What is what does it mean to kin someone?

Kinning, or being a kin, is a subculture and identity-based phenomenon often found online. It involves identifying as, in some way, being something other than human. This isn't typically seen as a belief, but rather a deep-seated feeling of connection and alignment with a specific non-human being, species, or concept.

Here's a breakdown:

• Core Identity: The primary aspect of kinning is that it's tied to a person's core sense of self. It's not simply liking a character or identifying with them; it's feeling that they are that character or something similar on some deeper level. See more about the term "Identity".

• Non-Human Focus: Kintypes (the specific being or species one identifies as) are almost always non-human. Common examples include animals (like wolves, birds, or dragons), fictional creatures (like elves, demons, or aliens), or even abstract concepts.

• Subjective Experience: Kinning is highly subjective and based on personal feelings and experiences. There are no objective criteria or tests to "prove" one is a certain kintype. The term "Subjective%20Experience" might be useful.

• Not a Choice: Many who kin emphasize that it is not a choice or a role-playing exercise. It's described as an inherent part of who they are. The term "Choice" can have different meanings in this context.

• Community & Exploration: Kinning often involves connecting with others who share similar kintypes, exploring those identities through online forums, artwork, writing, and other creative expressions.

• Distinction from Other Concepts: It's important to distinguish kinning from other concepts, such as:

  • Therianthropy: Identifying as an animal.
  • Otherkin: A broad term encompassing identifying as anything non-human.
  • Fictionkin: Identifying as a fictional character.
  • Copinglink: Identifying with a character to cope with personal issues, which is different from kinning.
  • Roleplaying: Actively playing a character in a narrative.