'Graysexual' explained as number of people who are coming out is on the rise
The term 'graysexual' may have been around for a while, but many people on the internet are still unaware on what it actually entails.
Recently, we heard all about 'finsexual' - 'the exclusive attraction to those who are feminine in nature', according to one Reddit user.
The definition continued: "This means finsexual people are attracted to women, feminine-aligned non-binary people, and potentially feminine men. It is the attraction to femininity."
The sexual orientation known as graysexual has now been explained, with the term being described as sitting on the 'asexual spectrum'.
What is graysexual?
Graysexual sits between asexual and allosexual identities, according to Healthline. Basically, the health website explains how the idea of sexuality is not simple - hence the gray area highlighted in the term.
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The LGBTQIA+ Wiki page explains: "Graysexual 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.
"People who identify as graysexual may experience sexual attraction that occurs infrequently, at low intensity, or in an ambiguous way. The term is often included in the asexual spectrum."
Asexual people can experience attraction to other people, in the form of romantic attraction, while they can also have intimate relationships.
However, they do not form sexual relationships.
Allosexual, on the other hand, refers to people who experience sexual attraction to others, serving as the opposite of asexual.
What does graysexual look like in practice?
While there are no golden rules, Healthline explains how people may experience a number of things if they are graysexual.
These include 'not prioritizing sexual attraction when it comes to choosing a romantic partner', 'feeling sexual attraction sometimes, but not often', feeling sexual attraction only in certain circumstances', as well as 'showing love and affection in other ways, such as cuddling, talking, or helping their partner'.
Sexuality and gender specialist Mark Cusack has opened up about their experience being graysexual on their popular YouTube channel notdefining.
They said: "Having the words to describe these different levels can be really helpful in helping us to communicate how we are and communicate our needs.
"So, the word grey ace is immensely helpful for me because it helps people to understand that, you know what, I do experience sexual attraction.
"I do have sex, I do enjoy sex and I do enjoy sexual things, sexual fantasies and so on, but I may experience them to a significantly lower degree than most people would."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT national hotline at 888-843-4564, available Monday to Friday 4pm-12am ET and 12pm-5pm ET on Saturdays.
Topics: LGBTQ
Callum Jones