The "Are You Kin" Checklist
So you think you are Otherkin? Well, you should first ask yourself why you think you are, and what that means for you. If there is something else going on in your life, or some other reason or goal for wanting to be Otherkin, then you should rule that out first.
If something within you has instead resonated with what you've learned about Otherkinity, then these checklists can help, as being Otherkin is not the answer for everyone. There are different experiences that can be viewed as similar. As such, these checklists have been devised to help narrow it down.
Mandatory requirements for these different communities have been listed within these checklists. If you do not meet all of the criteria/or have not checked all the boxes, then you are probably not that thing.
The Otherkin Checklist
☐ You identify as non-human either partially or fully.
☐ The identity is non-physical in nature.
☐ The identity is integral and inseparable from yourself.
☐ The experience is involuntary and not chosen.
☐ The identity is more than relating to or sharing traits with the kintype in question.
☐ The identity is not for roleplay, for fun or for coping; it does not come and go as wanted/needed.
☐ Awakening to being Otherkin did not change who you are, rather it solidified it.
☐ You feel whole or complete in this identity and can not turn it on or off.
The Fictionkin Checklist
☐ You identify as a fictional character or species from media.
☐ The identity is non-physical in nature.
☐ The identity is integral and inseparable from yourself.
☐ The identity is more than relating to or sharing traits with the fictotype in question.
☐ The experience is involuntary and not chosen.
☐ It is not something done for roleplay and not done for “fun”.
☐ The identity is not chosen for coping; it does not come and go as wanted/needed.
The Therian Checklist
☐ You identify as an animal that exists or was known to have existed.
☐ The identity is non-physical in nature.
☐ The identity is integral and inseparable from yourself.
☐ The experience is involuntary and not chosen.
☐ The identity is more than relating to or sharing traits with the theriotype in question.
☐ The identity is not for roleplay, for fun or for coping; it does not come and go as wanted/needed.
☐ Awakening to being Therian did not change who you are, rather it solidified it.
☐ You feel whole or complete in this identity and can not turn it on or off.
The Copinglink Checklist
☐ You choose to identify as non-human, or a fictional entity.
☐ The identity is consciously created or chosen specifically.
☐ It was created as a coping mechanism.
☐ You are able decide who/what you identify as.
☐ The identity is made that can come and go as wanted/needed.
The Otherhearted Checklist
☐ You feel a strong connection or bond to another species.
☐ You feel related to the species but do not identify as it.
☐ The feeling towards it is familial in nature, or like that of a close friend.
☐ The species is important to you and brings you a sense of familiarity.
The Fictionhearted Checklist
☐ You feel a strong connection or bond to a fictional species or character.
☐ You do not identify as the fictional being in question, but identify with it.
☐ You feel a deep relation to it and it is familiar in nature, like that of a family member or close friend.
☐ The fictional being is important to you and brings you a sense of familiarity.
Disclaimer: These checklists are a simple guide to help narrow down the different experiences criteria. It is NOT a foolproof or validity based checklist for deciding whether or not you are these things.