Demisexual is another modern age slang term used as a depiction of sexual orientation. It has also been considered an asexual sub identity. Demisexual is prevalent among internet dating sites, like many other words denoting “sexual orientation”
Demisexual Meaning
What Does Demisexual Mean?
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person experiences sexual attraction only after forming a close emotional bond with someone. This emotional connection is essential for the possibility of sexual attraction or activity. It is important to note that forming an emotional bond doesn’t guarantee sexual attraction, but rather it acts as a prerequisite for it.
- Adjective
As an adjective, demisexual refers to the characteristic of needing a strong emotional bond in order to attain sexual attraction to someone. It is considered to be the halfway point between asexual and sexual.
- Noun
As a noun it simply is a person who is demisexual.
Demisexual people may identify themselves with various gender identities, such as male, female, agender, or nonbinary, and their attractions can be towards people of different orientations, like heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, polyamorous, or pansexual. Demisexuality focuses solely on the type of attraction a person feels and does not dictate how often they engage in sexual activities.
Origin of Demisexual
The term came about in 2006, due to how a user on a forum felt regarding sexual attraction. Over the last decade, demisexual has become more prevalent, especially within online communities such as dating sites and sexual orientation and identity forums.
Demisexuality vs Asexuality
While both demisexuality and asexuality fall on the spectrum of sexual orientation, they have distinct differences:
| Demisexuality | Asexuality |
|---|---|
| Requires an emotional connection before sexual attraction. | No sexual attraction towards others is experienced. |
| Can experience sexual attraction in specific circumstances. | Sexual attraction is absent in all circumstances. |
Demisexuality only occurs when an emotional bond with someone is formed, while asexuality is characterized by a lack of sexual attraction toward anyone, regardless of emotional connection. Similarly, demisexual individuals may experience sexual attraction given the presence of an emotional bond, whereas asexual individuals do not experience sexual attraction in any situation.
Though there are differences between the two, it’s crucial to note that both demisexual and asexual individuals have unique experiences surrounding sexuality and attraction, highlighting the diversity within the spectrum of sexual orientations.
Sexual Orientation Spectrum
Position of Demisexuality
Demisexuality is a unique sexual orientation that falls within the broader spectrum of human sexuality. People who identify as demisexual only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection with someone. This distinguishes it from other orientations, as the attraction is not based on immediately observable characteristics or first encounters.
Demisexual individuals can still identify with varying preferences regarding gender, such as being heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian. They might also identify as agender or nonbinary, emphasizing that demisexuality operates independently from one’s gender identity.
Relationship with Other Orientations
Demisexuality is closely related to other sexual orientations within the LGBTQ+ community. While it shares some common traits with pansexuality, demisexuals require a deeper emotional bond before feeling attracted. Pansexual individuals, on the other hand, experience attraction regardless of a person’s sex or gender identity, which is not dependent on an emotional connection.
Comparatively, demisexuality shares similarities with bisexuality, as both orientations can involve attraction to more than one gender. However, the key difference lies in the requirement of a strong emotional bond for demisexuals before sexual attraction occurs.
When examining heterosexual or gay de/ax/ individuals, it is necessary to consider the substantial role of emotional connections for demisexuals. While heterosexuals and gays experience attraction based on factors such as appearance or gender, demisexuals require an emotional bond to be formed before attraction develops.
Demisexual Examples
Conversation Examples
Adjective
- All my life I thought that there was something wrong with me, because I needed to have a connection with someone before I felt any feelings towards them. I finally came across a forum post, that described me completely. That’s when I realized that I am demisexual.
Noun
- It takes time to explain to most people that I am a demisexual. I cannot possess sexual feelings for strangers or a person that I don’t know.
- When I am asked my sexual orientation or identity, I am a demisexual, heterosexual. I identify as a demisexual.
Related Terms
In conclusion, demisexuality occupies a unique position in the sexual orientation spectrum, with its characteristics distinguishing it from other orientations. While it is connected to various other orientations within the LGBTQ+ community, understanding the role of emotional bonds in demisexuality helps to clarify its distinctive nature.
Demisexual Meaning
Last Updated on May 25, 2023