Copinglink

The Copinglink flag

A copinglink (sometimes shortened to c'link) is a type of otherlink adopted as a coping mechanism for trauma, stress, mental illness, or any other ailment. Someone who has a copinglink is referred to as a copinglinker or a c'linker.

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. A copinglink may also be used as a form of projection. However, some may use the term copinglink while still have an involuntary identity due to the emphasis on coping. ^{[Citation needed]}

Copinglinkers may be chose for their links to be a temporary identity until it is no longer needed, or they may choose it to be more long term or even with the intention for it to be permanent. Some may also use the term copinglink while still having an involuntary identity because that identity was formed as a coping mechanism.^{[Citation needed]}

Forming a copinglink

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

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.

A copinglink may also happen involuntarily or based on involuntary responses or identities. In addition to kintypes, some may create a copinglink based on an otherhearted identity. Some copinglinkers might not have entirely voluntary or entirely involuntary links, or not be able to tell.^{[Citation needed]}

Copinglinks over time

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. Sometimes, a copinglink cannot be dropped easily, and it is possible for this to turn into a negative experience.

A copinglink can become a permanent identity, whether by choice or involuntarily. In these cases, one may identify as choicekin, otherfix or otherspin, or otherkin. Some may also keep the identity of copinglink regardless of current control.^{[Citation needed]}

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 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.

Symbols

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

A chain link is sometimes used as a symbol for linking, both in the context of copinglinks and otherlinks.^{[Citation needed]}

See also

• Otherlink