Being able to express your sexual orientation openly and without judgment is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. After all, everyone is different and unique, so nobody should feel guilty about who they're attracted to. Speaking of unique, did you know that there are currently more than 40 different sexualities?
Over time, the number of sexualities that people identify with has grown exceptionally. With all of this love to go around, some people may develop misconceptions as to what these types of sexuality actually mean. But that's okay! To make it easier for those who have questions, or those who wish to learn more about which sexualities they identify with, we at PinkCherry have decided to organize these different sexualities into one giant list. Check out our in-depth glossary to learn more!
**Please note: This list is not exhaustive, and we will do our best to update it as we learn more about new sexualities.**
Allosexuality
Being allosexual is the concept that you feel some form of sexual attraction for anybody, regardless of gender. Whether you want to get it on with men, women or both, this orientation is the exact opposite of asexuality. Allosexuality is not an identity in and of itself — it just means you feel a general sense of sexual attraction.
Androsexuality and Gynesexuality
Sure, you can be attracted to men and, specifically, their bodies. But, do you simply lust after more masculine people overall? Androsexuality is exactly that — you're attracted to masculinity or male anatomy, regardless of whether or not the person you're attracted to identifies as a man. However, if you are attracted to female traits or body parts, or femininity as a whole (regardless of how the person identifies), this is called gynesexuality.
Asexuality and Cupiosexuality
For some people, sex just isn't a big deal! This is known as asexuality, one of the more common types of sexuality. Identifying as asexual means you're not sexually attracted to anyone, or have little-to-no interest in sex, but you are open to experiencing romantic attraction to one or more genders. However, if you are asexual but still wish to pursue a sexual relationship (whether it's a one-night-stand or friend with benefits), this is known as cupiosexuality.
Aromantic
Individuals who identify with aromantic sexualities don't really care for romance. But, similar to some asexual indivduals, people who are aromantic can feel a little bit of romantic attraction to other individuals (regardless of gender). However, aromantic does not necessarily mean asexual — you could desire sex without romance. Or, you could be both aromantic and asexual, meaning neither romance nor sex are requirements for you.
Autosexuality and Autoromantic
Let's face it — most of us love masturbating. However, taking a load off doesn't mean that we are attracted to ourselves, right? For some people, it does. Individuals who identify as autosexual experience sexual attraction to themselves, and some even prefer masturbating to sleeping with partners. Furthermore, those who identify as autoromantic experience a romantic relationship with themselves.
Bisexuality, Biromantic and Bi-Curious
Are you attracted (sexually and romantically) to both men and women? If you like more than one gender, you fall within the realm of one of the more common types of sexuality — bisexuality. But, if those feelings are strictly romantic rather than sexual, this is called being biromantic. Additionally, if you question whether you might be bisexual or are open to exploring sex or romance with those outside of your primary attraction, this is called being bi-curious.
Closeted and Coming Out
Unfortunately, people in the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual) community aren't always able to be open in expressing their orientation due to a plethora of interpersonal and societal complications. These people are considered "in the closet" (also known as being "closeted") and avoid openly expressing their sexual preference, or they only tell certain people while keeping it hidden from others.
There are also those who choose to "come out" (as in "come out of the closet") and make their sexual orientation public. We at PinkCherry understand that coming out is a very personal and private thing, and we would never recommend any of our LGBTQIA+ readers to openly share their orientation if they're uncomfortable doing so. However, we want to remind our readers that they are perfect just the way they are, and the right choice (whether it's keeping it to themselves or opening up) is the one that makes them the happiest. In other words, do what is best for yourself and you'll find the support that you need!
Demisexuality and Demiromantic
If you identify as either demisexual or demiromantic, this means that you can only experience sexual or romantic feelings for another person after forming an emotional relationship with them. That emotional bond is key for both of these types of sexuality.
Sexual Fluidity
Did you want to have sex with men in the past, but now you would rather have sex with women? This is known as being fluid. Whether it's for a particular reason or because you're simply changing with age, being fluid means your sexuality has undergone shifts or will continue to change.
