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'', a 16th Century copy after a lost painting by Michelangelo , 1530 ( National Gallery, London )]] Zoophilia (from the Greek ''Zôon'', "animal", and ''Philia'', "friendship" or "love") is a Paraphilia , defined as an affinity or Sexual Attraction by a Human to a (non-human) Animal . Such individuals are called '''zoophiles'''. The more recent terms '''''zoosexual''''' and '''''zoosexuality''''' also describe the full spectrum of human/animal attraction. A separate term, '''''bestiality''''' (more common in mainstream usage), refers to human/animal sexual activity. To avoid confusion about the meaning of ''zoophilia'' — which may refer to the affinity/attraction, paraphilia, or sexual activity — this article uses ''zoophilia'' for the former, and ''zoosexuality'' for the sexual act. The two terms are independent: not all sexual acts with animals are performed by zoophiles; and not all zoophiles exercise their philia. Sexual acts with animals are often condemned as Animal Abuse and/or outlawed as " Crimes Against Nature ". However, some, such as philosopher and animal rights author Peter Singer , argue that this is not inherently the case. Although research has broadly been supportive of at least some of zoophiles' central claims, common culture is generally hostile to the concept of animal–human sexuality. The activity or desire itself is no longer classified as a pathology under DSM-IV (TR) (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association ) unless accompanied by distress or interference with normal functioning on the part of the person. Critics point out that that DSM-IV opinion says nothing about acceptability or the well-being of the animal; defenders, on the other hand, argue that a human–animal relationship can go far beyond sexuality, that research supports their perspective, and that animals are capable of forming what is claimed to be a genuine Loving Relationship that can last for years and is not considered functionally different from any other love–sex relationship. TERMINOLOGY The general term ''zoophilia'' was first introduced into the field of research on sexuality by Krafft-Ebing in his book Psychopathia Sexualis (1894). The terms ''zoosexual'' and '''''zoosexuality''''', signifying the entire spectrum of emotional and sexual attraction and/or orientation to animals, have been used since the 1980s (cited by Miletski, 1999), to suggest an analogy to homosexual or heterosexual orientations. Individuals with a strong affinity for animals but without a sexual interest can be described as "non-sexual" (or "emotional") zoophiles, but may object to the ''zoophile'' label. They are commonly called ''''' Animal Love rs''''' instead. The ambiguous term '' Sodomy '', usually referring to non-procreative sex,'' Lawrence V. Texas '' ruling - "Early American sodomy laws were not directed at homosexuals as such, but instead sought to prohibit nonprocreative sexual activity more generally" has sometimes been used in legal contexts to include zoosexual acts. ''Zooerasty'' is an older term, not in common use. In Pornography , human–animal sex is occasionally described as ''farmsex'', ''dogsex'', or ''animal sex''; these terms are often used regardless of the context or species involved. Amongst zoophiles and some researchers,Dr. LaFarge, an assistant professor of Psychiatry at the New Jersey Medical School, who is the Director of Counseling at the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals and works with the New York correctional system, is quoted as commenting that: ''"it's important to make the distinction between bestialists and zoophiles, because zoophiles try not to hurt their animals, whereas bestialists do"'' {Link without Title} the term ''bestialist'' has acquired a negative connotation implying a lower concern for animal welfare. This usage originated with the desire by some zoophiles to have a way to distinguish zoophilia as a fully relational outlook (sexual or otherwise), from simple "ownership with sex." Others describe themselves as zoophiles and bestialists in accordance with the dictionary definitions of the words. In a non-zoophilic context, words like ''bestial'' or ''bestiality'' are also used to signify acting or behaving savagely, animal-like, extremely viciously, or lacking in human values. EXTENT OF OCCURRENCE The extent to which zoophilia occurs is not known with any certainty, largely because feelings which may not have been acted upon can be difficult to quantify, lack of clear divide between non-sexual zoophilia and everyday pet care, and reluctance by most zoophiles to disclose their feelings. Instead most research into zoophilia has focused on its characteristics, rather than quantifying it. ''(Main article: ," a team of independent statisticians studying Kinsey's procedures had concluded