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