Xenophilia

Xenophilia generally means a preference for the foreign, unfamiliar, or different. In a sexual context, the term can describe an attraction to people, traits, or situations perceived as “different,” for example because of culture, appearance, language, or behavior. However, the term is not firmly established as a technical sexual term and is used differently in practice.

It is important to distinguish this from discriminatory or exoticizing attitudes: being attracted to diversity or cultural difference is not automatically problematic, but it should be viewed respectfully and without stereotyping. Xenophilia is the counterpart to xenophobia, the rejection of or fear toward the foreign. As always in sexual contexts, consent, respect, and a non-objectifying approach to other people are essential.