as far back as 1953 that the unique problems inherent in sex research precluded the possibility of obtaining a true random sample, and that Kinsey's interviewing technique had been "extraordinarily skillful." They characterized Kinsey's work overall as "a monumental endeavor."'' {Link without Title} The controversial results were hotly debated, especially by some who felt that inclusion of prison results had allowed sampling bias to distort the conclusions. Gebhard, who investigated these claims and later "cleaned up" Kinsey's large quantities of data in response to these issues, stated that to his surprise, the 1960's "cleaning" of Kinsey's data had not in fact changed any of kinsey's findings significantly.)'' Scientific surveys estimating the frequency of zoosexuality, as well as anecdotal evidence and informal surveys, suggest that more than 1-2% -- and perhaps as many as 8-10% -- of sexually active adults have had significant sexual experience with an animal at some point in their lives. Studies suggest that a larger number (perhaps 10-30% depending on area) have fantasized or had some form of brief encounter. Larger figures such as 40-60% for rural teenagers (living on or near livestock farms) have been cited from some earlier surveys such as the '' contains around 190 fantasies:
::''Madge (p.18: humiliation), Hilda (p.48: size), Esther (p.69: fantasy), Alexandra (p.218: fantasy/domination), Gelda (p.230: fantasy), Tina's husband (p.244: both interested in animal mating), Bobbie (p.256: fantasy/horses), Paula (p.259: sex on horseback)''
Sexual Fantasies about zoosexual acts can occur in people who do not wish to experience them in real life, and may simply reflect normal imagination and curiosity. Latent zoophile tendencies may be common; the frequency of interest and sexual excitement in watching animals Mate is cited as an indicator by Massen (1994) and commented on by Masters (1962).From Masters (1962) section 'Psychical bestiality' -- "Sexual arousal at the sight of animals copulating has been reported by a great many persons, both famous and obscure, who have added that such arousal leads sometimes to acts of bestiality, sometimes to masturbation, and occasionally to heterosexual coitus with anyone available. (That the latter result may be forthcoming has always been well known to operators of houses of prostitution, who have staged exhibitions of animal coitus and of bestiality for the express purpose of stimulating the carnal appetites of their patrons...)" LEGAL STATUS Zoosexual acts are illegal in many jurisdictions, while others generally outlaw the mistreatment of animals without specifically mentioning sexuality. Because it is unresolved under the law whether sexual relations with an animal are inherently "abusive" or "mistreatment", this leaves the status of zoosexuality unclear in some jurisdictions. Historically "there is some evidence that bestiality was particularly reviled because of fear that it would produce monsters... At early Common Law , there was no offense of cruelty to animals... The focus of
ZOOPHILES Zoophilia as a lifestyle Separate from those whose interest is curiosity, pornography, or sexual novelty, are those for whom zoophilia might be called a lifestyle or orientation. A commonly reported starting age is at or before Puberty , around 9 - 11, and this seems consistent for both males and females. Kinsey found that the most frequent incidence of human/animal intercourse was more than eight times a week, for the under-15 years age group. Those who discover an interest at an older age often trace it back to nascent form during this period or earlier. As with human Attraction , zoophiles may be attracted only to particular species, appearances, personalities or individuals, and both these and other aspects of their feelings vary over time. Zoophiles tend to perceive differences between animals and human beings as less significant than others do. They often view animals as having positive traits (e.g. Honesty ) that humans often lack, and to feel that society's understanding of non-human sexuality is misinformed. Although some feel guilty about their feelings and view them as a problem (also see '' Denial ''), others do not feel a need to be constrained by traditional standards in their private relationships. The biggest difficulties many zoophiles report are the inability to be accepted or open about their animal relationships and feelings with friends and family, and the fear of harm, rejection or loss of companions if it became known (see '' Outing '' and '' The Closet '', sometimes humorously referred to as "the stable"). Other major issues are hidden loneliness and isolation (due to lack of contact with others who share this attraction or a belief they are alone), and the impact of repeated deaths of animals they consider lifelong soulmates (most species