Understanding zoosexuality
zoosexuality.net is dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased information about zoosexuality, challenging misconceptions and fostering understanding.
What is zoosexuality?
Zoosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to non-human animals. This attraction is a deeply felt and genuine aspect of an individual’s identity, similar to other sexual orientations.
Zoosexual individuals often form meaningful bonds with animals based on mutual affection and respect. These bonds prioritize the animal’s well-being, comfort, and agency, and must not be confused with any form of abuse. Moreover, zoosexuality is not a choice or a fetish, but rather an attraction that shapes a person’s sense of self and which can be lived out in a safe, healthy and fulfilling manner.
Not a choice
Feelings associated with this orientation are not chosen. For a zoosexual, self-acceptance is a crucial requirement to live a fulfilling life.
Safe and respectful
Zoosexuals advocate for the well-being and agency of animals, focus on building meaningful bonds and strongly oppose any form of abuse.
A common experience
While often unseen, zoosexuality is prevalent in people of all backgrounds and identities from all over the world.
Know the difference: zoosexuality is not a fetish!
Zoosexuality is not a fetish, and it is important to distinguish between zoosexuality and the sexual objectification of animals. The two are fundamentally different in nature and intent.
Zoo fetishism refers to the sexual arousal derived from animals in which the animal is merely seen as an object for sexual gratification. This objectification of a living sentient being is problematic in itself and can lead to abuse. Zoo fetishists do not desire to form bonds with animals and often use animals as a purely sexual aide and to spice up their sex life. It often also involves behavior such as thrill seeking or taboo breaking.
We recognize that fetishes and kinks such as an interest in leather attire, feet or roleplay, etc… are a normal part of human sexuality and that they can be practiced in a safe, consensual and respectful manner. However, when it comes to animals, it is important to draw a clear line between fetishistic behavior where the animal is an object for one’s sexual pleasure and zoosexuality, where the animal is seen as a person deserving of respect and consideration.
Zoosexuality, in contrast to zoo fetishism, is an orientation characterized by an attraction to non-human animals, where each individual animal is seen as their own person deserving of respect and consideration, opposing harmful or abusive behavior. Zoosexuality manifests in a wide variety of experiences, which can include a strong platonic bonds, deep emotional connections, romantic feelings of love and care, and yes, also sexual attraction, but never at the expense of an animal’s well-being.
Far from being a threat to animal welfare, zoosexuals are often the most ardent advocates for animal rights; building meaningful bonds, cherishing the unique qualities of each individual and also feeling a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of the animals in their lives. Associating zoosexuality with forms of abuse is a harmful misconception, akin to similar myths and generalizations that have been used to oppress and marginalize other sexual minorities.
Our mission: fostering understanding and self-acceptance
Our mission is rooted in fostering understanding and self-acceptance. We aim to provide accurate information about zoosexuality to the public, dispelling myths and challenging negative stereotypes. By promoting open dialogue and respectful communication, we hope to create a more informed and empathetic society.
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This website is currently under construction, but we’re working hard to create an accurate and and informative resource for those interested in learning more about this topic.