Copinglink

A chain link, a symbol for copinglinks and otherlinks

The Copinglink flag

The otherlink flag

A copinglink or otherlink (also know as a c'link, 'link, or linktype) is a voluntarily, intentionally adopted nonhuman or fictitious identity. The identity may be adopted by anyone, and for a number of reasons, of which coping with adversity is only one. Someone who has a copinglink is referred to as a copinglinker, c'linker, or otherlinker.

Experiences

Copinglinker experiences may vary as there are different reasons why someone may create a copinglink. Some may choose to do so to cope with trauma, particularly aspects related to identity confusion or dissociation which may occur after trauma, dysphoria, or mental illness.

Forming a copinglink

A key aspect to copinglinks is the focus on identity molding, where otherkin tend to focus more on identity discovery.

Adopting a linktype may differ from person to person, but it tends to follow a similar pattern; it must start with a "want," reinforce or justify that "want," and slowly build a connection with the potential linktype, whether it be through affirmations, behaviors, or something as simple as clothing. For some copinglinkers, a link may take time to form with more of a conscious effort. Some might take on traits of a fictional character, animal, or similar when going through a panic attack, flashback, or similar experience. Copinglinks are sometimes formed for projection, allowing one to direct difficult emotions onto something else. Solidifying oneself into a created identity may be used too as a way to help pass dysphoria or personal frustration.

Dropping a copinglink

For many, it is possible to drop a copinglink if one does not need or want it anymore. For some, this is a difference between copinglinkers and psychological otherkin. It is also possible for a copinglink to fade on its own. There are a few reasons an otherlinker might drop a linktype, from it causing harm to personal preference. The process itself can range from easy affirmations to complex procedures. Sometimes, a copinglink cannot be dropped easily, and it is possible for this to turn into a negative experience.

History

The term copinglink was coined by Tumblr user who-is-page in late 2015. The term was coined in response to the trend of copingkin, which were people who said they chose to be kin to cope often to deflect from accusations of racism or sexism. Later, copingkin who used the otherkin label and copinglinkers would later split into separate communities.

Another term which was coined for a similar purpose is "fictionheir," which was coined by fromfiction on Tumblr in 2014. It was used to refer to someone who chose to identify as a fictional character with adopting their mannerisms. This term failed to catch on to the same extent as copinglink.

The word "otherlink" emerged to refer to copinglinks adopted for reasons other than coping. It first appeared on the Alt+H Discord server in 2017, being used by Cabra, who preferred the term to alternatives such as voluntary association, and was continually suggested by them whenever the topic of a term for non-coping voluntary identities was discussed. It began to be used by other users, with a #voluntary channel being introduced in the server in October 2017.

Symbols

The copinglink flag was made by Tumblr user beyond-mogai-pride-flags on November 5th, 2016, but has not received widespread use. The flag's meaning is currently unknown.

The otherlink flag was posted by Tumblr user dozth-deactivated20190710 on March 9, 2019. The following describes the intended meaning of the flag, as stated in the original post:

• Off-white: Represents humanity
• Mint: Represents self-shaping
• Cyan: Represents identity
• Symbol: Alteration of the otherkin symbol

A chain link is sometimes used as a symbol for linking, both in the context of copinglinks and otherlinks.