#physical identity

[creatureheart]

hi! forgive me for bringing up an old post out of nowhere, moreso if youve already answered this question before (in which case feel free to just link your answer!) you made a really good post back in april explaining some alterhuman/nonhuman/etc labels and explaining some general facets of it like how it can develop involuntarily - in that post you say thar some people may experience being nonhuman physically or ancestrally and i was wondering what that means in this context? i hope this doesnt come across as rude or anything, im genuinely curious what this means and was hoping you could explain. thanks for taking the time to read either way. ❤️

Never feel bad for sending in questions. I’m always down to try my best at answering them when they’re sent in, but I cannot promise I know everything, and those that fall into these groups are welcome to chime in and correct me when needed!

To what you asked, in basic terms, it’s what it says on the tin. There are people who identify in a physical or ancestral way.

Some identify as their ‘types in all ways including physical. This may be due to the simple mindset of “this is my body, I am this thing, therefore this body is this thing’s body,” all the way to those who experience delusions that cause them to see themselves as physically their ‘type. It very much depends on the person and how they experience their nonhumaness. Some terms that refer to things like this are Holothere and Endel, but there are others!

Ancestral nonhumans are those who believe their nonhuman identity has been passed down through familial lineage. An example being some of the founders of the online Otherkin community who believed they were descended from Elves. I can’t say I know too much about this, but it again depends entirely on the individual as to how their family came to pass this down to their descendants — whether something like a curse, to it having always been that way.

While not the most informative, I hope this is a good start at finding information on these things, and I welcome anyone that falls into these groups to reblog and talk about their experiences.

[creatureheart]

Figured this was better a reblog than in replies, so apologies for deleted replies.

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I actually responded to this on the Nonhuman National Park forum, not knowing you had also posted it here. So I'm going to share what I wrote there on this post as well.

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Disclaimer: there is no ill will from me, I am simply voicing my thoughts, and I can get a bit passionate and maybe a bit blunt, but the words are my own. Sorry for the ramble/rant.

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I am not a physical therian that I know of, but I do want to say that I feel like most should keep in mind that the use of the term "phsyical" here is simply the descriptor term for the type of therianthropy that is being experienced. It falls along the same lines as words like spiritual, psychological, metaphorical, etc.

It is used because their identity involves something related to the physical body, be it how they view it themselves, how they wish to be referred to by others, because of the disconnect they may feel from it, etc.

To be more specific, it is an umbrella descriptor for multiple things, a spectrum of experiences.

Just as one being a 'psychological therian' could mean imprinting all the way to delusions, or being a 'spiritual therian' could mean thinking one is a misplaced soul all the way to it being a religious based identity. Not to mention that these things can very easily also overlap and be experienced along with the physical parts of the identity.

I personally don't understand why some feel we should have to split specifics of one of these descriptors while not also doing that to the other types of reasons as to why someone may be nonhuman. Or more specifically, why do we have to split specifics and do away with the umbrella term for these specific experiences?

Why do the psychological and spiritual umbrellas get to remain for those who wish to use them if they do not want to be specific about their origin, but the physical does not?

Because, being honest, I do see way more of a push from people of trying to find different ways to redefine, or more so completely dispose of, the physical identity when it comes to the community than I do any other type of origin. Example being the push from parts of the community that being a therian is "only ever NON-PHYSICAL!!"

Which in my experience usually also comes from those trying to shove out the more "weird" and "undesirable" parts of the community in order to make it easier for those not even in the community, mostly those who are haters or antikin, to accept us. A way to appease those who don't actually care for us by sanitizing the community, which then can very quickly lead to ableism and other discrimination towards fellow nonhumans and alterhumans because their physical identity could very well be based in delusion, or be connected to other psychological or even physical disability means — I am rather sure I have seen some physical nonhumans connect their physical identity to their actual physical disabilities because to them it is euphoric that their body works the way it does instead of how a human body is expected to work by society.

I can understand that one may not understand why a term may be used for something that doesn't neatly fit under a definition, but it's also not up to people who do not use these terms to try and change or phase out a term that has been used(for probably decades*) and is still being used by other people due to it being confusing and inaccurate in their mind. Personal identity terms are mostly for those who use them, not for other people who don't. As I've seen said, even in queer spaces with how people talk about terms there that they don't understand, it's not for you. If an individual wants to get very specific about how they physically identify as their 'type, then that should be their decision, but they also shouldn't have to.

As in one must also keep in mind that not all physically identifying nonhumans may have a disconnect from their physical body, which then isolates them if we try to get rid of the umbrella term to only focus on those who do have the disconnect.

That all being said, these two ideas for terms you have shared could be useful for some out their who wish to have specifics like these, and I think there would be interest from those who wish to use them. But to then say we should just do away with the term 'physical therian' altogether is kind of unfair to those who do identify that way who don't want to get more specific or use another term. It should be up to them what they wish to use and what feels right to them and their experience.

