Short answer: no.



The term “species dysphoria” is something people in the otherkin community have used for a while to refer to feeling as if their body is not the “correct” one. Such as someone who is kin with a wolf feels as if their body should be that of a wolf. The term has come under fire over the past year or two, with people claiming it to be “transphobic” due to the use of the word dysphoria, which is very commonly used to refer to someone with gender dysphoria, or feeling as if your body is of the wrong gender - something extremely common in transgender individuals.



I, however, believe that people saying the word is “transphobic” are simply looking for reasons to dislike otherkin. Dysphoria is, according to the dictionary, “a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life”. Note that this definition mentions nothing about gender. That’s because dysphoria is not a term exclusive to the transgender community. Just as “gender” defines “gender dysphoria”, “species” defines “species dysphoria”. Without the clarifier in front of it, it’s just another term that can be used by anyone.



The transgender community attempting to call “species dysphoria” a transphobic term is the same as someone in the otherkin community calling the words “bad dog” anti-otherkin. It’s silly and childish to think that a word can’t be used based on who it is commonly used to refer to. Especially since the term is not offensive or harming to anyone in any way.