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