What is Demisexual?
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation that falls under the asexual umbrella. It is defined as someone who does not experience sexual attraction unless they have a strong emotional connection with someone. It is perhaps the least known of all the sexual orientations and is often misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Demisexuality is distinct from asexuality in that it is not a complete absence of sexual desire. Someone who is demisexual may experience sexual attraction, but only once they’ve established a strong emotional bond with a person. Without that bond, the feeling of sexual attraction is not present.
The term “demisexual” was coined by AV Flox in 2008 when it began appearing more regularly as an identity label on various websites. The term describes a person who only feels sexual attraction after forming an emotional bond. Someone may identify as asexual and demisexual, meaning they experience little to no sexual attraction but may form a sexual bond with a person they are emotionally connected to.
Characteristics of a Demisexual
Demisexuality is characterized by not feeling sexual attraction unless a strong emotional connection has already been established. Some key characteristics of demisexuality include:
• Feeling sexually attracted to someone only after a strong emotional bond has been formed
• Feeling no physical/sexual attraction whatsoever until the emotional bond has been established
• Experiencing romantic feelings only if the emotional bond is strong enough
• Being more interested in relationships that have strong emotional connections
• Experiencing intimacy differently than those who are not demisexual
The Difference between Demisexuality and Asexuality
Demisexuality is often confused with asexuality because they are both under the asexual umbrella. However, the two orientations differ greatly. Asexuality is characterized by not feeling any sexual attraction whatsoever, whereas demisexuality is characterized by feeling sexual attraction only after an emotional bond has been established. In other words, demisexuals may be attracted to people on an emotional level, but not a sexual one.
A person can identify as both asexual and demisexual, meaning they experience little to no sexual attraction but may feel sexually attracted to someone after a strong emotional bond has been formed.
The History of Demisexuality
The term “demisexual” was first coined by AV Flox in 2008 as it began appearing more regularly as an identity label on various websites. Since its emergence, it has become a more widely accepted sexual orientation and many people now identify as demisexual.
Acceptance of Demisexuality
Although demisexuality is still relatively unknown, it is becoming more accepted in society. There are several online communities and forums dedicated to demisexuality and the acceptance of multiple gender and sexual orientations.
It is important to note that no one should feel pressured to identify as demisexual, nor should they be afraid to express their identity if they do identify as such. Understanding your sexuality and gender can be an important step in self-acceptance and self-love.
Conclusion
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by only feeling sexual attraction after a strong emotional bond has been established. It is distinct from asexuality in that it is not a complete absence of sexual desire. Demisexuality is becoming more accepted in society and is an important part of the discussion around multiple gender and sexual orientations.