For new critters: Q&A of commonly asked questions

So, I've always pondered: "Do newer therians or questioning critters know immediately everything that comes with discovering your identity and how it can affect you?" Obviously not. So, I've decided to create a single thread that any critter, not just newer ones, can read through and hopefully make this thread of use.

*All extra notes, tips, and corrections are very much appreciated!*

1. What's the difference between alterhumans and/or therians?
The difference between alterhumans and therians? Alterhuman is an umbrella term describing every creature in the alterhuman community. The term describes every alterhuman, from therians to otherkin, it basically just is a term to use for any critter.

2. What is a therian?
This can differ from person to person what they believe is the meaning. Truthfully, the most I can answer that question is, a therian is a person who identifies as an animal on a non-physical level spiritually and/or psychologically.

3. I can't do quads and/or I don't have gear, am I still a therian?
My personal answer to that is, you do not need to do quads nor do you need gear when you're a therian. I truly have nothing more to add to this. - Side note for humans (or anyone): If you're thinking about doing quads or wearing gear, neither of those are connected to therianthropy, those are optional. Humans, you can do both of those things, you do not have to be a therian.

4. Can I or my friend become a therian?
No. No one can become a therian. A therian is born, not made. If you think you have "become" a therian, try looking into copinglinks. There are many threads about this.

5. What's a fake therian and why do they matter?
Fake therians are people who consciously fake being a therian for their own reasons. They matter a lot (in my opinion) because they can spread misinformation, cause others to want to "become" one, and plenty of other reasons. (There's an entire other thread for this one I've seen.)

6. How does being a therian affect me and my future?
Difficult question, and it differs from person to person and their home life. If you have a more unaccepting home, this may affect how you perceive yourself, who you tell (or don't tell), and how you express yourself. If you have a more accepting home, this may affect how you act, how open you are about your therianthropy, and a few others. In the future, it might affect you at work if you shift, it can affect how your partner (and friends) sees you, your career, and lots more.

7. What's shifting/a shift?
A shift is hard to explain since I don't shift, but it can be when your mindset completely or partly shifts to your theriotype (or a different animal). Furthermore, a phantom shift is when it feels as though a limb(s) is on your human body, to which you can feel (sometimes) but others cannot. Ex: phantom tail, ears, fangs/teeth, wings, scales, horns, paws, and many more.

8. I don't shift, what do I do?
Worry not, not shifting is completely normal. A lot of therians you'll find don't shift at all! If you're really worried, try meditating and listening to playlists "for therians".

9. I'm not a therian, but I don't think I'm a human either - What am I?
As stated before, try looking into copinglinks. Other than that, you may be otherkin! There are plenty of other identities I won't cover here since I'm not all knowing ;-;. Don't fret though, anyone can be on this website as long as you respect alterhumans.

10. How do I come out to my parents/peers that I'm a therian?
This is a question that has been answered on another thread, but here's a quick lowdown if you don't want to search for it! Coming out can be dangerous, most suggest not coming out at all. If you have supportive parents, you can take that risk in dangerous waters. As for peers, you can get bullied, made fun of, abandoned, avoided, and plenty of other things. Only tell someone you really trust, and even then, be very careful.

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That's about all I have for ya! I hope I helped, and if there's already a thread like this, well - guess I'm adding! For my fellow friends, do add any information, it'll be a nice addition. Also, please correct me. I am not a saint, nor an all-knowing creature. I may have been given misinformation and I would very much appreciate it if you could kindly let me know.

Luff you - Stay fluffy,
Charlie

Important note: Alterhuman encompasses other identities that are not nonhuman. It also contains fictionkin (including human fictionkin), plurality, any other "not part of the 'normal' human experience" identities (any of the -links, -hearteds, etc.), and even furries. It's considered an "opt-in" term, meaning that while it does encompass all of these identities, not everyone with these identities will consider themselves to be alterhuman - for example, it might technically include furries, but there are plenty of furries who wouldn't consider themselves to be alterhuman.