now... It's truly incredible that we never get close to our son, and when we do, it's because you want to hit him.

No, violeta, the incredible thing is that we spend our time working our backs off so elvin has food, clothes, a roof over his head, and he comes out saying he's an animal. Look, i also find that strange, but you have to understand...

- but... But nothing.

What he needs is for us to set limits for him and give him a good beating so he doesn't come out with nonsense. - look, i understand you, but always...

- but that's enough, don't continue. Look, the last thing i want is to get home and deal with this nonsense.

And elvin better get those ideas out of his head, because if not, i'll beat them out of him. Well, look who we have here, the crazy one who thinks he's a dog.

Let me pass. But you yourself said it in a clickclock, and it's visible in the videos that were taken of you here in the park.

I don't mess with you guys. Oh, no, no, no, and neither do we with you.

On the contrary, since you say you're a dog, we brought you a little friend so you can play. Jägger.

Attack. No, no.

No! Hello, mayra.

Hello, elvin, are you okay? Yes.

Come in. It's not fair that those bullies attacked you by setting a dog on you.

Luckily, it bit my tail. I took the opportunity to run away as soon as it got distracted and it couldn't bite me.

No wonder i didn't find you in the park. I was just arriving when they intercepted me.

As soon as i got home, i sent you the message about what happened to me. I also went to mine to let them know i was coming to see you.

I got scared, but i'm fine. You didn't have to come.

Of course i did, elvin. With the scare they gave you, it was the least i could do.

I mean, it's not like they hadn't bothered me before. I know.

But the difference is that now you're not alone, and you have me. Yes.

Now that i'm part of the therians... ...

I finally have someone who understands me. Someone i can tell everything to.

Thank you very much, mayra. You're welcome.

Violeta. It's almost midnight, and you're just getting home.

Sorry, i didn't mean to wake you up. Well, the good thing is you're here now.

Lie down and rest. Yes, i'm very tired, but i wanted to take elvin for a walk.

And that? Since when?

Since we found out that our son identifies as a dog... Oh, i don't know, love.

I feel like there's something our son wants to tell us. Teenage tantrums.

- no, diego, no. - don't get so hung up on it.

Diego, no. In fact, i'm thinking of asking for a change at work and only for a half-shift.

But if we're going to need that money. We need it.

Well, i don't know what i'm going to do, maybe... ...

Work with catalogs, iron for others, run errands, whatever i have to do to replace that money i won't be earning anymore. But i don't want to sacrifice more time away from my son.

Suit yourself. Will you turn off the light?

Good night. Violeta!

Let's go, come on. Five more minutes and there'll be traffic and the transport will be full.

- i'm coming. I'm just leaving the money and the note for elvin.

Let's go already, man. Oh, no.

Little virgin, please help me. I think...

I think i'm neglecting my son a lot by working so he doesn't lack anything, and what he is lacking maybe is our attention. Intercede for us so that we may be a better family for him.

Amen, so be it. Here.

No way. It's exactly like the one that stayed in the mouth of the dog that chased me.

Let's forget for a while about this rotten world and connect with nature in a healthier way, like therians. Yes, let's go.

(door knocking) yes, come in. Come in, please, mrs.

Gomez, and have a seat. Thank you very much, doctor.

You may leave, lety. Thank you.

I appreciate you seeing me after i wrote to you via private message on your page, to ask for an appointment, right? With pleasure.

I had this free slot in my schedule. Now i work half-time.

It's just that i asked for the change because i need time to be with my son. That worries me that he identifies with a dog, a dog.

And it also worries me that he told us that we know nothing about him, and the truth is, i don't know anything about him and-- well, calm down, ma'am. I wish i could, doctor, but i don't know how.

When my son tells me he identifies with a dog, i don't know, i'm afraid something is happening with his mind. No, ma'am.

What your son is experiencing is a therian identity, and there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it corresponds - to a mental health problem. - but then what?

Young therians are part of an urban tribe whose emergence dates back to the mid-nineties. Ok, i thought it was something recent.

No, it's social media that has had a lot to do with their current visibility. Therians are young people who feel a spiritual connection or psychological connection with an animal, seeking belonging and questioning the meaning of being human through a healthy and playful exploration of the benefits of certain animals that connect them, for a while, to ecology, to nature in a cleaner way than the current world offers them.

Ok. Well, what do i have to do as their mom?