have far shorter lifespans than humans and they cannot openly grieve or talk about feelings of loss). Some of these concerns may be qualitatively similar to historical Perceptions In Other Sexual Groups that have been legal or illegal at different times in history. Zoophiles do not usually cite internal conflicts over Religion as their major issue, perhaps because zoosexuality, although seemingly condemned by some religions, is not a major focus of their teachings. Zoophilic sexual relationships vary, and may be based upon variations of human-style relationships (eg Monogamy ), animal-style relationships (each make own sexual choices), Physical Intimacy (non-sexual touch, mutual grooming, closeness), or other combinations. Zoophiles may or may not have human partners and families. Some zoophiles have an affinity or attraction to animals which is secondary to human attraction; for others the bond with animals is primary. Miletski argues that a scale similar to Kinsey's could be applied for this.Miletski, Hani: ''"The findings of this question... clearly indicate that different people have different levels of sexual inclination toward animals. "Is there a sexual orientation toward nonhuman animals?" — yes, so it appears...it very clearly shows that some people...have feelings of love and affection for their animals, have sexual fantasies about them, and admit they are sexually attracted to them. Sexual orientation, as we know it, can be fluid and changing with time and circumstances...We can place people on all levels of the Kinsey scale, even when we apply this scale to sexual orientation toward animals. It is logical to assume that the majority of the human race will be placed around the zero point of this Kinsey-like scale...but the current study shows that there are some humans whose place on this Kinsey-like scale is definitely not zero. In fact, there are some...individuals whose place on this scale would be the other extreme (6=sexual inclination exclusively with animals)."'' (Miletski ch.13 pp.171-172) In some cases human family or friends are aware of the relationship with the animal and its nature, in others it is hidden. This can sometimes give rise to issues of Guilt (as a result of divided loyalties and concealment) or Jealousy within human relationships {Link without Title} . In addition, zoophiles sometimes enter human relationships due to growing up within traditional expectations, or to deflect suspicions of zoophilia, and yet others may choose looser forms of human relationship as companions or housemates, live alone, or choose other zoophiles to live with. Not all zoophiles are able to keep animals, or at least not those animals that they feel attracted to, and because of this some resort to Trespass ing on property to have sexual contact with animals. This practice, known as 'fence hopping,' is often condemned by both zoophiles and non-zoophiles alike, however. Non-sexual zoophilia Although the term is often used to refer to sexual interest in animals, zoophilia is not necessarily sexual in nature. In Psychology and Sociology it is sometimes used without regard to sexual implications. The first definition listed for the word on dictionary.com is "Affection or affinity for animals". Other definitions are:
The common feature of "zoophilia" is some form of affective bond to animals beyond the usual, whether emotional or sexual in nature. Non-sexual zoophilia is generally accepted in society, and although sometimes ridiculed, it is usually respected or tolerated. Examples of non-sexual zoophilia can be found on animal memorial pages such as petloss.com , in-memory-of-pets.com (memorial, tribute and support sites), by )'' Zoophiles and other groups Zoophiles are often confused with '' Furries '' or '' Therian s (or "weres")'', that is, people with an interest in Anthropomorphism , or people who believe they share some kind of inner connection with animals (spiritual, emotional or otherwise). While the membership of all three groups probably overlap in part, it is untrue to say that all furs or therians have a sexual interest in animals (subconscious or otherwise). Many furs find anthropomorphic adult art erotic and enjoy the companionship of animals, but have no wish to extend their interest beyond an affinity or emotional bond to sexual activity. Those who consider themselves both zoophiles and furries, often call themselves ''zoo-furs'' or ''fuzzies''. The size of this group is not known, although an oft-cited figure is 5% of furries, which is not dissimilar to typical estimates of the percentage within the population generally. Expressions of Fur Fetishism such as Fursuit ing, are usually considered a form of costuming, rather than an expression of zoosexual interest and are usually legal. Finally, zoophilia is not related to sexual Puppy Or Pony Play (also known as "Petplay") or Animal Transformation Fantasies And Roleplays , where one person may act like a dog, pony, horse, or other animal, while a sexual partner acts as a rider, trainer, caretaker, or breeding partner. These activities are Sexual Roleplays whose principal theme is the voluntary or involuntary reduction or transformation of a human being to animal status, and focus on the altered mind-space created. They have no implicit connection to, nor motive in common with, zoophilia. They are instead more usually associated with BDSM . Zoosexual activity is not part of BDSM for most people, and would usually be considered extreme, or Edgeplay . Sciences studying zoophilia Zoophilia is in the main covered by four sciences:
