ZOOSEXUAL IDENTITY TALK AND THE DISCIPLINING OF DISCOURSE

This chapter considers how zoosexuals interacting with perceived anonymity in online spaces articulate a discourse of resistance that attempts to neutralize their socially unacceptable behavior, fosters identity work and role-play in their community, and encourages interaction patterns that endorse conformity to established rules. Whereas some zoosexuals might be able to reconcile or perform their sexuality in the company of small, intimate groups, others may seek validation in cyberspace from sympathetic colleagues capable of providing members with a collective sense of esteem by promoting sense of unity, support, reassurance, and guidance. Online technology allows for the development and maintenance of interactive venues that facilitate open expression of zoosexual identities-as well as other deviant forms-in virtual anonymity with similarly oriented others from disparate locations around the world. Within the context of deviant cybercommunities, techniques of neutralization are important tools for identity work used to justify participation in discreditable behaviors and also manage personal and social identities.