What is an Autosexual?

The concept of autosexuality is relatively new. It has been made popular in the past decade by people who identify themselves as autosexual in social media, often using the hashtag #autosexual. In simple terms, autosexuality is a form of sexuality in which somebody finds arousal and sexual pleasure only through self-stimulation. In other words, autosexuals enjoy self-pleasure and masturbation, as opposed to consensual sex with other people.

Although autosexuality is not recognised as an official sexual orientation, many people identify as autosexual and have embraced the term as a label that defines their unique sexual desires and preferences. In the age of body-discovery and self-acceptance, more and more people are beginning to identify as autosexual, and to feel comfortable expressing it.

Exploring Autosexuality

The idea behind autosexuality is that an individual has a strong desire or preference for self-pleasure and masturbation. Although they might be comfortable engaging in non-sexual activities with other people, they do not get sexual gratification from these activities. Autosexuals might be attracted to certain individuals, but they do not necessarily feel the need to engage in physical intimacy or sexual activities with them to satisfy their sexual needs.

Autosexuals usually find themselves more aroused when engaging in self-stimulation and masturbation rather than engaging with somebody else. They might also be attracted to their own body, which can be seen as a form of autoeroticism.

Challenges of Autosexuality

Although autoeroticism is an accepted form of sexual activity, autosexuality is still not accepted by some members of the LGBTQ+ community who do not understand why someone would not want to engage in physical intimacy with others. There are also debates if autosexuality is really a “sexual orientation” or if it is just a fetish.

Also, because autosexuality is a relatively new concept, there is limited information and research on it. Most of the understanding that we have of autosexuality today is gained from anecdotal evidence. As more people start to identify as autosexuals, it is hoped that there will be more research and understanding on this form of sexuality.

Conclusion

Autosexuality is a relatively new concept that is gaining acceptance in the modern world. Autosexuals are individuals who derive pleasure and arousal only from self-stimulation and masturbation, and not necessarily from engaging in physical intimacy or sexual activities with other people. Although autoeroticism is an accepted form of sexual activity, there is still some stigma or lack of understanding surrounding autosexuality. As more people start to identify as autosexual, it is hoped that it will soon be accepted and understood by the wider population.