For me, being alterhuman means I identify in a handful of ways that are considered non-traditional and unconventional to most. I feel as if I experience the world differently to someone who is at their core, human—and I am not that. My alterhuman identities are often rooted in my neurodivergence, a result of mental illness, and/or a core part of how I cope with past trauma. Most of my identities are associated with animals and fictional characters, but they can also be tied to aesthetics, concepts, or music! In terms of my animal identities, both my gender and neurodivergence play a significant role. Like many other genderqueer and autistic individuals, I experience gender in a totally unique, complex way that goes beyond typical human understandings of gender. I struggle to understand human gender roles and societal expectations while also feeling as if I have divine knowledge on what gender is, how it's structured, and what it means to different groups and species. This results in me resonating with the anatomy, psychology, disposition, and even social hierarchy of certain animals! I begin identifying with an animal when I see myself in a specific species, relate to a behavior or a quirk of theirs, am envious of their features or livelihood, or a mix of all those factors and more. In terms of my identities in fiction, I can't really decide which characters I form attachments to, however, they become an essential part of how I carry and perceive myself. This usually happens when I notice any meaningful aspect of myself in a character, view them as a role model, or simply consider them my favorite from a particular piece of media. In my mind, there is no disconnect between me and the character. In my mind, I live(d) as them! I may speak in the first person as said character, recall fictional events as if they happened to me, and talk about other characters as if I know/knew them personally. These things can be weird to those who are unfamiliar with this phenomenon. If that applies to you, try to keep an open mind and don't be disrespectful. Also, "reality checking" is not beneficial to me. If you want to support me, instead refer to my attachments as me—as if there is no distinguishable separation. I'm aware that, logically, there is, but being referred to as a separate entity from myself still makes me uncomfortable most of the time. I am also aware of the fact that I live in a human body. Just be empathetic and don't hesitate to ask any non-invasive questions, I'd love to answer! Though please do get to know me and try to be cautious before asking about my diagnoses/disorders, especially when talking about dissociation.