A UK woman has confessed that she considers herself abrosexual - a term that has caused an online stir and become quite a buzzword in the world of sexual identities. She says her levels of sexual attraction as well as sexual orientation vary with time. Abrosexuality means that there are no fixed definitions of who you might be attracted to. It is a form of sexuality that is fluid and varies as you go along life. So, an abrosexual woman might be attracted to men at one point in her life, and then realise that she isn’t attracted to them anymore after some time. The woman in question Emma Flint said in an interview that while she wasn’t aware of the term abrosexual, when she came across it on US-based creator, educator and social worker Zoe Stoller’s page, she could instantly relate to it!

What is abrosexuality?

The word Abro means delicate. Abrosexuality is all about being sexually fluid. You may find that you are not attracted to one particular sex, or even both, all the time. “An abrosexual person’s sexual orientation shifts from time to time. So they are unable to define themselves as ‘homosexual’, ‘pansexual’ or other forms of sexual orientation,” says sex expert and psychologist Anu Goel.

A study published in the East Asian Archives of Psychiatry, talks about sexuality in the 21st century. It states that there are concepts of gender identity as well as sexual fluidity that have been introduced in modern sexology. This shows how gender and sexual orientation vary and are flexible over time.

Who are abrosexual people attracted to?

Abrosexuality refers to a sexual identity where people have different levels of sexual attraction throughout their lives. Therefore, a person who is abrosexual would be sexually attracted to different genders. “The intensity of their attractions would also fluctuate with time. These changes can happen over weeks, months or even years. Their sexual attraction can shift at any point in time,” says Goel. An abrosexual person might not be sexually attracted to anyone at one point of time as well.

What are some examples of abrosexuality?

There are various ways in which a person can display his abrosexual orientation. There is no set way that abrosexual people will be.

• They might change their sexual preference daily. On one day, an abrosexual person might be attracted to men, and then next day, they might be attracted to women.
• They might be attracted to multiple gender at the same time. However, very soon, this might change and they might realise that they are only attracted to men, or women.
• An abrosexual person might notice that they are not sexually attracted to anyone, irrespective of gender.
• A heterosexual person might begin to feel homosexual.

How is abrosexuality different from asexuality?

Abrosexuality and asexuality are very different. If a person is asexual, they are not attracted to anyone. Asexual people have no sexual desire towards anyone. However, they might feel romantically inclined towards someone. However, where sexual feelings are concerned, asexual people have none. Check out other aspects of asexuality to know more.

However, an abrosexual person might experience asexuality for some time, but this can change as well. Therefore, it is possible to be asexual and abrosexual at one point of time, but this can change quickly.

How is abrosexuality different from other forms of sexuality?

There are many forms of sexuality such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual etc. Here, the form of sexuality is defined by the gender of the person you are sexually attracted to. Heterosexual people are attracted to the opposite gender, homosexuality is when you are attracted to the same gender. Bisexual and pansexual refers to an attraction of both genders. However, pansexuality and bisexuality are different. “However, abrosexuality does not talk about being attracted to any gender. It talks about the fluid nature of attraction, and how it can change from time to time,” explains Goel.

Can you date as an abrosexual person?

Yes, you can date, but communication would be a very important aspect of your relationship, says Goel. “Since abrosexual people experience a change in their sexual identity from time to time, it is very important that this is communicated to their partners to have a healthy relationship,” she adds. It is important to understand that communication and being honest is the only way to have a longterm relationship as an abrosexual person.

An abrosexual person can be in a relationship, but honest communication needs to be there between the two parties. Image courtesy: Freepik

How to tell people you are abrosexual?

It is very important to explain to your family about how you feel. “The way to do this is to be very honest with them. Tell them about how you find your sexual preferences shifting, and the way your feelings change,” recommends Goel. It is also essential that you are open to their feedback. “Your loved ones might be confused about your change in feelings. They might even be angry or say something that can hurt you. So, it is important to be prepared,” she adds.

Abrosexuality and asexuality are not the same. Image courtesy: Freepik

FAQs

Can you be abrosexual and pansexual at the same time?

People who are pansexual are attracted to people from all genders as well as sexuality. However, when you are abrosexual, you might be attracted to people from all genders, or you might see that you are attracted to one gender, or no one at all.

How do you know if you are abrosexual?

You might identify as abrosexual if you are sexually attracted to people from different genders at different points of time, and not attracted to anyone at a point of time as well.

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