by ClunkyMunk » Sat May 23, 2015 8:17 pm
I just wanted to reply and say, "hey!"
Admittedly, I haven't had time to read every post, but I find what I've read to be incredibly encouraging, and I'm glad you reached out to a place that understands what it's like to have a paraphilia.
As a zoophile, I've come to find that as I've opened up with others, more and more people have come forth with zoo stories that they otherwise wouldn't have shared, confessed interests they've been ashamed of, and otherwise confided in friendship something they've held onto for a long time and have never been able to express. There are a lot of zoophiles out there, and you wouldn't ever know it because everyone's afraid to say anything. That kindred is infinitely important, knowing that you're not alone, that you're not a terrible person, that you won't be immediately shunned by everyone around you for something you can't control.
Fifty to sixty years ago, it wasn't normal to be gay. The definition of normalcy changes with each generation. Maybe if we're lucky, zoophilia will go the way of homosexuality in our culture. Time will tell. Right now, there seems to be a push from anonymous on both sides of the issue, with the anti-zoo side being rather vicious. Reading their posts, though, is like reading posts from Westboro Baptist Church about gay people; it's all hate speech with no logic. Needless to say, it's still dangerous to be completely open about being attracted to animals, let alone having sexual contact with them.
As for whether or not it's wrong, I'd argue that it's not, in general. People like to give the argument of consent and leave it at that, as if animals not being able to speak is the end of the argument. Animals can consent to sex; you've noticed it yourself.
The real fatal flaw to that argument, though, is that we don't ask for their consent in any other part of their lives. We don't ask mothers if we can sell their puppies. We don't ask if they want to be put in a crate while we're away. We don't ask whether or not they want horseshoes on their feet or saddles on their backs or bits in their teeth. We don't seek consent from animals for anything in our society, but when it comes to sex, suddenly the fact that they can't speak is an issue?
There is a moral ambiguity, but I'd suggest the squick factor is the real issue our society has with it. Sex has so many taboos in our society, not the least of which is the separation of man from beast.
Anyway, to answer some other people's questions I read, different animals have smells, tastes, and physical appeals that are sexually arousing. I've always been attracted to musks; I like the way people and animals smell. I also find non-human penises really interesting and attractive. Everything about them. It's kind of hard to get into without being pornographic, though :3
Thanks for posting and opening up. I'm always interested in meeting new zoos and talking about stuff :3 That support network is really important. Don't hesitate to reach out!