Involuntary Identities

Involuntary identities are identities underneath the alterhuman umbrella that occur due to means that cannot be chosen, such as neurodivergence, trauma, spirituality, delusion, etc. These identities are set apart from voluntary identities such as linking (see IDENTIFICATION WITH) in their involuntary origin and nature and, in the instance of communities such as otherhearts, the identification as as opposed to with a nonhuman entity.

OTHERKINITY

The term "otherkin" has existed since the late 1970s, used in reference to individuals who identify as nonhuman to some degree. When presented with the term, many in and outside of the alterhuman community think of mythical creatures, such as dragons or elves, due to the mythic history of the label (see A BRIEF HISTORY). However, it is important to keep in mind that this term is an umbrella term for all individuals who identify involuntarily as nonhuman in some aspect, whether that be spiritually, mentally, physically, or otherwise. Beings who identify as animals (therians), plants (phytanthropes), concepts (conceptkin), objects (objectkin), or otherwise all fall under this vast umbrella. 

THERIANTHROPY

A therian is an individual who identifies as an animal. This can manifest as feeling as if one has the soul of an animal, feeling like an animal in flesh or at heart, in a past or future life, or simply through personal identification. 

PANTHERIAN

A therian who identifies as all animals on Earth.

PHYTANTHROPY

An individual who identifies as a plant.

CONCEPTKIN

An individual who identifies as a concept, such as rage or love. This can manifest as feeling as if one is the embodiment of the concept or is representative of the concept in some shape or form.

FICTIONKIN

An individual who identifies as a fictional entity, such as a character or original species.