otherbodied

Otherbodied is a term used within certain communities to describe individuals who feel their physical body does not align with their internal sense of self or identity. This experience can encompass a wide range of feelings and perceptions, and is not necessarily tied to a specific medical or psychological diagnosis. The term emphasizes a disconnect between the external, tangible form and an internal, often more fluid, sense of being.

Individuals who identify as otherbodied may explore various ways to express their internal sense of self, which might include modifications to their physical appearance, the use of virtual avatars, or engaging in role-playing and other forms of digital or real-world embodiment. The focus is on the subjective experience of inhabiting a body that feels alien or unsuited to one's identity.

The concept of otherbodiedness can sometimes overlap with discussions around gender identity, disability, and transhumanism, though it is distinct from these categories in its broader scope. It acknowledges that the human experience of embodiment is complex and can vary significantly from person to person. The term aims to provide a language for those who feel their lived experience of being in a body is not fully represented by common understandings of selfhood.