The nature of animal minds, animal Mental Process es and structures, and animal Self-awareness , Perception and "map of the world", are studied within Animal Cognition . Zoophilia may also be covered to some degree by other (non-science) fields such as Ethics , Philosophy , Law , Animal Rights and Animal Welfare . It may also be touched upon by Sociology which may look at Zoosadism in examining patterns and issues related to abuse, and look at non-sexual zoophilia in examining the role of animals as emotional support and companionship in human lives, and may fall within the scope of Psychiatry if it becomes necessary to consider its significance in a clinical context. PERSPECTIVES ON ZOOPHILIA Psychological and research perspectives DSM-III-R (APA, 1987) stated that sexual contact with animals is almost never a clinically significant problem by itself (Cerrone, 1991), and therefore both this and the later DSM-IV (APA, 1994) subsumed it under the residual classification " Paraphilias not otherwise specified". The first detailed studies of zoophilia date from prior to 1910. Peer reviewed research into zoophilia in its own right has happened since around 1960. There have been several significant modern studies, from Masters (1962) to Beetz (2002), but each of them has drawn and agreed on several broad conclusions: # The critical aspect to study was emotion, relationship, and motive, it is important not to just assess or judge the sexual act alone in isolation, or as "an act", without looking deeper. (Masters, Miletski, Beetz) # Zoophiles' emotions and care to animals can be real, relational, authentic and (within animals' abilities) reciprocal, and not just a substitute or means of expression. (Masters, Miletski, Weinberg, Beetz) # Most zoophiles have (or have also had) long term human relationships as well or at the same time as zoosexual ones. (Masters, Beetz) # Society in general at present is considerably misinformed about zoophilia, its stereotypes, and its meaning (Masters, Miletski, Weinberg, Beetz) # Contrary to popular belief, there is in fact significant popular or "latent" interest in zoophilia, either in fantasy, animal mating, or reality (Nancy Friday, Massen, Masters) # The distinction between zoophilia and Zoosadism is a critical one, and highlighted by each of these studies. # Masters (1962), Miletski (1999) and Weinberg (2003) each comment significantly on the social harm caused by these, and other common misunderstandings: "This destroy {Link without Title} the lives of many citizens". At times, research has been cited based upon the degree of zoosexual or zoosadistic related history within populations of juvenile and other persistent offenders, prison populations with records of violence, and people with prior psychological issues. Such studies are not viewed professionally as valid means to research or profile zoophilia, as the results would be based upon populations pre-selected as knowingly having high proportions of criminal records, abusive tendencies and/or psychological issues. This approach (used in some older research and quoted to demonstrate Pathology ) is considered discredited and unrepresentative by researchers. An example of such a statistic is a statement that "96% of people who commit bestiality will go on to commit crimes against people" quoted by PETA which is sourced from a study of such a population [http://www.psyeta.org/sa/sa10.1/fleming.shtml . When read in full however, the study also includes the following caution regarding interpretation of their results: ''"It is difficult to assess 'normality' in a study where all 381 participants were adjudicated juvenile offenders living in state facilities ... It is possible that among other populations ... sex acts with animals might be performed out of love, the need for consolation, or other motivations. In these and other populations, there might not be any link whatsoever to offenses against humans."'' This qualification is not mentioned by PETA. Religious perspectives Several organized religions take a critical or sometimes condemnatory view of zoophilia or zoosexuality, with some variation and exceptions.