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* As seen in O. Scribner's 'Otherkin Timeline', published 2010, where the mention of physical, and even ancestral identity is listed under reasons as to why someone may identify as otherkin or therian.

"With both otherkin and therians, this identification as another species will be explained in very different ways, depending on the individual’s own interpretations of his or her own nature. Depending on the person, he or she may say he or she identify as another species in a way that is spiritual, philosophical, metaphorical, experiential, behavioral, or psychological. Most rarely, a few do claim they are non-human in a physical or ancestral way."

I don’t think the term “physical therian” encompasses the experience described by those who use the term.

I think a more accurate term would be “depersonalized therianthropy” which could be shortened to “depo therian”.

Depersonalized therianthropy: when one’s animalistic identity creates a complete disconnect from their body causing them to not recognize their observable traits as their own

This encompasses the anecdotes I have heard and read from self identified “physical therians”. Whether this experience is caused by delusion, dysphoria, or rejection of humanity, this term is applicable.

This does not include those who use the term to convey that they refer to their body with animal biological terms.

I believe this should be called “bioterms”. It could be communicated similarly to pronouns.

Hypothetical Ex:

Toby (he/him) (wolf bioterms)

This conveys that he would like his hair to be called fur, nails to be called claws, hands to be called paws, mouth to be called muzzle, etc.

The use of the word “physical” in therianthropic terms is inaccurate and confusing. I am open to hearing other proposed terms but I think using the word “physical” should be phased out for clarity sake.

[lotus-lost-n-found]

Some Batfam Headcanons because the brain never stops;

Jason hates being called "Bruce's Son". But he hates it more when hes called "One of Wayne's Orphans/Wayne's child" because fuck you I'm his son-! wait no--

With the exception of Damian, they rarely refer to Bruce as "Dad/Father". Either it didn't occur to them/didn't see the need to/thought it would be strange. But when Dick/Jason/Tim/Cass are tired or injured it might slip out. And Bruce might just crumble a bit at it

Doesn't mean they don't say it to their siblings when Bruce is out of Earshot.

"Dad said you couldn't." "What do you mean Dad said I couldn't use that mug? It's my mug!" "You snooze you lose Timmy Boy-" "Jason don't be an asshole-"

That being said Bruce says "son/daughter/child" at every available opportunity he can after he knows that they have acclimated enough that they wouldn't be uncomfortable/know they can tell Bruce that they don't want to be called that.

First time Bruce called Dick "son" in a way that meant "You are my kid" and not in a "This police officer just called me son with a brow furrow" way Dick grinned and carried on with the conversation. Later he wondered if his dad wouldn't like someone else calling him Son; but Dick thinks about the life he was given because of Bruce and thinks maybe his dad wouldn't mind.

Calling Jason "son" is a hit or miss situation, even before he died. The first time it happened he was confused, he didnt think that was the relationship they had and it made everything change for him. He got frustrated--not angry--with himself and Bruce at this sudden emotional turmoil. Wasn't he just the kid Bruce picked up in an alleyway? Wasn't he just some street rat in bright Robin clothing? (He lets himself believe that he can be Bruce's son. If for only a little while).

Tim cries after Bruce is out of earshot, it would've been a year or so after his parents died and he was adopted. He didn't think he could have been wanted like that again. Even if you think the Drake's had A+ Parenting or not, I don't think he would have gotten a lot of confirmation of being wanted otherwise.

Cass smiles, emotions carefully concealed under her expression. She's grateful she found Bruce and he doesn't mention it if she leans a bit closer in a request for closeness.

Damian doesn't expect anything less, he only appears satisfied. But also relieved that he has gotten the confirmation that yes, Bruce wants and accepts him.

EDIT 10/11; hiii, i have added Duke, Steph & a Bonus in a reblog you can find on the same blog under my 'batfamily headcanons' / 'sore rambles' tag. have fun :)

[lesbiantism]

Ya know what shout out to butches who wrestle with our butchness because we don’t fit the mold in some way. Butches who aren’t physically strong or naturally caretaking because of physical disability, who need to be cared for, who can’t hold open the door for a femme. Butches with long hair, butches with big hair, butches who express their culture via their hair. Butches who’s masculinity is shaped by their culture, who’s masculinity doesn’t fit the white eurocentric mold. Fat butches, butches with curves viewed as feminine, butches who don’t have skinny, boyish builds. Butches who don’t want to be sexualized, butches on the ace spectrum. Butches who don’t have traditionally masculine interests or mannerisms or whatever. Effeminate butches. Butches who take inspo from gay men. Butches who like the occasional dress or skirt. TRANSFEM BUTCHES!!!!! And any other butches who don’t fit a certain mold!! All butches are good butches and we are all valid.

