Beastmen Gather in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES — Recently, a square in Buenos Aires turned into a unique meeting spot for a group of teenagers with an unusual affinity for animals.

Sophia, donning a realistic beagle mask, scampered around on all fours. Nearby, 15-year-old Aguara navigated an obstacle course, channeling the exact movements of a Belgian dog. Others, dressed as cats and foxes, perched on tree branches, keeping their distance from curious passersby.

This event marked another gathering of “beastmen,” individuals who feel a mental, spiritual, and psychological connection with non-human animals.

The trend has gained significant traction across Argentine social media recently, especially on TikTok, boasting over 2 million posts under the hashtag #therian, with Argentina leading engagement among Latin American countries.

This surge has caught the eyes of influencers and media outlets, eliciting various reactions—some laugh, while others feel embarrassment or even anger.

As the movement gains traction, psychologists are stepping in to explore its implications in public discourse.

Aguara, who believes she’s a Belgian Malinois, jokingly claims her age is equivalent to that of a dog: 2 years and 2 months. She mentions she resembles many typical teenagers.

“I wake up like anyone else and live my life normally,” she explains, “but there are moments when I just love being a dog.”

As the leader of what she calls “the pack,” Aguara has amassed over 125,000 followers on TikTok and organizes regular meet-ups in Buenos Aires.

Al, a 16-year-old sporting a seal mask, describes himself as part of a group that embraces the fun of donning paws and tails, moving on all fours. He insists that it’s not merely about identifying as an animal.

He believes that the rise of these veterinary trends in Argentina stems from the country’s “fairly liberal” climate. For many young Argentines, the movement offers a welcoming community where they can genuinely feel accepted.

Deborah Pedas, a psychologist and the director of the Buenos Aires Center for Integrative Therapy, notes that this phenomenon has generated a mix of confusion, humor, and anger.

So, should parents be worried?

Pedas acknowledges the complexities involved. “From a psychological perspective, this represents a symbolic identification with animals,” she asserts. “It becomes concerning only when it turns pathological, with individuals fully assuming an animal’s role, which could lead to self-harm or harm to others.”