Otherkin
| 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 |
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
- ↑ Lupa. 2007. Field Guide to Otherkin
Stafford, UK: Megalithica Books. ISBN 978-1-905713-07-3. - ↑ Scribner, O. 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.