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Note: The sexualities described in this article are for informational purposes only and may not encompass the full range of human experiences. It’s important to respect and honor individuals’ self-identified sexual orientations and gender identities.
Welcome, to Part 2 of the A-Z guide to sexualities! In this blog post, we are going to get to know the sexualities that start with D-Z! Remember that the English language is constantly evolving, so it’s possible that you don’t completely identify with one sexuality!
Quick Recap on Sexuality v. Gender
Before we dive into the colorful array of sexualities, let’s quickly get on the same page. Sexuality is all about how you identify in terms of your sexual and romantic interests and preferences. It’s about the feelings and thoughts you have towards others, not necessarily who you have sex with. Remember, it’s a beautiful gray area that can evolve and change throughout life.
But how is sexuality different from gender, you ask? Well, gender identity is how someone chooses to express themselves to the world, while sexuality is about who you are or aren’t sexually and romantically attracted to. It’s like comparing apples and oranges, both delicious but distinct!
Ready?
Now, let’s embark on our alphabetical journey through sexualities from D to Z. Buckle up, folks!
D’s
Demisexual:
Let’s start with Demisexuals. These individuals experience sexual attraction only after forming a deep emotional connection with someone. It’s like the slow-burn romance that sets the heart ablaze but with a dash of emotional intimacy. They are on the asexual spectrum.
Demiromantic:
A unique romantic orientation involves experiencing romantic attraction only after developing a deep emotional connection with someone. Unlike traditional notions of immediate attraction, demiromantic individuals seek profound emotional bonds as the foundation for romantic involvement. This orientation challenges societal norms and highlights the importance of authentic connections in the realm of love.
E’s
Ecosexual:
Nature lovers, rejoice! Ecosexuals find deep emotional and sexual connections with Mother Earth herself. From whispering sweet nothings to trees to frolicking in meadows, their love for nature knows no bounds. Environmental conservation and intimacy intertwined? Now that’s a tree-mendous love story!
F’s
Fluid:
Used to describe the dynamic nature of sexuality, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior, which can change and evolve over time and in different circumstances. Individuals who identify as fluid experience shifts in their sexuality throughout their lives, acknowledging that their attractions may vary. Embracing the concept of fluidity allows individuals to describe their ever-changing sexual experiences and preferences.
Fraysexual:
Ever meet someone who experiences fleeting or transient attraction? That’s the world of Fraysexuality! These individuals might feel fleeting bursts of attraction that come and go like a summer breeze, adding a touch of unpredictability to their romantic adventures.
Related Article: The Complete List of Sexualities: A-C
G’s
Gay:
Gay refers to individuals who feel sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of the same or similar gender. Some women who identify as gay may prefer the term “lesbian,” “queer,” or “gay” for self-identification. It’s important to ask individuals which term they prefer to describe their own experiences. Note that using the term “homosexual” is considered outdated and offensive in reference to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Graysexual:
A term that recognizes the existence of a gray area on the sexuality spectrum for individuals who don’t exclusively identify as asexual or aromantic. People who identify as graysexual may experience some level of sexual attraction or desire, but not to the same extent or frequency as those who identify outside the asexual spectrum.
Grayromantic:
Describes a romantic orientation where individuals experience romantic attraction in the gray area between romantic and aromantic. People who identify as grayromantic may experience some level of romantic attraction, but not at the same intensity or frequency as those who identify with a different sexual or romantic orientation than asexual.
Gynesexual:
Picture this: individuals who are attracted to femininity, regardless of the person’s gender identity. Gynesexuals find beauty and allure in femininity, appreciating its multifaceted expressions across the gender spectrum.
H’s
Heterosexual:
Straight or as Gen-Z refers to it as the default sexuality. These individuals are those who experience attraction, whether it be sexual, emotional, or romantic, exclusively towards individuals of the gender opposite to their own. This means that heterosexual men are attracted exclusively to women, and heterosexual women are attracted exclusively to men.
Heteroflexible:
Heteroflexibility is all about embracing the shades of gray in attraction. While primarily identifying as heterosexual, these individuals remain open to the possibility of exploring relationships or experiences outside their usual romantic lane. A little flexibility can go a long way!
Homosexual:
An outdated term used to describe people who experience sexual or romantic attraction to people of the same gender.
L’s
Lesbian:
A lesbian is an individual who experiences mental, physical, and emotional attraction, specifically towards other women. While some women who are attracted to women prefer to be referred to as gay or queer, the term lesbian is commonly embraced. It’s worth noting that some individuals who don’t identify as women but possess more feminine characteristics in their gender identity, such as a nonbinary person leaning towards femininity, may also choose to identify as lesbian to reflect their relationships with other feminine individuals.
Libidoist asexual:
It is a term used to describe individuals who identify asexual but still experience sexual feelings or libido that they can satisfy through self-stimulation or masturbation. This term recognizes that for some individuals, fulfilling their sexual desires doesn’t necessarily involve engaging in sexual activities with others.
Lithromantic:
Love can be a complex dance, and Lithromantics know it all too well. They experience romantic attraction but do not desire or seek out reciprocation. It’s like admiring the dance from afar, reveling in the beauty without needing to join in.
Related Article: A Crash Course On Sexuality (& Why They Are Important)
M’s
Monosexual:
Monosexuality encompasses individuals with a sexual orientation focused on romantic or sexual attraction to people of a specific sex or gender. It includes those who identify as exclusively heterosexual, gay, or lesbian, reflecting their attraction to individuals of one specific gender or sex. Monosexuality represents a broad category within sexual orientations, highlighting these individuals’ singular nature of attraction.
