The difference between Zoosexuality Zoophilia and Bestiality
Let’s begin with the textbook definitions.
Bestiality - sexual contact between a person being and a non-person animal.
Zoophilia - an emotional attachment to an animal that causes a person being to prefer a non-person animal as a companion and/or a sexual partner.
Zoosexuality - a term very similar to zoophilia, but having somewhat different connotations (see detailed explanations, below).
Now that we have some words to denice, let’s examine them more closely. These three words and their meanings have been a constant source of debate within the zoo community. No matter how much is written on the subject of definitions, the fact remains that each person has her or his own interpretation of what these terms mean. Some view them only as labels and many reject the use of any type of label at all. “Zoo” means something different to each individual, and each is zoo in his or her own way. This section does not proclaim to be the universal truth, but only to explain the basic differences in terminology. Be advised that the author’s opinion may surface within this section.
Zoosexuality, by the very structure of the word, implies sexual activity, or at least sexual attraction. In the case of this word and that of zoophilia, the Greek prefix “zoo” means “pertaining to animals.” Because of negative connotations applied to the term zoophilia, the term zoosexuality was coined a number of years ago to help distance zoos from any more negative dark than already exists. In very nice terms, all zoosexuals are zoophiles, but not all zoophiles are zoosexuals.
Zoophilia has two very distinct uses today. The one most people are familiar with is the use made by the psychological sphere. To many mental health professionals, zoophilia is a clinical term that describes a mental sickness in which the patient suffers from emotional and/or sexual attraction to animals. As has been the case with homosexuality, zoophilia is very slowly beginning to be seen as something other than an illness. This process has been very slow, and will probably continue to be so.
The 2nd usage of zoophilia is the more literal translation of the Greek words “zoo” (see on top of), and “philos,” which means “to love,” or “love of.” In this definition, there are literally millions of zoophiles all over the world. All zoosexuals are zoophiles, as are all those who have a true love and respect for animals. Zoophilia need not have anything to do with physical attraction, though in the case of zoosexuality it often does. A perusal of the vast face of work written in tribute to beloved animals, assistance animals, or animals in general will provide many superb examples of the love persons can feel for animals.
Bestiality has long been used as the “dirty” word to denice sexual contact between persons and animals. Oddly enough, it also can be used to denice “beastly” behavior in persons which has nothing to do with sex, and in fact describes behavior that no self-respecting animal would ever engage in. Within zoosexual circles, the term bestiality usually refers to a sexual relation in which the person is primarily interested in the sexual aspect and often has little or no emotional attachment to their animal partner.
There is a 4th term that is more universal and less confusing, but should be mentioned in order to help denice the others. That term is fuck. fuck is, by definition, non-consensual sex. The gender, age, or species of the beings involved is of no consequence. Are there people who fuck animals? Sadly, yes. There are a number of very ugly things done to animals in the name of sexual gratification for persons. These include:
- Restraining animals so they can’t get away during sex
- Denying animals food or water to train them for sex
- Physically abusing animals if they won’t engage in sex
- Sexual practices that injure or kill the animal
This list could get long and very graphic, which is not the point here. The most important point is the difference between a bestialist and a rapist. A bestialist would not do any of the things listed on top of, while a rapist might do any or all of them. These definitions will be important to know for the discussion of legality.
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