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. They may also be used as a form of projection .

Copinglinks may be chose their links as a temporary identity until the situation is over, or they may choose it for something 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 due to the emphasis on coping. ^{[Citation needed]}

Forming a copinglink

Some key aspects to copinglinking is the focus on identity molding, where Otherkin has more of a focus on identity discovery.

For some copinglinkers, a link may take time to form with more of a conscious effort . As previously mentioned, some may use a copinglink as a way of projection or directing hard feelings onto something else. Some might take on traits of a fictional character, animal, or similar when going through a panic attack, flashback, or similar. 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. Aside from kintypes, some may create a copinglink based on an Otherhearted identity. Some copinglinkers might have their links be not entirely voluntary or not entirely involuntary, or not be able to tell.

Copinglinks over time

Most of the time it is possible to drop a copinglink if one does not need or want it anymore and this can be the difference between a copinglink and psychological otherkin. It is also possible for a copinglink to fade on its own. Though sometimes, a copinglink may not be dropped easily, and it is possible for it 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.

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 accusations of having an identity outside of their physical one, and they were originally called IDs . Both copingkin who clung to 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 to refer to someone who chose to identify as a fictional character with adopting their mannerisms . Though, 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.

For both copinglink and otherlink, a chain link may sometimes be used as a symbol for linking.

See also

• Otherlink