Animal studies perspectives ''(Main article: Non-human Animal Sexuality )'' The common concept of animals as heterosexual and only interested in their own species, is seen as scientifically inaccurate by researchers into animal behavior. Animals are in the main, considered as sexual opportunists by science, rather than sexually naive. Ethologists such as Desmond Morris who study animal behavior, as well as formal studies, have consistently documented significant masturbation and homosexuality in a wide range of animals, apparently freely chosen or in the presence of the opposite gender, as well as homosexual animal couples, homosexual raising of young, and cross-species sexual advances. Peter Singer reports of one such incident witnessed by Biruté Galdikas (a notable ethologist considered by many the world's foremost authority on Primates ): "While walking through the camp with Galdikas, my informant was suddenly seized by a large male orangutan, his intentions made obvious by his erect penis. Fighting off so powerful an animal was not an option, but Galdikas called to her companion not to be concerned, because the orangutan would not harm her, and adding, as further reassurance, that "they have a very small penis." As it happened, the orangutan lost interest before penetration took place, but the aspect of the story that struck me most forcefully was that in the eyes of someone who has lived much of her life with orangutans, to be seen by one of them as an object of sexual interest is not a cause for shock or horror. The potential violence of the orangutan's come-on may have been disturbing, but the fact that it was an orangutan making the advances was not." Animal rights, welfare and abuse concerns One of the primary critiques of zoophilia is the argument that zoosexuality is harmful to animals. Some state this categorically; that any sexual activity is necessarily abuse. Critics also point to examples in which animals were clearly abused, having been tied up, assaulted, or injured. Defenders of zoophilia argue that animal abuse is neither typical of nor commonplace within zoophilia, and that just as sexual activity with humans can be both abusive and not, so can sexual activity with animals. Andrea M. Beetz , PhD. in her book "Love, Violence, and Sexuality in Relationships between Humans and Animals" (2002) reports: "In most {Link without Title} references to bestiality, violence towards the animal is automatically implied. That sexual approaches to animals may not need force or violence but rather, sensitivity, or knowledge of animal behavior, is rarely taken into consideration." In comment on your dog and he or she thinks it's great, is it wrong? We believe all exploitation and abuse is wrong. If it isn't exploitation and abuse, {Link without Title} it may not be wrong." (A few years later, Newkirk wrote to the editor of the Canada Free Press in response to a column by Alexander Rubin , making clear that she was strongly opposed to any exploitation, and all sexual activity, with animals. This was necessary since some had sought to interpret her former statement as condoning zoosexuality. Accordingly, the response was a clarification of her position regarding zoosexual acts, rather than a different response ''per se'' to Singer's actual philosophical point, namely "if it isn't exploitation and abuse is there any moral basis for objecting? ") Dr. LaFarge, an assistant professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the New Jersey Medical School, who is the Director of Counseling at the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals and works with the New York correctional system, is quoted in a media article (1999) as reporting that: "it's important to make the distinction bestiality per se, and zoophilia because zoophiles try not to hurt their animals..." "There is no evidence yet that zoophilia leads to sexual deviation, but that's not to say that's not the case. We do make the link between other forms of physical violence against animals as being a predicator of physical violence against women and children. I would go on to say that someone who is sexually violent with an animal ... is a predator and might very well do that toward people." '') Sexology information sites (if sufficiently detailed) are usually careful to distinguish zoosadism from zoophilia: Humboldt Berlin University Sexology Dept (list of paraphilias) sex-lexis.com and sexualcounselling.com . Historical and cultural perspectives See Also: Historical and cultural perspectives on zoophilia HEALTH AND SAFETY Humans and other animals cannot make each other pregnant. (There have been speculations that humans and Chimpanzee s may be capable of cross-fertilization but not one verified case has ever been shown. See Humanzee & Oliver The Chimpanzee ). Infections due to improper cleaning could be an issue for either party. Most viruses are specific to particular species and cannot be transmitted sexually, so humans and animals cannot catch many viral diseases from zoosexual acts. However, a few uncommon but treatable Infections (known as Zoonoses ) such as Brucellosis can be transferred. HIV is fragile and only lives in primates (humans, apes and monkeys) and is not believed to survive long in other species. Animals' and humans' bodily fluids are not incompatible, but allergic reactions can sometimes occur. In terms of physical compatibility and injury, many medium/large domesticated