Discreetly asking people if they are alterhuman or not

Like vulpinelup, that took me way too long. (Although I'll also admit that this forum is technically my introduction to the community, so that might not say much)

From my experience as effectively being part of the random person demographic, I'd say that I've always been asked pretty bluntly or left to stew until I had a virtual heart-attack from opening the Wikipedia page on Otherkin and immediately seeing the top of a seven pointed star that looked way to close to the eight pointed star I was using as a profile picture at the time.

That said, if you wanted to be discreet with me, the best option would be asking about the why of being a human and not some other animal. It's a question I've had for a long time (Isn't it strange that I was born in one of the most influential countries on earth at the beginning of a completely different form of existence? Isn't it strange that I was born as part of the most advanced/successful species on earth?)

I don't know if that would be the best option overall, but I do think you'd be surprised how many people would be open to the simple question of "Do you ever think about being something other than human?" As a bonus, what they say in response will tell you a lot. (I used to run around asking people what they would do if they woke up as a wolf.)

...Just don't be the person who decided that the best way to break the ice in an elevator was to say, "Ooh, a wolf shirt! Do you like wolves? Do your see yourself as a wolf? Are you a furry!?"

Lotta good replies! Honestly though the only reason I don't ask directly or even slightly roundaboutish is really to avoid say people starting stupid bullshit or thinking I'm insane.
Though I will admit I do dig the idea of bringing up the question of the what ifs. Seems fairly discreet enough.
Then again I also like my silly idea of being friends with /the/ Rian. Rian is a really cool buddy. :y

I definitely think this is one of the best ways to gauge it if you don't think it's safe to straight out talk about alterhumanity. It's a question many people will engage with, but few will engage with very deeply. I've talked with my parents about this sort of stuff a few times before even knowing about alterhumanity. questions like "isn't it so weird that we're humans" or "isn't it so weird that we have like hands and no claws and no fur" are things that i talked about somewhat often, and so i know that honestly most people view as interesting thought experiments, not a real lived experience; so it's a lot safer to talk about. And if you treat it seriously, it's likely that if the other person is alterhuman, they may have a much easier time coming out to you, too.

There's also the handy dandy "I saw this online..." or "I met someone interesting today..." approach. Removing it from the context of yourself entirely can help you speak more freely about it, and someone who is also alterhuman is likely to go "I'm like that too, actually!" if you treat it with respect.

In general these are also a good way to introduce people to the concept of alterhumanity and gauge how they might react to you coming out, if you wish to. Talking about the concept of a thing vaguely when it comes to any identity thing is really helpful in gauging this stuff-I talked to my mom and therapist about another facet of alterhumanity, plurality, in vague terms and in terms of other people before telling either of them about my system. I was able to tell from the toe dipping that they were likely not going to react negatively or with total disbelief. They did have some not all that great preconceived notions, but it was clear to me that they were the kind that if they actually met a system, could change.

it's kind of a weird social game, I'm autistic so like god knows I know, but it's one that i felt kinda good upon figuring it out. feels like playing the role of a well meaning trickster god