It's just that the vast majority react with mockery, with shouts, accusations and i don't think that's the right thing to do. First, stay calm and get reliable information about this cultural phenomenon which is not a disorder.

And second, don't ridicule it. It's about a search for identity which is natural as a phase for teenagers.

Well, i've been very disconnected from my son, because of work and-- well, i don't know how to approach him. In a genuine way, madam.

By asking what your son feels and why he adopted that connection with therians. It's not going to be very easy.

My son is convinced that i don't understand anything and, well-- it's understandable that elvin feels this way due to the very noticeable absence he's grown up with. But a present and affectionate upbringing is the best way to support our children in any identity process.

Uh, the videos they recorded of me when the dog chased me on social media, have already gone viral with comments that have nothing to do with it. Because they were in the mockery seeking notoriety without caring if what they publish is false.

(message alert) what did you get? A call for a therian meeting this week in this very park.

Hey, no way, how cool. Hey, obviously we're coming, right?

Of course, it's going to be the first meeting and we can't miss it. Okay.

- see you. - (laughs) bye.

Bye. (laughs) hey, what's wrong with you?

Let go of me. Don't play dumb, aren't you a bitch?

Well, i'm going to treat you like one. No, no, no-- no, no.

Let go of me! This isn't going to end like this.

You're going to pay for this, you damn bitch! You're going to pay for this!

Mom. Son, where are you coming from?

I arrived and you weren't here. From the park.

I was with my friend therian. What are you doing here?

Did they give you the afternoon off from your job? No, no, no, no, no, uh-- i asked for part-time.

I'm not going to work in the afternoons anymore so i can spend more time with you. Oh, cool.

I'm going to my room. (sighs) patience, violeta.

Patience. (knocking at the door) my love, can i come in?

Yes, mom, come in. Uh-- how was it at the park with your friend?

Good, mom. We were running, doing somersaults, lying on the grass, enjoying nature.

That sounds very nice. And--?

Why do you identify with a dog? Mom, why do you want to know?

Look, it seems very strange that you're asking me. I know, and i also know it seems very strange to you, even that i'm here, after such a long absence on my part.

But that's exactly why i want to communicate with you. I want to know what you think, what you feel, what you really want.

Look, if you're going to act like my dad, just leave me alone. No, no, my love.

Come on. I know it's going to be hard for us.

Especially after this disconnection we've had for so long. But i love you.

I love you very much. And i know with this love it won't be impossible.

For a long time i was alone, with no one to understand me. I didn't fit in with anyone.

Not even with you, who are my parents. I know.

But not anymore. Now i'm with people who do understand me.

Who appreciate me. With whom i connect.

I also want to listen to you. I want to understand you, i want to connect.

I want us, as a family, to connect, just like you found it outside. Give me a chance.

- yes? - yes, yes.

Let's try. I love you.

I love you very much. (cries) forgive me for coming.

But i didn't know where else to go. I didn't want to be at home.

My mom was nagging and nagging. She told me i provoked what happened to me for walking around dressed like a slut in the street.

- well, maybe so. - mom!

No, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i said it without thinking. It wasn't my intention.

Excuse me, ma'am, but nothing justifies an attack. You're right.

It's just-- all of this is very new for many of us. But that's not a justification for you to criticize us and single us out like most people.

- i know, my love. I'm just trying to understand you better so i can communicate with you-- but your mom is at least trying.

I wish, at least, mine had the intention. Well, what really worries me is that you are in danger.

I think you should reconsider that of being therians for your safety. What's wrong, diego?

- why do you arrive like--? - your son is going to hear from me!

Diego, wait, what's wrong, diego? Wait!

Was i not clear enough when i forbade you to continue with the ridiculousness of believing you're an animal? No.

The only one who doesn't understand anything and is making a fool of himself is you. They're not making fun of me on the internet because a dog they set on me chases me, because of the madness that i'm a therian.

Diego, this is not the way to talk about it. And it's not crazy, i already spoke with a psychologist.

Oh, right! You went with a crazy person because your son is crazy as a loon.

But i'll make sure he doesn't continue with these stupidities. - dad, dad-- - let go of that.

Not like that, i'm telling you to let go. You're going crazy just like your son.

Both of you are out of your minds. (sobs) see, mom?

It's best if you leave me alone, as always. Don't worry, son, i'll talk to your dad.

Everything will be fine. This is not how we're going to communicate - with our son, huh?

- what do you prefer? That i take it out on him to get those crazy ideas out of his head?