species appear to be physically compatible with humans. The main non-deliberate physical risks are of injury, either through ignorance of physical differences, forcefulness, or, for female animals, excessive friction or infection. Humans may also be at substantial physical risk and seriously harmed by sexual activity with animals. Larger animals may have the strength and defensive attributes (e.g. hooves, teeth) to injure a human, either in rejecting physical or sexual contact, or in the course of sexual arousal. For example, the penis of a sexually aroused dog has a broad bulb at the base which can cause injury if forcibly pulled from a body orifice (see Canine Copulation ), and Equine s can thrust suddenly and " Flare ", and many animals bite as part of sexual excitement and foreplay. In July 2005 , a 45 year old aerospace engineer, Kenneth Pinyan , died in Enumclaw , Washington after being Anally Penetrated by a stallion. ("The prosecutor's office says no animal cruelty charges were filed the other man present because there was no evidence of injury to the horses.") [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002568970_webhorse.html ARGUMENTS ABOUT ZOOPHILIA OR ZOOSEXUALITY Platonic Love for animals is usually viewed positively, but most people express concern or disapproval of sexual interest, sometimes very strongly. Criticisms come from a variety of sources, including moral, ethical, psychological, and social arguments. They include:
Defenders of zoophilia or zoosexuality state that:
They also assert that some of these arguments rely on double standards, such as expecting informed consent from animals for sexual activity (and not accepting consent given in their own manner), but not for surgical procedures including aesthetic mutilation and castration, potentially lethal experimentation and other hazardous activities, euthanasia, and slaughter. Likewise, if animals cannot give consent, then it follows that they must not have sex with each other (amongst themselves). see: '' Speciesism '' Critics of this reasoning state that animals can communicate internally (hence consent) within their own species, but cannot communicate cross-species. Others state that animal communication is clear and unambiguous cross-species as well. In discussing arguments for and against zoosexual activity, the ''"British Journal of Sexual Medicine"'' commented over 30 years ago, "We are all supposed to condemn bestiality, though only rarely are sound medical or psychological factors advanced." (Jan/Feb 1974, p.43) People's views appear to depend significantly upon the nature of their interest and nature of exposure to the subject. People who have been exposed to '' who study and understand animal behaviour and body language, have documented animal sexual advances to human beings and Other Species , and tend to be matter-of-fact about animal sexuality and animal approaches to humans; their research is generally supportive of some of the claims by zoophiles regarding animal cognition, behaviour, and sexual/relational/emotional issues. Because the majority opinion is condemnatory, many individuals may be more accepting in private than they make clear to the public. Regardless, there is a general societal view which regards zoophilia with either suspicion or outright opposition. MYTHOLOGY AND FANTASY LITERATURE and the Bull'' by Gustave Moreau , c. 1869]] From cave paintings onward and throughout human history, zoophilia has been a recurring subject in art, literature, and fantasy. In Ugaritic mythology, the god Baal is said to have impregnated a Heifer to sire a young bull god. In Greek Mythology , Zeus appeared to Leda in the form of a Swan , and her children Helen and Polydeuces resulted from that sexual union. Zeus also seduced Europa in the form of a Bull , and carried off the youth Ganymede in the form of an eagle. The half-human/half-bull Minotaur was the offspring of Queen Pasiphae and a white bull. King Peleus continued to seduce the nymph Thetis despite her transforming into (among other forms) a lion, a bird, and a snake. The god Pan , often depicted with goat-like features, has also been frequently associated with animal sex. As with other subjects of Classical mythology, some of these have been depicted over the centuries since, in western painting and sculpture. In Norse Mythology , Loki had intercourse with a stallion, though in the form of a mare, and gave birth to Sleipnir ; see also Sagaholm . Fantasy literature has included a variety of seemingly zoophilic examples, often involving human characters enchanted into animal forms: '' Beauty And The Beast '' (a young woman falls in love with a physically beast-like man), William Shakespeare 's '' A Midsummer Night's Dream '' (Queen Titania falls in love with a character whose head is transformed into that of a donkey's), '' The Book Of One Thousand And One Nights '' (a princess champions a man enchanted into ape form), the Roman Lucius Apuleius 's '' The Golden Ass '' (explicit sexuality between a man transformed into a donkey and a woman), and Balzac 's '' A Passion In The Desert '' (a love affair between a soldier and a panther). In more modern times, zoosexuality of a sort has been a theme in science fiction and horror fiction, with the giant ape King Kong fixating on a human woman, alien monsters groping human females in pulp novels and comics, and depictions of Tentacle Rape in Japanese Manga and Anime . '', an 1820 