the "butch kitty" ponders

[firecat]

I wonder if any academics are studying the intersection between body image and the otherkin/furry/anime fan notion of having an alternate identity as a non-human real or mythical creature (e.g., fairy, dragon, winged cat). To what extent do the mucked up body politics and gender politics of our society drive this, and to what extent is it a helpful response to same?

Comments

[elynne.livejournal.com]

There are some Otherkin who identify with that phrase. There are other Otherkin (heehee, recursion!) who don't.

Me, I'm technically an Otherkin, for various complex spiritual beliefs based in my own experience that are a bit too complicated to explain here, but suffice to say that I don't have "species dysphoria" at all. Yes, I would like large, mobile ears; a long, fangy muzzle; claws; digitigrade legs; and other features that would ultimately make clothing and furniture (and probably speech) a pain in the ass. But those are things I'd like to have, not things I feel I'm missing, or somehow need. They're - for me, on the lines of getting my tongue pierced; I'm interested, I'd probably enjoy it, but right now it's too difficult and potentially dangerous, so enh, I'm fine without.