#flykin

Recent discussions of voluntariness/involuntariness of therian/otherkin identities has gotten me pondering mine a little.

While I am firm on how inherent my nonhumanity is, I believe there is a degree of “choice” that comes with my theriotypes. Less in the sense that I chose the species that I am, and more in the sense that I choose what to investigate.

I have mentioned it in this post before, but I exhibit dog-like characteristics. This isn’t too dissimilar to how I act like a kestrel, or a shark, or a crocodile etc. However, I choose not to fully evaluate this potential kintype — I do not see myself in dogs, only their behaviour, and so have no interest figuring out whether or not I truly identify as them. I have procured a rational explanation behind my dog-ness, and the reasoning functions thus far.

On the other hand, my interest in birds naturally led me to investigate all Aves upon awakening as a therian. My interest partially guided me towards my kestrel theriotype — I was influenced to investigate it. I do not doubt how involuntary me being an Eurasian Kestrel is, but in some ways, I did “choose” it.

A particularly interesting case (the inspiration of this post, actually) arose recently — my Housefly theriotype. Not too long ago, events led me to take up a ‘disease’ linktype — I am the concept of sickness, of rot, of infection. I am all of these voluntarily. It was around this point I noticed a strong sense of self from dipterans, particularly houseflies. After much research, I determined that this was a new kintype of mine. Not inherent, but it feels right, and it feels involuntary. I did not choose to be a housefly, I simply happen to be.

hey bingo!! hope these are alright for you