- do you prefer that? - of course not!

And stop calling them crazy ideas. That's why we can't communicate with him, because of your prejudices, our prejudices.

But how are we going to communicate with him if he thinks he's a dog? Well, i don't know, at least, not by being superficial, trying not to believe what social media says.

Your son wants to communicate with us. He wants to talk to us.

If he doesn't find support in his family and finds the same thing he finds on the street, which is violence, lack of empathy, rejection, we won't succeed, diego. Come with me to the psychologist.

Let's understand each other, let's get informed. I'm not crazy.

And if you keep enabling elvin's craziness, then don't complain later. (howling) ever since i heard about the therian meeting, i'm super excited.

Yes, me too. I hope the others don't take long.

I can't wait to hang out with more guys like us. (everyone howls) oh, but look who we have here.

The crazies who think they're animals. Stop, stop bothering us, please, don't do anything to us.

I have a score to settle with you, you owe me, you bitch. We don't mess with you.

Oh, no, no, no, neither do we. You say you are animals, well, we are going to treat you like animals.

With sticks. Are you ready?

Now you will know what it's like to be animals. - with everything, guys-- - don't you dare touch a hair on my son, understood?

Mommy has arrived to defend her cub. Laugh all you want, but my son and his friends you leave them alone.

The old lady is just as crazy. Does she also think she's an animal?

I believe i am a lioness, and even more so to defend my son. Get out.

Get out, i'm telling you, or i'll call the patrol. - ridiculous crazy woman.

- get out. I'm telling you to get out.

My love, are you okay? Is everyone okay?

Yes, mom. Thank you very much for defending us.

- thank you very much, ma'am. - thank you.

I just can't wrap my head around it that they wanted to beat my son and his friends with sticks thinking that's how you treat animals. This visibility of therians has brought to light animal cruelty in humans.

Attacking therians, wanting to hurt them, making fun of them, thinking that's how you treat animals. Well, sometimes, one, sees so many things on social media that-- we don't think.

It's the unpleasant side of the internet, sir. That due to the eagerness for views, for virality, reality is distorted and it becomes an object of attack.

Something that is nothing more than a phase of identity search natural in young people. Do you see why we move away from what is human when we seek belonging?

We shouldn't generalize, elvin. It's not like humans have anything good.

I know, doctor. And it's not true that therians identify as animals all the time.

We like to connect with the world, with nature. But it's not like it's the whole day.

Elvin, human connections are also necessary and good as long as we give ourselves the time and responsibility for them to emerge. I'm starting to see things differently-- and i realize that-- i was wrong...

Misinformed... And reacting in a way...

Irrational... To something i didn't know about.

The important thing is that as parents we realize that the best way for our children to go through their identity exploration is by accompanying them free of prejudice and seeing it for what it is, an opportunity to understand them better. I know i was against you quitting your full-time job, violeta.

But now i recognize that it was the best thing for you to get closer to our son and for me to be more present too. Look, of course i understand that-- all children need their parents to work to eat, to live, to study.

But the most important thing is-- is presence to be able to achieve a connection as a family. And not go looking for it elsewhere because they feel alone.

Hmm? Look, honestly, i felt like a stranger in my own home and i identified as a therian when i fit in and belonged to that tribe of kids like me.

I confess that the same connection i felt, i'm feeling it with you, with my parents. Forgive me, son, for everything i said to you, for not being with you.

I promise i will learn and inform myself so that this connection is not lost that is emerging between us. Yes, dad.

I forgive you and thanks to my mom for taking the first step so that i don't feel alone anymore either. I love you, i love you very much.

I love you too. I love you both.

As parents, we worry a lot that our children lack nothing. Unintentionally, we lose sight that what they need most is our presence and attention.

The visibility of urban tribes like therians, emos, pongs, cosplayers can help us parents realize that the new generations want to tell us something. Their message is for us to get closer to them and accompany them in their search for identity.

It's a natural phase of growth. Without being subjected to ridicule, attacks or disrespect.

Being informed means not being swayed by what is published on social media so that young people of all times can transition to their sense of belonging in peace and productively. As it's now the therians' turn.

(music) the guadalupana lupana, the guadalupana came down to tepeyac juan dieguito, the virgin told him juan dieguito, the virgin told him i choose this hill, i choose this hill i choose this hill to be my altar the guadalupana, the guadalupana the guadalupana came down to tepeyac (music)