Multisexual:
When it comes to love, some individuals defy boundaries and labels. Multisexuality embraces the idea that attraction can transcend the confines of a single gender or sexual orientation. Love knows no limits!
N’s
Non-libidoist asexual:
A non-libidoist asexual is an identity on the asexuality spectrum that describes individuals who do not experience sexual feelings or possess an active sex drive. This term is used to acknowledge those who lack sexual attraction or desire.
O’s
Omnisexual:
Omnisexual is a term that shares similarities with pansexual. It describes individuals whose sexual attraction is not limited to a specific gender, sex, or sexual orientation. It encompasses an inclusive perspective towards attraction, embracing the potential for attraction to people regardless of their gender identity, biological sex, or sexual orientation. Omnisexuality acknowledges the fluidity and expansiveness of attraction, recognizing that love and desire can transcend traditional boundaries.
Omniromantic:
Omniromantics are the eternal romantics who experience romantic attraction to people of all genders. Their hearts are open and inclusive, embracing love in all its glorious forms. Love sees no gender boundaries here!
P’s
Pansexual:
Welcome to the pansexual party, where love and attraction transcend gender! Pansexual individuals experience sexual and romantic attraction without being restricted to a specific gender identity. Hearts flutter; love knows no borders!
Panromantic:
Panromantic describes individuals who can experience romantic or emotional attraction to any person, regardless of their gender, sex, or sexuality. It does not necessarily involve sexual attraction but focuses on the romantic and emotional connections formed.
Polysexual:
Polysexual refers to individuals with a sexual orientation that encompasses attraction to people of various genders. It includes orientations such as bisexuality, pansexuality, omnisexuality, and queer, among others, indicating a capacity for attraction beyond binary gender identities.
Pomosexual:
Pomosexual is a term used to describe individuals who reject or do not identify with specific sexuality labels. It represents an attitude of not conforming to traditional categorizations and can indicate a non-identity or a stance against labeling.
Passing:
Passing refers to how society perceives and assumes someone’s sexuality or gender. It commonly discusses the extent to which LGBTQIA+ individuals are perceived or assumed to be heterosexual or cisgender. It’s important to note that some LGBTQIA+ individuals may desire to pass, while for others, being perceived as straight or cisgender can be uncomfortable and subject them to discrimination within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Q’s
Queer:
Queer is an inclusive umbrella term encompassing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities outside the heterosexual and cisgender norms. It’s a celebration of uniqueness and individuality, a powerful reclamation of identities that defy societal expectations for those whose sexuality doesn’t neatly fit into a category.
Questioning:
Questioning refers to individuals who are in the process of exploring and questioning their current sexual identity or gender. It encompasses a period of curiosity and self-reflection, where individuals may be open to exploring different aspects of their sexuality.
Quoisexual (Also called WTFsexual or Whatsexual):
Quoisexual is a term used to describe a sexual orientation that falls within the asexuality spectrum. It encompasses individuals who do not resonate with or comprehend the experiences or concepts of sexual attraction and orientation. It can also refer to individuals who experience confusion or uncertainty regarding their own feelings of sexual attraction and orientation.
R’s
Reciprosexual:
Reciprosexuality thrives on the beauty of mutual attraction. These individuals experience sexual attraction only when their partner reciprocates it. It’s all about the electric sparks and shared desire!
S’s
Sapiosexual:
Sapiosexual is a term used to describe individuals who experience attraction based on intelligence rather than sex or gender. They are drawn to intellectual and mental qualities in others.
Sex-averse:
Sex-averse is a term that describes individuals on the asexual spectrum who have a strong aversion or disinterest in sex or sexual behavior. They may have little or no desire for sexual activities.
Sex-favorable:
Sex-favorable is a term used to describe individuals on the asexual spectrum who, in certain situations, have positive or favorable feelings towards sex. They can be asexual but still have a willingness to engage in sexual activities.
Sex-indifferent:
Sex-indifferent refers to individuals on the asexual spectrum who feel neutral or indifferent towards sex or sexual behavior. They may not have strong feelings or preferences related to sexual activities.
Sex-repulsed:
Sex-repulsed is a term used to describe individuals on the asexual spectrum with a strong aversion or repulsion towards sex or sexual behavior. They may feel disgusted or extremely disinterested in engaging in sexual activities.
Skoliosexual:
Skoliosexuals are attracted to individuals who identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or transgender. They appreciate the beautiful variations of gender expression that go beyond the binary, finding attraction in the uniqueness of identity. Gender is a vibrant palette!
Spectrasexual:
Spectrasexual is a term that describes individuals who are sexually or romantically attracted to multiple or varied sexes, genders, and gender identities. Their attraction may encompass a range of identities but not necessarily all or any specific category.
X’s
Xenosexual:
Xenosexuality delves into the realm of attraction beyond one’s own species. From fantasies about extraterrestrial beings to mythical creatures, these individuals embrace the wonders of the unknown. Love knows no planetary boundaries!
Sexuality is a Beautiful Tapestry:
We’ve reached the end of our A-Z guide, but remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The world of sexualities is a vast tapestry, each thread woven with unique stories and experiences. Embrace the diversity, be open-minded, and remember that love comes in a kaleidoscope of colors.
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xoxo, Mia
SOURCES
- Healthline| 46 Terms That Describe Sexual Attraction, Behavior, and Orientation
- Medical News Today| What Are Different Types of Sexualities?
- Medical News Today| What Does It Mean to Be Asexual?
- UMass| LGBTQIA+ Terminology
- Trans Student Educational Resources| The Gender Unicorn
- MGB Relationships| From Graysexual to Heteroflexible: Here’s A Big List Of Sexualities In 2023
- LGBTQ and All| What Does the Term Reciprosexual Mean?
