As new terms and identities continue to emerge within the landscape of human sexuality, one that may not be as widely recognized is aegosexuality. Part of the asexual spectrum, aegosexuality refers to people who experience sexual arousal and desire but feel no interest in engaging in sexual activity with others.

This condition highlights a unique disconnect where individuals can feel sexual attraction yet lack the desire to participate in sexual acts themselves.

Aegosexuality was initially defined as "autochorissexuality" in 2012 by Dr. Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist specializing in human sexuality. The term was later changed to aegosexuality in 2014 by a Tumblr user, Sugar-and-Spite.

These individuals may experience sexual fantasies or arousal involving others or fictional characters, but never imagine themselves taking part in these activities.

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The history of aegosexuality

The concept of aegosexuality first appeared under the label of "autochorissexuality," derived from the word "autochoris," meaning "sexuality without identity." This was a time when asexuality was often misunderstood and wrongly categorized as a psychological disorder.

Aegosexuality's inclusion under the asexual umbrella initially led to its classification as a paraphilia, a term referring to intense sexual attraction to unusual objects or behaviors. Over time, this notion has been challenged and reframed, with advocates working to shift perceptions.

Despite these challenges, the term aegosexuality continued to evolve. The stigma surrounding this identity still persists today, especially given its prior classification as a disorder. However, over the years, the recognition of different sexual orientations has grown, encouraging a better understanding of fluidity in human sexuality.

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Aegosexuality versus voyeurism

While some may confuse aegosexuality with voyeurism, the two are distinct. Voyeurism involves gaining sexual pleasure from watching others, often in secret, and is typically considered a kink or fetish.

Aegosexuality, on the other hand, represents a person's unique sexual identity. As explained by Dr. Elyssa Helfer, a clinical sexologist, aegosexuality does not involve the desire to engage in sexual activity with others, but rather the experience of arousal and fantasies about others without the wish to be part of those experiences.

The distinction between these two concepts is vital for reducing misunderstandings about the identity and providing a clearer understanding of how people experience sexual attraction.

Aegosexuality remains a niche identity within the larger spectrum of asexuality. With limited resources and ongoing stigma, it is crucial for society to acknowledge the variety of sexual identities and the fluidity of sexual experiences.

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A TikToker has been praised after they went viral for explaining what it means to be "abrosexual" - after many were left curious about the term.

In the modern world, people are rightfully free to identify however they feel best fits who they are.

However, some terms that are only just being more openly discussed can still be a bit confusing. It's completely okay and understandable to be confused by a new term in regard to someone's identity.

But that's when it's time to do a bit of research. And fortunately, the internet is full of people willing to offer a helping hand.

Taking to TikTok, Luca - who goes by the user @lucaismagic - released a video back in 2021 outlining what it means to be abrosexual.

In the viral video, Luca began by outlining that sometimes they are attracted to only men, other times they are only attracted to women, and sometimes are asexual (meaning they have little or no sexual attraction to others).

The video goes on to explain that they've also been attracted to trans and non-binary people.

In their own words, Luca said: "So you're straight sometimes, Lesbian sometimes, bi sometimes, and asexual sometimes."

Considering whether they could sometimes be pansexual, Luca said: "Yeah but I guess that I'm mostly preferenced on what gender I'm most attracted to at the time, instead of just people in general."

To conclude, Luca asked themself the question: "Are you straight, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or pan?"

To which they simply replied: "Yes", meaning that abrosexual means that Luca can be all of the above at various times - or, in fact, none of them.

People flooded the comments with messages of support and realization, with one person writing: "NO BC THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I FEEL TOO I JUST SAY IM PAN."

A second added: "I can’t believe I saw this over a year ago, didn’t understand a thing and now I’ve found out it’s my sexuality."

A third said: "Finally! I understand what I am because of this post! you won't understand how much this helped me, thank you so much."

Healthline outlined: "Someone who’s abrosexual finds that their sexual attraction shifts often: they might identify with the term ‘gay,’ and later feel attracted to people of all genders, and then feel little to no sexual attraction at all."

Healthline emphasizes that abrosexuality is not just about "changing your mind" or "using a different label," but rather, it reflects how a person's actual experiences of sexual attraction change over time.

The term "abro-" originates from a prefix meaning "delicate" or "graceful," symbolizing the fluidity with which an abrosexual person’s sexual attraction can evolve.

Emma Flint shared a personal essay with the Metro about abrosexuality, outlining the challenges and the common misconceptions.

"I didn’t learn about abrosexuality until two years ago, when I was 30," she shared. "Up until that point, I’d struggled to identify what my sexuality was because it fluctuated so rapidly."

