Otherkin

From AnOtherWiki, the free encyclopedia written by, for, and about the Otherkin community.
Otherkin
Coined by Torin
Wherecoined
Status Current
Date coined April 18, 1990
Alternative forms Otherkind
Part of Speech noun
Community used by otherkin
Antonyms Mundanes


A Septegram, used by some as a symbol for otherkin.
Otherkin Emblem created by Kaltezar

Otherkin is a term for those who believe that they are mentally, spiritually, or physically other than human.[1] First appearing in use on the Internet on April 18, 1990, the word was coined when a member of The Elfinkind Digest, Torin, "got tired of typing elf/dragon/orc/etc.-kin and just used otherkin" as shorthand.[2]

It is generally believed that otherkin are born, not made. However, otherkin are not generally born with an awareness of their nonhuman nature. Instead they become aware of it through a process known as awakening.[3]

There are a variety of common kintypes including elves, dragons, fae, angels, demons, satyrs, and others.

In the media

Main article: List of Otherkin Media Appearances

Otherkin first entered the mainstream media in February 2001 when they were featured in an article in the Village Voice.[4] Since then, they have appeared in other articles, including a 2009 article in the Michigan Daily which conflated otherkin with Furries.[5]

See also

References

  1. Lupa. 2007. Field Guide to Otherkin
         Stafford, UK: Megalithica Books. ISBN 978-1-905713-07-3.
  2. Scribner, O. 2011. Otherkin Timeline: The recent history of elfin, fae, and animal people
         Online: http://orion.kitsune.net.
  3. Crowsdaughter, Miaren. 2001. So... You're Awake
         Otherkin.net. http://www.otherkin.net/articles/wakeup.html. (accessed April 6, 2012).
  4. Mamatas, Nick. 2001. Elven Like Me: Otherkin Come Out of the Closet
         Village Voice, February 20.
  5. Stahl, Eileen. 2009. Furries have feelings, too
         Michigan Daily, January 21, 4A.

External links