Otherlink

The otherlink flag

An otherlink (aka 'link or linktype) is a voluntary identity as an alterhuman or fictional being, adopted for various reasons. Someone who has a linktype is referred to as an otherlinker, and the action of having a linktype is called otherlinking. The term "otherlink" can also be used as an umbrella term for linktypes from specific causes/reasons.

Experiences

Otherlinking is a broad and easily accessible part of alterhumanity, and allows newcomers to experience alterhumanity for themselves. Having an otherlink is always voluntary and requires the awareness of the possible-otherlinker.

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. Eventually, that linktype will grow stronger and become integral to the otherlinker.

Similar to otherkin, otherlinkers may experience linktypes in various ways and frequencies, whether it be shifts, noema, or dysphoria. An otherlink can be experienced constantly, in bursts, or in gradual growth and decay. These can also be involuntary, voluntary, or influenced by stimuli. While these experiences are common, it is not required to have shifts, noema, or dysphoria to maintain an otherlink.^{[Citation needed]}

In rare cases, a linktype may become a permanent identity, whether by choice or involuntarily. In these cases, one may identify as choicekin, otherfix/otherspin, linker-turned-kin, or otherkin.^{[Citation needed]}

Specific Labels

As an umbrella term, there are more specific terms for certain linktypes, such as (but not limited to);

• Aeslink: Formed for the aesthetic.
• Copinglink/C'link: Formed as a coping mechanism.
• Fictionlink: Broad term for otherlinks formed with a fictional being.
• Funlink/F'link: Formed for fun or related reasons.
• Paroulink: Formed as a coping mechanism or disconnection from humanity.
• Supportlink/S'link: Formed to help support traits or behaviors.^{[Citation needed]}

Dropping a Linktype

It is possible to drop a linktype if one does not need or want it anymore. 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. Removing an otherlink can also have unintended consequences without precautions, more specifically for trauma- or coping- based otherlinks.

History

While the term copinglink had been coined in 2015, there had been no widespread term for voluntary identities created for reasons other than coping until the term otherlink was adopted on the Alt+H Discord server. It was first used by Cabra in 2017, 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.

Flag

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

See also

• Copinglink