While some of her loved ones initially struggled to understand, Emma expressed gratitude for those who have been supportive.

"I’m happy to say that the rest of my friends and family have been very supportive of my identity and have strived to learn more," she noted.

However, she acknowledged that not all reactions have been positive.

"It’s still hard to hear things like ‘mate, you’re just confused’ or ‘just say you’re bisexual and be done with it.’ I refuse to be boxed in by someone else’s limited knowledge."

Emma emphasized the importance of respect and understanding when discussing her identity.

"I’m not expecting everyone to know what it means – hell, I didn’t until two years ago – but you should always listen with respect," she wrote.

Emma ended the essay by explaining that she hopes that, one day, abrosexuality will be openly accepted by all.

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Human sexuality has never been one-size-fits-all. As our understanding of identity continues to evolve, so too does the language we use to describe who we are and who we’re drawn to.

One term that’s been gaining attention is 'androsexual' — and for many, it offers clarity where other labels fall short.

What Does ‘Androsexual’ Actually Mean?

When it comes to attraction, people experience it in countless ways.

Language can be a powerful tool in helping individuals articulate those feelings.

In the past, even widely recognized terms like homosexual or non-binary didn’t exist.

That doesn’t mean people who we might now consider gay or non-binary weren’t around — they simply used different language and frameworks to understand themselves.

The term 'androsexual' draws from the Greek prefix 'andro-,' which relates to masculinity.

And that’s exactly what it refers to: attraction to masculinity — regardless of who is expressing it.

In simple terms, being androsexual means you are attracted to masculinity, but not necessarily to men.

Androsexual is the attraction to masculinity. Credit: Cultura Creative/Getty

Attraction To Masculinity vs. Attraction To Men

At first glance, some might wonder: why not just say you’re attracted to men?

The answer lies in nuance.

Someone who identifies as androsexual isn’t exclusively drawn to men as a gender category.

Instead, they’re attracted to masculine traits or presentation — whoever embodies them.

For example: A lesbian or bisexual woman may feel especially attracted to women who present in a more masculine way.

A pansexual person might be attracted to people of all gender identities, but find themselves gravitating toward those who appear more masculine — whether they’re women, men, or non-binary individuals.

Even a straight man could identify with the term if he’s attracted to masculine-presenting women, but not to men.

The label provides a way to separate attraction to masculinity from attraction to men specifically. For many, that distinction feels more accurate and affirming.

How People Who Identify As Androsexual Describe Themselves

For some individuals, traditional labels don’t quite fit. That’s where 'androsexual' can offer clarity.

One person who identifies with the term androsexual wrote on Reddit: "I’m agender and AFAB [assigned female at birth] so it feels weird to say I’m heterosexual so there aren’t really any better words to describe my sexual identity (I’m attracted to cis/trans men/male presenting enbys [non-binary people])."

Another agreed: "I also am attracted to men and masculine enbies and I use it because it’s what describes my attraction the best, even if my attraction doesn’t perfectly fit any of the definition."

For these individuals, the term doesn’t just describe who they’re attracted to — it helps resolve the discomfort or confusion that can come with using labels that don’t fully align with their gender identity.

Androsexual does not mean a person wants a same sex relationship. Credit: kate_sept2004/Getty

Why The Term Is Especially Useful For Non-Binary And Gender-Fluid People

The concept of androsexuality can be particularly helpful for people who identify as non-binary or gender-fluid.

When your own sense of gender can shift, traditional sexuality labels may feel limiting or inaccurate. After all, how do you define yourself as gay or straight if your gender identity isn’t fixed?

If some days you feel like a man, some days a woman, and some days neither, sexuality categories built on rigid gender binaries can feel complicated.

For some, focusing on attraction to qualities — like masculinity or femininity — rather than strictly to men or women provides a clearer framework.

Of course, being non-binary or gender-fluid doesn’t prevent someone from identifying as straight or gay. Everyone’s relationship with their identity is deeply personal. There’s no single 'correct' way to label yourself.

But for those who find masculinity attractive without necessarily being attracted to men, 'androsexual' can feel like the right fit.

The Power Of Having The Right Word

At its core, the rise of terms like androsexual reflects something simple: people want language that accurately captures their lived experience.

The word offers specificity. It separates gender from gender expression. It gives individuals a way to say, 'this is what I’m drawn to,' without feeling boxed into a category that doesn’t fully resonate.

And if a word gives someone the means to describe what they feel, that’s a good thing.

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More people are coming out as demisexual, and this is what the identity means.

As previously reported, singer Tulisa Contostavlos sparked a national conversation after opening up about her own identity while appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2024.