Hokusai woodcut depicting a woman being sexually molested by a pair of Octopodes ]] Modern erotic Furry fantasy art and stories are sometimes associated with zoophilia, but many creators and fans disagree with this, pointing out that the characters are predominantly humanoid fantasy creatures who are thinking, reasoning beings that consider and consent to sex in the same manner humans would. "Furry" characters have been compared to other intelligent and social non-human fictional characters who are subjects of love/sexuality fantasies without being commonly regarded as zoophilic, such as the Vulcans and Klingon s in '' Star Trek '', or Elves in fantasy fiction. Animals and Anthropomorphs , when shown in furry art, are usually shown engaged with others of similar kind, rather than humans. MEDIA DISCUSSION Because of its controversial standing, different countries and medias vary in how they treat discussion of zoosexuality. Often sexual matters are the subject of legal or regulatory requirement. For example, in 2005, the UK broadcasting regulator ( OFCOM ) updated its code stating that: :"Freedom of expression is at the heart of any democratic state. It is an essential right to hold opinions and receive and impart information and ideas. Broadcasting and freedom of expression are intrinsically linked. However, with such rights come duties and responsibilities ... The focus is on adult audiences making informed choices within a regulatory framework which gives them a reasonable expectation of what they will receive, while at the same time robustly protecting those too young to exercise fully informed choices for themselves ... :"OFCOM sets out a Watershed and other precautions for explicit sexual material, to protect young people, and specifies that discussion of zoosexuality along with other sexual matters may take place, but in an appropriate Context and manner." {Link without Title} The contrasting views between cultures are highlighted by the case of '' Omaha The Cat Dancer '', a Furry Comic Book , which was simultaneously the subject of a raid by Toronto police for pornographic depiction of bestiality (as noted, furry art is not usually considered "bestiality"), and the subject of praise by the New Zealand government committee on import of printed material for its mature depiction of relationships and sexuality. References to zoosexuality are not uncommon in some media, especially ")'' and South Park ''( Recurring Themes )'', Satirical Comedy such as Borat , and films (especially shock Exploitation Film s), although a few broadcasters such as Howard Stern (who joked about bestiality dial-a-date on NBC) and Tom Binns (whose Xfm London Breakfast Show resulted on one occasion in a live discussion about the ethics of zoosexual pornographic movies at peak child listening time) have been reprimanded by their stations for doing so. See: '' #Books, Articles And Documentaries '' PORNOGRAPHY , Pornography , Legal Status Of Internet Pornography )'' Using animal fur or Stuffed Animals in erotic photography (in a sense, the combination of Necrophilia and zoophilia) doesn't seem to be Taboo , nor do photographs of nude models posed with animals provided no sexual stimulation is implied to the animal. Stuffed animals are sometimes used in glamour erotic photography with models touching their sexual organs against such animals, and likewise models may be posed with animals or on horseback. The subtext is often to provide a contrast: animal versus sophisticated, raw beast versus culturally guided human. (Nancy Friday comments on this, noting that zoophilia as a fantasy may provide an escape from cultural expectations, restrictions, and judgements in regard to sex.) Materials featuring sex with animals are widely available on the the Dutch took the lead, creating figures like "Wilma" and the "Dutch Sisters". Today, in Hungary , where production faces no legal limitations, zoosexual materials have become a substantial industry that produces numerous films and magazines, particularly for Dutch companies, and the Genre has stars such as "Hector" (a Great Dane starring in several films). Many Hungarian and Russian mainstream performers also appeared anonymously in zoophilia pornography in their early careers. Prior to the advent of mass-market full-color glossy magazines such as Playboy , so-called Tijuana Bible s were a form of pornographic tract popular in America, sold as anonymous underground publications typically comprising a small number of stapled comic-strips representing characters and celebrities. An example digitized Tijuana Bible entitled ''The Pet'' from the 1960s is linked at tijuanabibles.org page link (also see full size and search ). Pornography of this sort has become the business of certain Spam mers such as Jeremy Jaynes (8th most prolific spammer, sentenced to 9 years for spamming) and owners of some fake TGP s, who use the promise of "extreme" material as a bid for users' attention. SOCIAL COMMUNITY Whether there is such a thing as a "zoophile community" or Subculture , in the same sense as the Gay Community or any other Alternative Lifestyle communities, is a controversial question. Some zoophiles point to the number and quality of computerized meeting-places in which zoophiles can meet and socialize, the manner in which this extends to Offline social networks, and the trend of social and cultural evolution of community consensus over time, or use the term to