Six Ways You Can Be a Trans-Species Ally

You’re welcome, ya filthy human.

I want to share some irrefutable facts before the shitstorm mob inflicts violence on me by denying my identity. So listen up, ya filthy human. This polar bear will teach you a thing or two about people who might actually be a kangaroo.

What is trans-speciesism?

Trans-speciesism is a spectrum.

Here are some things you must know:

• A person who is trans-species isn’t actually a person. They are whatever animal is stuck within their Homo Sapiens shell.
• Not every T-spec (a shorthand term you may use) is the same animal. I’m a polar bear. But a good buddy of mine is a praying mantis. Another is a Galápagos tortoise. And I would tell you about more but I only have two IRL friends.
• T-specs can still copulate with cisspecies humans. I prefer to mate with my own species, but there aren’t too many polar bears where I’m from. We present as human, meaning we can still get hard-ons and enjoy knocking boots (unless you’re an asexual T-spec).
• T-specs might still identify with human-oriented terms. For example, I identify as a non-binary, pansexual, genderqueer polar bear. Other T-specs use rolling pronouns, so, in one clause they might use he/him/his, and in the subordinate clause bust out a quick ne/nem/nir for giggles and shits. This is particularly true for T-specs who identify as genderfluid or whose gender is in a constant state of flux.

Are T-specs really the species they identify as?

Yes.

No further explanation is needed.

Three common myths about trans-speciesism

1. People who identify as a different species do not form relationships: Individuals who identify as a different species may have relationships for various reasons, including shared interests and connections. Some may experience a connection to others who share their identity, while others may not pursue relationships in the same way as humans.
2. People who identify as a different species have mental health issues: Those who identify as a different species should not be stigmatized or pathologized for their unique identity. Choosing to embrace a non-human identity does not automatically indicate mental health issues, just as being asexual does not mean having intimacy issues.
3. People ‘grow out’ of identifying as a different species: Identifying as a different species is about personal identity, not a phase or something that individuals will necessarily change over time.
4. They are just seeking attention: Some people assume that those who identify as other critters are doing so for attention or to be different. While there may be individuals who adopt this identity for attention, it’s not fair to make a blanket statement about the entire community. I am 100% a polar bear.

Six ways to be a great T-spec ally

There needs to be more research carried out, but surveys conducted by me show that a lack of acceptance and society’s misunderstanding of trans-speciesism is having a huge impact.

Here’s how to support non-human Homo Sapiens:

• If someone comes out as a different species, believe them. No questions asked. Full stop.
• Read up on T-spec identities. The literature is quite small, but much like society at large, we’re thriving in the cracks and crevices of the internet.
• Don’t ask intrusive questions about someone’s sex life. It’s not OK to do this to anyone, non-human people included. I mean, do you really want to know how a polar gets its freak on? (Marvin Gaye plays a big part, I’ll tell ya that much)
• Call out trans-species erasure and T-spec phobia where you see it and educate others along the way.

There you have it, human.

Get it?

Got it?

Good.

Congrats. You’re now a Trans-Species Ally.