Zoosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by an enduring emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to non-human animals. Zoosexuality meets the criteria for sexual orientation and distinguishes itself for its recognition of non-human animals as individuals and potential partners worthy of respect and consideration.

It's crucial to distinguish between zoosexuality as an orientation and zoo fetishism.

Zoosexuality is characterized by a genuine emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to non-human animals where the animal is seen as an individual, a partner deserving of respect, consideration, and affection. The focus is on a potential bond and a relationship, which can manifest in deep emotional connections, romantic love, and care, alongside or independent of sexual attraction. The well-being and agency of the animal are paramount.

Zoo fetishism, on the other hand, typically involves sexual arousal where the animal is primarily viewed as an object for sexual gratification. The animal's individuality, feelings, or well-being are often secondary or irrelevant in fetishistic scenarios. Zoo fetishism may focus on specific acts or characteristics for arousal without the desire for a deeper connection or bond with the animal as a sentient being.

In essence, zoosexuality is about attraction to an animal as a partner, while zoo fetishism is often about using an animal for a specific type of arousal, often objectifying them in the process.

While the terms "zoophilia" and "zoosexuality" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important nuances.

Zoophilia is an older term that historically has been used, particularly in clinical or academic contexts, to describe an erotic attraction to animals. While it accurately identifies the presence of attraction, it sometimes carries connotations of pathologization due to its historical usage and the "-philia" suffix often associated with paraphilias. It primarily focuses on the attraction itself.

Zoosexuality is a more contemporary term favored by many within the community. It not only describes the emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to non-human animals but also emphasizes this attraction as an integral part of a person's sexual identity and orientation. Critically, "zoosexuality" often inherently includes the concept of the non-human animal as an individual and a potential partner deserving of respect, dignity, and consideration for their agency and well-being. It frames the attraction within a relational context that values the animal as an individual.

Therefore, while both terms relate to attraction to animals, "zoosexuality" distances itself from seeing animals as an object of attraction and considers non-human animals as people deserving of the same respect and consideration as one would commonly expect in a relationship with another human, regardless of its nature, depth or duration.

Zoosexuality in itself is not considered a mental disorder. According to diagnostic criteria, such as those in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), for an attraction or sexual interest to be classified as a paraphilic disorder, it must cause significant personal distress to the individual about having the interest (not distress due to societal disapproval), or involve harm or risk of harm to others.

For many zoosexuals, the attraction itself is not a source of distress. Instead, any distress experienced often stems from societal stigma, prejudice, misunderstanding, and the fear of legal or social repercussions – not from the nature of their sexual orientation. Therapy, when sought by zoosexual individuals, typically focuses on affirming their identity and helping them cope with these external pressures and any internalized negativity, rather than attempting to change the orientation itself. The path to mental well-being for zoosexuals, as with any sexual minority, often involves self-acceptance, finding supportive communities, and challenging societal misconceptions.

It's important to differentiate between an attraction and an act. Zoosexuality itself, as a sexual orientation or an attraction, is generally not illegal, just as having any other sexual orientation is not illegal. Laws typically address actions, not feelings or identities.

To our knowledge, the internal experience of being attracted to non-human animals is not something that is legislated against. However, laws regarding sexual acts with animals can vary widely by jurisdiction. Unfortunately, in a well-meaning attempt to protect animals from harm, these laws can sometimes be overly broad or misapplied, potentially making zoosexuals a target for investigation by law enforcement or even legal prosecution merely as a result of practicing self-acceptance or having a non-abusive bond with the animal companions that they share their life with.

This is a complex question with evolving perspectives.

Strictly speaking, if "LGBTQ+" is used as an umbrella term for identities outside of cisgender heteronormativity, then zoosexuality can be understood to fall under the definition of "queer." Furthermore, zoosexuality meets the criteria for a sexual orientation: it describes an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction, and it is not voluntarily chosen.

However, when referring to the LGBTQ+ community as a social and political movement, zoosexuality is currently not generally recognized or included by mainstream LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy efforts.

Many within the zoosexual community believe that given the involuntary nature of the orientation, the fact that it often constitutes a deeply felt sexual identity, the crucial role of self-acceptance for well-being, and the capacity for zoosexuality to be lived out safely and ethically, it warrants greater understanding and recognition from the broader LGBTQ+ movement and its associated organizations.