[clouvu]

Cooking up an older Clervie outfit design so I don't have to keep drawing her looking like her child self but Long

[xxpunkbovidxx]

Here's a loud fucking reminder for those of you in the back about being transspecies

Being transspecies is no more about transition than being transgender

Yes it can be a heavy part of it but not all transspecies individuals will even want to transition

And then there's the topic of what's considered transitioning

If you have been in any transgender spaces then you may have heard the term called "social transitioning" (yes, transgender spaces includes nonbinary spaces, being nonbinary is trans)

Social transitioning tends to include things such as: changing your name, changing your pronouns, using a different bathroom (if applicable), cutting your hair, wearing different clothes, and utilizing trans gear such as packers, tucking kits, binders, prosthetic breasts, etc.

Why did I bring this up? Well, I brought this up because I've seen other beings say that what fellow transspecies beings were posting wasn't transitioning, I think this completely disproves that.

The examples they provided that apparently "weren't transitioning" were: beings wearing tails, ears, paw shoes, and other animal or nonhuman related gear. This is clearly a form of social transitioning in a transspecies way.

[BIG FUCKING WARNING: I will not tolerate any bullshit or bullying in my comments, also before you comment, transspecies is not and never has been a radqueer term.]

[kitthefoxkin]

"alterhumans only identify as animals on a nonphysical level!!" EXTREMELY LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER

my body is that of an animal. it is the body of a fox, of an ocelot, of a shapeshifter, because its my body and i am those things. i understand that im percieved as human because of my body, but that doesn't make my body human. if im percieved as a girl because of my body, does that make it a girl's body? no, because it's not. it's mine. other's perceptions of me don't change who i am. i am physically nonhuman because this is MY BODY, and you will not take it away from me.

[leaderincrows]

Failed combat test

Manifesting cyborg Caleb 🫶

[wanderingcritter]

Ngl I really don't see my therianthropy as being either "physical or non-physical". It just is.

I view it much the same way I view my gender identity. I would never say Im physically nonbinary or psychologically nonbinary or anything along those lines. There might be physically androgynous traits to my body, or certain aspects of my gender may manifest internally more than they do externally, but at the end of the day I simply am nonbinary. I simply am nonhuman.

No hate whatsoever to anyone who does categorize their therianthropy in those ways ofc, more power to you do whatever feels right, just personally I can't picture myself in that sense yk?

[ottostoast]

playing around with some spider-KID designs

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Skin Picking

AJ’s Brain

[tranquilwilds]

I have recently seen a few posts hating on those who spiritually connect to their kintypes/theriotypes/etc. Addressing this felt important.

We are meant to be an inclusive community. Do not allow a false sense of superiority allow you to feel as if you are above people in the same community as you. Everyone here is hated on by outside people enough, we have to stick together and stop trying to tear our community apart. It is only achieving infighting and spreading our community far too thin.

Physical therians/otherkin/nonhumans are valid and belong here. Spiritual therians/otherkin/nonhumans are valid and belong here. Those who identify in all sorts of ways belong here and are valid.

Stop distancing yourself from the only ones that will truly have your back.

[pkmn-lillie]

oh my god i should put my truth into the world

Captain Marvel has been a member of the Justice League for over a decade, joining shortly after his debut.

Billy Batson was chosen as Champion of Magic at age 9.

By all appearances, Billy is currently age 11.

When a person is chosen as the Champion, the effects of such a strong concentration of magic kinda fucks with their aging. With an adult, there's not really that big of a deal; some people look younger than they are due to genetics.

Unfortunately, it is much more noticeable when the Champion is a child.

Billy isn't an eternal child, or anything, he's still going to grow up. His aging just stopped while his body adapted to being the anchor to all of magic. So now he's a middle school aged kid, with a twin sister who just turned 21.

[tourmaline-sys]

Conversation from week ago

X: theriantrophy is an involuntary identity as animal on non-physical level.

Me: therianthropy can be physical

X: NO! It can't be! Therians don't think they are animals!

Me: you know that identifying as means that you think that in some way you are animal? And not every physical therian experience delusions of turning into animal and even if they do, you are ableist by excluding them or even häting/härrässing. I simply see myself as cat, so I am cat and I don't like being percieved as human, I would prefer to be seen as cat. I am not hurting anyone by my identity.

Oh and I forgot to mention. Physical therians were always in community, other therians watered down definition to be accepted by haters (it won't work)

X: *no response*

Can we normalise not ghosting anyone after you don't have any arguments left? Please, it is anoying. It happened to me many times.

[varpusvaras]

The thing with writing Fox as a father is that he needs to be just a little bit unwell about his child. Especially if the child in question is Leia. He needs to be just a little too devoted to her, particularly during the early years. He needs to have so much pent up baggage about everything leading up to the fall of the Republic and losing his own health in the process he needs to be putting somewhere. So, if he can just dedicate all of his energy and brainroom to tending this little helpless creature and ignore all of his own problems, then so be it.

[sailor-tri]

Will you lose yourself in your grief?

I feel like no one takes about these tragic sisters man. I feel like both mimi and iris have to deal with looking like their dead sisters for the rest if their lives and absolutely no one talks about it