Alterhuman Identities
Clear, respectful guides to each term. Not sure which fits you? Take the Therian, Otherkin or Otherhearted? quiz, or browse the full glossary.
Therian
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Otherkin
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Otherhearted
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Copinglink
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Furry (Fandom)
Read more →The alterhuman umbrella
Alterhuman is a broad, friendly umbrella for people who experience themselves as something other than, or more than, entirely human. It isn't an identity on its own so much as a shared roof: therians, otherkin and otherhearted people commonly gather under it, and many alterhuman spaces welcome copinglinkers too.
The labels below each describe a different kind of experience. They aren't ranks, and none is more "real" than another. They simply help people find words for what they feel — and find others who feel something similar.
How the identities compare
Three questions separate these labels: is it an identity or a hobby, was it chosen or discovered, and is the being real or mythical?
| Label | Identity or hobby? | Chosen? | Real or mythical? | In a sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Therian | Identity | No — involuntary | Real animal | "I am a wolf, on the inside." |
| Otherkin | Identity | No — involuntary | Mythical or fictional | "I am a dragon, on the inside." |
| Otherhearted | Identity (a kinship) | No — usually described as unchosen | Either | "Wolves feel like my family." |
| Copinglink | Identity (chosen) | Yes — voluntary | Either | "I've chosen the bear as a source of strength." |
| Furry | Hobby and fandom | Yes — you opt in | Usually anthropomorphic characters | "I love creating my fox fursona." |
All of these are non-physical. Nobody under this umbrella believes their body literally transforms, and none of them has any connection to harming animals or to zoophilia.
Overlap is normal
These labels describe different things, so many people wear more than one. A polytherian might hold several animal identities; someone might have a real-animal theriotype and a mythical kintype; a therian might also be a furry who enjoys drawing their theriotype; and a person could be otherhearted toward one animal while identifying as another.
Labels can also change as you learn more about yourself. Moving from "otherhearted" to "therian," or the other way, is a normal part of reflection — and awakening often involves exactly that kind of trying-on.
Finding the word that fits
If you're unsure where you belong, start with the difference between being and bonding: do you feel you are the animal, or deeply connected to it? Then ask whether the feeling was there before you went looking, or whether you've deliberately adopted it. The Therian, Otherkin or Otherhearted? quiz walks through these questions step by step, and if therian resonates, our theriotype guides are a good next stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does alterhuman mean?
Alterhuman is an umbrella term for people who identify as not entirely human in some way, including therians, otherkin and otherhearted people. It describes a shared community rather than one specific identity.
What is the difference between a therian and otherkin?
A therian identifies as a real, earthly animal; otherkin identify as a mythical or fictional being. Both are involuntary, non-physical identities.
Is being a furry an alterhuman identity?
Not usually. The furry fandom is a creative hobby centred on anthropomorphic characters. Some furries are also therians or otherkin, but being a furry on its own isn't an alterhuman identity.
Can I have more than one of these labels?
Yes. Because each label describes something different — identity, kinship, choice or hobby — many people use more than one at the same time.
Are any of these identities a mental illness?
No. None of these identities is a mental illness. Anyone can struggle with their wellbeing, and support should focus on that distress rather than on changing who someone is. See our safety guide for more.