The 37-year-old former X Factor judge told her campmates in the Australian jungle that she identifies as demisexual and has been celibate for more than three years.

She explained that she only feels sexual attraction when she forms a deep emotional connection with someone. “For me, it’s all about the connection and the emotions that I feel with someone and then wanting to express them in that way,” she shared, according to BBC News.

Describing herself as “not an overly sexualised person,” she added, “I need actual depth… I’m a slow, slow burner.”

The revelation has struck a chord with many viewers, prompting increased interest in what it actually means to be demisexual.

What Is Demisexuality?

Demisexuality is a sexual orientation describing people who only experience sexual attraction after forming a close emotional bond with someone.

That connection is often rooted in personality and trust rather than initial physical factors like appearance, scent, or voice.

Unlike immediate physical attraction, which is common in other orientations, demisexuals normally don’t feel drawn to strangers or casual encounters.

The term sits on the asexual spectrum and highlights how varied human attraction can be.

Tulisa's Confession: Dating Isn't Easy

The 'Young' musician, who first shot to fame as part of N-Dubz in the 2000s, also revealed that, despite having a profile on the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya, she actively avoids dating itself.

“Genuinely makes me feel physically sick,” she admitted.

Beyond demisexuality: new microlabels gaining traction

Tulisa’s revelation comes at a time when an increasing number of people are finding clarity and comfort in more specific terms that describe their unique experiences of attraction.

One such term gaining ground is “almondsexual.”

Coined in November 2023 by a Tumblr user known as genderstarbucks, almondsexuality refers to individuals primarily attracted to male-aligned and androgynous-aligned genders, with a lesser attraction to female-aligned genders.

This label is part of a group of “microlabels” under the multisexual umbrella, which includes bisexuality, pansexuality, and omnisexuality.

These microlabels allow people to define their attraction more precisely, often helping them feel more seen and understood.

Other related terms include “berrisual” (attraction to feminine and androgynous genders) and “almondromantic,” which is the romantic counterpart to almondsexuality.

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The term "finsexual" is becoming more prominent, but what exactly does it mean?

Well, it's a sexual orientation that’s quietly been part of internet subcultures for more than a decade but is now capturing broader attention.

You may have never heard of it, but it’s gaining traction in LGBTQ+ spaces and beyond, challenging long-held ideas of what sexual orientation really means.

Beyond gay or straight: attraction defined by presentation, not gender

While terms like gay, straight, and bisexual have long been the mainstream go-tos for defining attraction, the internet has birthed a more nuanced term - one that reflects how people actually feel, not just how society expects them to.

Finsexual, short for “feminine in nature,” describes an exclusive attraction to individuals who present themselves in a feminine way.

That includes women, feminine-aligned nonbinary people, and even feminine men—regardless of their sex assigned at birth.

As one Reddit user put it directly: "Finsexual is the exclusive attraction to those who are feminine in nature.

"This means finsexual people are attracted to women, feminine-aligned non-binary people, and potentially feminine men. It is the attraction to femininity."

This framing shifts the focus from gender identity or anatomy to the way someone presents themselves - how feminine they appear or express.

People clarify finsexual meaning

As with many newly popularized identity labels, finsexual has met both support and confusion. Some are embracing the clarity it brings, while others are scratching their heads.

One Reddit user admitted the term gave them a long-awaited sense of accuracy: "I thought I had it with gynosexual, but it’s too broad. This describes me better."

For some users, the label allows for the inclusion of personal preferences while maintaining a consistent core of attraction centered on femininity.

As one person clarified in response: "I’m attracted to FIN individuals but have a preference for those with female genitalia… I am still attracted to people who are FIN and have male genitalia, just stating this in case anyone missed the keyword ‘preference.'"

Finsexual isn’t alone—there’s a whole family of terms

The finsexual label often overlaps with gynesexual - another term for attraction to femininity - but many argue finsexual is more specific.

It’s not just about liking women or feminine people broadly - it’s about being drawn exclusively to feminine presentation, regardless of gender.

And like many emerging orientations, variations of finsexual are already out there. These include:

1. Finromantic – romantic (rather than sexual) attraction to feminine-presenting individuals
2. Finflexible – primarily attracted to feminine presentation, but open to other types occasionally
3. Minsexual – the conceptual opposite of finsexual, describing attraction to masculine presentation

The finsexual flag: pink palettes and online pride

Naturally, a flag has emerged - usually adorned with pink tones that visually echo femininity.

While different creators have their own interpretations, the aesthetic leans heavily into soft, feminine hues that reinforce the identity’s core focus.

The term has found particular resonance within nonbinary communities, though anyone who feels aligned with its definition is encouraged to use it.

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