Camagüey activist Reyna Yacnara Barreto Batista, recently released after serving a sentence for her involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests, took to Instagram with a video where she harnessed the "therian" trend to deliver a politically charged message dripping with irony.
"Hi, I'm Nara, a therian living in Cuba. I’m a worm. Although I don't see myself that way, the left has called me this so often that it somewhat sticks. Personally, I identify more as a butterfly living in a river full of clarias," she expressed in her post.
Reyna's use of the therian concept—a term describing individuals who symbolically identify with animals—was not a literal self-label but a satirical tool. Throughout decades, the Cuban regime and its supporters have wielded "worm" as a derogatory term aimed at dehumanizing opponents and emigrants. By reclaiming this word, Reyna transformed it into a badge of defiant identity.
The metaphor finds completion with her mention of "clarias." In Cuban digital slang, "claria" is more than just an invasive fish species introduced in the 1990s; it refers to the regime's cyberwarriors—anonymous social media profiles that promote the official narrative and attack activists, independent journalists, and critical voices.
By painting herself as a "butterfly in a river of clarias," Reyna captures the essence of vulnerability, distinction, and resistance faced by activists like herself in a hostile digital landscape.
Beyond the humor of her post lies a grim personal story. During the 11J protests in Camagüey, Reyna was wounded and later sentenced to four years of corrective labor with detention. While incarcerated, she faced warnings to steer clear of future civic movements. Her family reported her physical and emotional decline, and she suffered the loss of her father in 2023 while still imprisoned.
Despite being denied parole that same year, Reyna was finally released in January 2025 amid a wave of political prisoner releases. Since regaining her freedom, she has maintained an active social media presence, blending personal insights with sharp critiques of the regime.
Her latest post underscores her ongoing use of digital platforms not just for expression but also to reclaim the language used against her over the years.
Understanding Reyna Barreto's Activism and Message
What does Reyna Barreto mean by identifying as a "therian"?
Reyna Barreto uses the term "therian" satirically to critique the labels imposed on her by the Cuban regime, particularly the derogatory term "worm" used against dissenters.
How does Reyna's metaphor of the "butterfly in a river of clarias" reflect her activism?
The metaphor signifies the isolation and resilience of activists like Reyna, who stand out and endure amidst a sea of regime supporters who act as online antagonists.