Asexuality is part of the
asexual spectrum (abbreviated "ace spectrum"), an
umbrella term and a broad community of identities that are closely related to asexuality when placed on a spectrum ranging from asexual to sexual.
[2]
See also:
Aromantic
Aceflux
Aceflux has two common definitions:
[5]
- Someone with a fluctuating orientation, and that orientation is always within the asexual spectrum.[5]
- Someone with an orientation that fluctuates between no attraction, some attraction, and a lot of attraction.[5]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Aroflux
Aegosexual
Aegosexual, also known less commonly as
anegosexual[6] and formerly referred to as
autochorissexual ("autochoris" means "identity-less"), is a microlabel on the asexual spectrum that describes those who experience a disconnect between themselves and the subject of arousal. The contemporary term is made up of the prefix "a/an-" meaning 'not', "ego" for 'self', and 'sexual'. Hence, "aegosexual" or "anegosexual" literally means "sexual without self". Aegosexuals may have sexual fantasies, view sexual content, or masturbate, but typically feel little to no sexual attraction or desire to engage in sexual intercourse. Many aegosexuals fantasize about sex from a third-person perspective.
[7][8]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Aegoromantic
Apothisexual
Apothisexual, which stems from the Greek root "apothisan" meaning 'repulsed', refers to someone who identifies as asexual and finds sex and/or sexual activity to be disgusting or uncomfortable. Individuals who use this term are affected by sex in the media to varying degrees, and may try to avoid its presence altogether. This term should not be confused with 'sex-negative', which means finding sex immoral.
[9][10]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Apothiromantic
Autosexual /Egosexual
Autosexual /Egosexual is a label that refers to someone who mostly or only feels sexual attraction to themselves.
[11]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Autoromantic
Cupiosexual
Cupiosexual, derived from "cupio" meaning longing, refers to a person who is asexual or on the asexual spectrum and still desires sexual actions despite not feeling an attraction towards people who'd inspire that desire.
[12] The term originally showed up on forums in 2014. Although cupiosexuals will not experience sexual attraction to their sexual partner, there are a myriad of other reasons a cupiosexual may have sex, such as physical pleasure or a way to bond with one's partner.
[13]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Cupioromantic
Demisexual
Main article:
Demisexual
Demisexual is a term used to describe those who do not experience sexual attraction to others unless they form a strong emotional bond with someone first. Demisexual people may still experience romantic attraction, but until a deep connection is formed, there is no sexual attraction involved. They may have little to no interest in sex and may only experience sexual attraction rarely, but that is not the case with all demisexuals.
[14]
Another definition is a person who does not experience primary sexual attraction, defined as sexual attraction that is based on sight, smell, or other instantly available information. In this definition, demisexuals experience secondary sexual attraction after knowing more about the person than just their looks; how much demisexuals need to know about said person and for how long they need to know about them for secondary sexual attraction to develop varies from person to person.
[15] After secondary sexual attraction is developed, demisexuals may or may not experience arousal or desire based on the physical traits of the persons they already experience secondary sexual attraction towards; usually they are not only aroused by personality traits.
[16][17]
Demisexuality is included on the
asexual spectrum, but demisexual people can be
gay,
straight,
bisexual, or any other orientation in addition to being demisexual.
[18]
See also:
Demiromantic
Fraysexual
Fraysexual or
ignotasexual describe individuals who experience sexual attraction to those whom they do not know very well. For some fraysexual people, they may initially be attracted to another person; however, they find that their sexual attraction fades over time, particularly as an emotional connection is formed.
[19][20] Some fraysexual people have described their sexuality as an "imbalance of morals" that prevents them from being able to engage in sexual acts with any other person close to them.
[21][22] Fraysexuality has been considered by some to be the "opposite" of demisexuality.
[23]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Frayromantic
Gray-asexual
Main article:
Gray-asexual
Gray-asexual,
[24] also known as
graysexual or
gray-A,
[24][25][26][27] is an
asexual identity characterized as being "in between" asexual and
allosexual; that is, being asexual while also able to experience, or have experienced previously, sexual attraction.
[24] People who identify as gray-asexual may experience sexual attraction that is uncommon for the individual, may only be directed toward specific people,
[28] occurs infrequently, at low intensity, or in an ambiguous way.
[5][29] The term is often included in the
asexual spectrum.
[30]
See also:
Aromantic spectrum § Grayromantic
Lithosexual
Lithosexual, formerly known as "akoisexual", is a term for someone who feels sexual attraction only for those that do not reciprocate those feelings.
[31]