Gay, Lesbian and Queer
If you identify as being gay, this means that you are attracted to individuals who are the same (or similar) gender as you. Some women (who are attracted to other women) prefer to identify as lesbians. The term "queer" was once used as a slur to mock people who were attracted to the same sex, but it has since been reclaimed by the LGBTQIA+ community as an umbrella term for anyone who does conform to traditional concepts of gender and sexuality, including gay and lesbian individuals. Regardless, while all of these terms fall into the same category, it's crucial that you ask your gay friends or loved ones how they would like to be described to avoid offending or upsetting anybody.
Graysexuality and Grayromantic
Have you often wondered whether or not you really care about having sex or developing romantic feelings for somebody? These gray areas, also known as being graysexual or grayromantic, mean that individuals don't exactly identify themselves as being asexual or aromantic, respectively. Instead, these individuals might experience some sexual or romantic attraction to others, but not quite to the same degree as allosexual people.
Libidoist and Non-Libidoist Asexuality
Being asexual doesn't exactly mean that you can't enjoy getting off. In fact, those who are libidoist asexual tend to satisfy their sexual feelings with masturbation or some form of self-stimulation. On the other hand, some asexual people may not have a sex drive at all, meaning they fall into non-libidoist asexuality.
Monosexuality
Monosexuality is simple — you're only attracted to one specific gender. This includes people who identify with sexualities such as straight, gay or a lesbian.
Omnisexuality and Pansexuality
Pansexuality and omnisexuality are the opposite of monosexuality. Pansexual individuals can be romantically or sexually attracted to anyone, including all different sexualities and genders. Omnisexual individuals are similar to those who are pansexual, except the term means that the person's sexuality isn't limited in any way.
Panromantic
Similar to being pansexual, those who are panromantic can be emotionally or romantically attracted to anyone, regardless of their sex, gender or sexuality. However, these are only romantic attractions, not sexual in nature.
Polysexuality
Polysexuality makes up the category of individuals who are attracted, sexually or romantically, to those with differing genders. The different sexualities that make up polysexuality include (but are not limited to):
- Pansexuality
- Bisexuality
- Queer
- Omnisexuality
Pomosexuality
Labelling anything when it comes to sexuality can be a nightmare to certain people. These individuals either hate and refuse to be labeled or simply don't find any label with which they feel they belong to. In the world of different sexualities, this term is known as pomosexuality.
Sapiosexuality
Have you ever been turned on by how smart your partner is? Intelligence can be very sexy, and sometimes we just want to throw our partner's books off their desk and get right to some action. However, for those who are sapiosexual, intelligence is the main motivator for attraction to another person, not their gender or sex.
Sex-Averse or Sex-Repulsed
You guessed it — sex-averse or sex-repulsed individuals would rather do anything than have sex. These types of sexuality lie on the asexuality spectrum, and they're characterized as having an aversion or repulsion to sex, respectively. They may simply be unconcerned with sex overall.
Sex-Favorable or Sex-Indifferent
There are also folks who can be asexual but still feel positive about sex in certain scenarios. These people are known to be sex-favorable. Additionally, there is a middle ground for asexual people called sex-indifference, meaning they're neutral about engaging in or having feelings regarding sex.
Skoliosexuality
Skoliosexuality refers to individuals who have an attraction to those with non-cisgender identities. These people may be into transgender, non-binary or genderqueer individuals, or any combination of the three.
Spectrasexuality
Spectrasexuality is unique because those who identify with this type of sexuality feel romantic or sexual attraction for multiple genders, gender identities or sexes. However, they may not feel attraction for all genders or identities, or for any whatsoever. Hence, it refers to a wide spectrum of people.
Straight
Being straight means that you are attracted to those of the opposite gender, also called heterosexuality. This can be attraction on an emotional, romantic or sexual level, or all three. It's also important to know that both those who are cisgender and transgender can also identify as straight.
Take Pride in Your Sexuality
Sex is great, but you and your consenting partner(s) should always enjoy it on your own terms. No matter which (if any) of these sexualities you identify with, it's time to embrace who you are and start having more fun! PinkCherry is a proud supporter of all types of sexuality, and we offer some of the best gender-neutral sex toys and products to keep the spark going in your love life. From dildos and vibrators to lingerie, we have it all. Love is a powerful thing, so make the most of your sexuality!