imply "the community of zoophiles in general". Others point to the differing viewpoints and attitudes, the trust issues and risks due to lack of safety inherent in socializing, and lack of any true commonality between zoophiles beyond their orientation. Whether or not it should be construed as a "community", the following outline is a rough description of the social world of zoophiles, as it has existed to date. Prior to the arrival of widespread computer Networking , most zoophiles would not have known others, and for the most part engaged secretly, or told only trusted friends, family or partners. (This almost certainly still describes the majority of zoophiles; only a small proportion are visible online). Thus it could not be said there was a "community" of any kind at that time, except perhaps for small sporadic Social Network s of people who knew each other by chance. As with many other Alternate Lifestyles , broader networks began forming in the 1980s when networked social groups became more common at home and elsewhere, and as the Internet and its predecessors came into existence, permitting people to search for topics and information in areas which were not otherwise easily accessible and to talk with relative safety and anonymity. The Newsgroup ''alt.sex.bestiality'' (reputedly started in humor), personal Bulletin Board s and Talker s, were among the first group media of this kind in the late 1980s and early 1990s , rapidly drawing together zoophiles, some of whom also created personal and social Website s and Forum s. By around 1991 - 1993 it became accurate to say that a wide social net had evolved. This changed significantly around 1995-96 (due to the double impact of Miletski's research and the unrelated mid/late-1990s boom in zoosexual pornography), and then a few years later again around 1998-2000 in the wake of the controversy over the first proposed public US appearance of a zoophile on the Jerry Springer show ("I married a horse", 1998, pulled before viewing), which was followed by the 1999-2000 Philip Buble case (in which a plaintiff petitioned the court to let his dog attend judgement as his "wife"). Whilst some zoophiles saw these as attempts to state a personal viewpoint or encourage debate, others saw them in a negative light as ill-advised, futile, harmful, or ultimately egoistic attempts to obtain a public hearing which could only backlash strongly both legally and otherwise against zoophiles. There was also a perception that as knowledge of zoosexuality as a lifestyle became wider spread, the smaller but more formative social groups were being diluted by large numbers of newcomers who had not grown up within the same "culture" or communal values, and many website owners came to be less interested compared to the past. In the wake of these changes, a number of the older pro-zoophile websites and forums were voluntarily removed or vanished from the net between 1995 and 2001, and many of the more established individuals and social groups at that time withdrewThis is an established and common pattern in other Online Communities and subcultures too, as people (typically in their 30's) develop more diverse Offline lives or commitments over time. Often they return from time to time, or retain an irreglar presence; sometimes they leave the net completely. See GAFIA . from the online community, perceiving the risks and benefits to no longer be worth it, as they already had sufficient Offline friends amongst other zoophiles. This led to a period of change and consolidation during the late 1990s and early 2000s as old sites closed and the older and newer 'generations' mingled. Most of the major "talkers" Faded And Closed too, especially following the increasing popularity of Instant Messenger chat and an Incident on "Planes of Existence" (Germany, 2000). At the same time, many other social groups online drew lessons from these and other incidents, leading to a maturing consensus which tended to replace the previous divides on common topics such as the desirability vs. harmfulness of public debate and acceptance, ethics, and conduct. Websites catering to zoosexuality at present can be broken down into several groups:
Sites providing support and social assistance to zoophiles (including resources to help and rescue abused or mistreated animals) are not usually publicized. Such work is often undertaken as needed by individuals and friends, within social networks, and by word of mouth. Zoo Code and trivia
OTHER POPULAR REFERENCES
BOOKS, ARTICLES AND DOCUMENTARIES Academic and professional
Other books
Print and online media
Television and radio
:: Ofcom UK television regulator reported that: "This was a serious documentary exploring a rare minority sexual orientation. Although the programme gave an opportunity for zoophiles to express their opinions, the effect was neither to sensationalise nor normalise their behaviour."
:: Hour-long sex information program hosted by sexologist Louise-Andrée Saulnier discussing zoosexuality. Covered folklore, academic studies and general information, plus telephone call-in from viewers describing their zoosexual experiences and stories they had heard.
:: Live talkshow interview with lifelong zoophile, followed by call-in discussion.
SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINKS ;Websites supportive of zoophilia
;Websites against zoophilia
;Research
; Other / Art
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