Asexuality is a sexual orientation defined by the lack of sexual attraction to anyone. There is however an entire spectrum. Several different orientations fall beneath the asexual umbrella.

A person who identifies simply as asexual is someone who experiences no sexual attraction.

Someone who is demisexual does not experience sexual attraction until a strong emotional connection is formed

Someone who is a grey-asexual finds themselves somewhere between asexual and sexual.  It’s meant to be a catch-all for anyone who feels they fall somewhere near asexual on the spectrum between “sexual” and “asexual”.

Other sub-categories may include:

Fraysexual: sexual attraction fades after initially meeting someone (opposite of demisexual)

Cupiosexual: wanting a sexual relationship, but does not experience sexual attraction.

Lithosexual: experiencing sexual attraction, but not wanting it reciprocated.

Autochorissexual/Aegosexual: disconnect between oneself and the target of sexual arousal

Placiosexual: wanting to do sexual things with someone else, but are okay if they actions are not reciprocated (deals with action, not attraction)

Abrosexual: orientation fluctuates between different orientations

Apothisexual: someone who identifies as asexual and is sex repulsed

 

There are a lot of misconceptions about what asexuality is and is not. Some of the most common misconceptions are addressed below.

• Asexuality is not an abstinence pledge. (Although there may be abstinent aces.)
• Asexuality is not a synonym for celibacy.  (There are celibate aces and promiscuous aces and aces everywhere in between.)
• Asexuality is not a gender identity. (Although there may be trans, non-binary, or genderqueer aces.)
• Asexuality is not a disorder. (Although there may be aces with physical or mental conditions.)
• Asexuality is not a choice. (Although not every ace is “born that way”.)
• Asexuality is not a hormone imbalance.  (Although there may be aces with hormone issues.)
• Asexuality is not a fear of sex or relationships.  (Although there may be aces who are afraid of or otherwise dislike sex or relationships.)