Glossary

Here are some of the terms I use when talking about my identity. The definitions come from a variety of sources, namely Beyond Humanity's Alterhuman Dictionary and otherkin.wiki. Both resources, among others like the Alterhuman Archive and Otherkin Hispano (in Spanish), can be found in my Links page.

Alterhuman (sometimes called AHPI, for Alternative Humanity Personal Identity): A category of personal identity which encompasses identification that is alternative to the common societal idea of humanity. The word "alterhuman" can be used as an umbrella term for otherkin, therians, fictionkin, dragons, vampires, plurals and systems, copinglinkers, otherhearted individuals, those with synpaths, and any other similar identity.

Archetrope: An identity based on an archetype, trope or other role which is commonly present in literature and mythology. Examples of this include things like pirates, nobles, clowns, and rangers. This identity has a pervasive effect on the person who experiences it, and can be related to their personality, career, gender or personal values and beliefs.

Copinglink or otherlink: A voluntarily, intentionally adopted nonhuman or alterfictional identity. The identity may be adopted by anyone, and for a number of reasons, of which coping is only one. Someone who has a copinglink is referred to as a copinglinker, c'linker, or otherlinker. The object of an otherlinker's identity is called their linktype.

Fictionkin(d) or fictionfolk: An individual who identifies as a person, creature, or species from fiction. They may believe they are a specific character or a being of the same species or world, called their fictotype. This identification may be based on spiritual beliefs, psychological beliefs, or something in between. Generally, being fictionkin is involuntary, long-term, and intrinsic to one's selfhood.

Otherhearted (sometimes called otherkith): An individual who has a strong fundamental connection to a species or character (called their hearttype or kithtype) which impacts their core sense of self. This is most commonly described in terms of identifying with a being as opposed to identifying as one.

Otherkin(d): An individual who identifies as nonhuman. This identification may be based on spiritual beliefs, psychological beliefs, or a mix of both. Originally used to denote non-earthly creatures or races, but has since evolved to cover both therian and otherkin communities. The object an otherkin's identity is called their kintype. Most commonly, being otherkin is involuntary; for those who choose nonhuman identities consciously, see copinglink/otherlink.

Plural or plurality: Plurality is the state of being more than one consciousness or entity in one physical body. A group of entities experiencing plurality is most often called a system. Some of the groups and experiences that may be called plural include soulbonding, tulpamancy, daemonism, dissociative identity disorder (DID), other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD). Some just call themselves plural, multiple, or systems, without naming a specific subculture, disorder, or other experience.

Therian (shortened form of therianthrope): An individual who identifies as an animal species that exists or has existed on Earth, or as a nonhuman species which experiences particularly animalistic instincts or urges. This identification may be based on spiritual beliefs, psychological beliefs, or a mix of both. The object of a therian's identity is called their theriotype. Most commonly, therianthropy is involuntary; for those who choose nonhuman identities consciously, see copinglink/otherlink.