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Allosexuality

(Redirected from Allosexual)

Allosexuality is the ability to experience sexual attraction. The term is often used to describe persons who are not asexual, or the lack of identification with asexuality.[1][2][3][4] Someone who experiences allosexuality is allosexual, sometimes shortened to allo. Other terms to describe non-asexual people include zedsexual,[5][6] or simply sexual.[7]

The term does not indicate the target of sexual attraction, meaning allosexual could describe someone who is heterosexual, gay, bisexual, or pansexual, for example.[2] It also does not indicate how often an individual experiences sexual attraction or participates in sex or sexual encounters.[2]

Simplified diagram of the aromantic and asexual spectra

Terminology

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The prefix allo- comes from the Greek word Állos, meaning "other", "different", or "atypical".[8] It was attached to the suffix 'sexual' to create a term meaning "a person who experiences sexual attraction towards others". The structure parallels other sexuality terms such as homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etc.

History

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In a medicalized context, allosexual has been used in contrast to autosexual to describe sexual attraction towards others or sexual behavior between multiple people.[9] The term was coined by the asexual community as a way to name and discuss the experiences of non-asexual people.[2] It is used to normalize asexuality and provide a term that can be used in conjunction with ace terminology. Allosexuality makes asexuality one sexuality among others, rather than being a deviation from what is simply 'normal'.[10]

Society and culture

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Asexuals are estimated to make up 1% or less of the total population and about 1.7% of the LGBT population.[11] Since the majority of people would be classified as allosexual, it is viewed by some as the natural way of being and asexuality as a deviation from this norm.[12] Physical intimacy is considered an essential part of romantic relationships among allosexuals, which can complicate relationships between asexual and allosexual individuals.[3] Allonormativity, or the concept that all humans experience sexual attraction or desire a sexual relationship, can lead to the isolation and marginalization of asexual individuals.[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "What Does It Mean To Be Allosexual?". Dictionary.com. 2020-07-30. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  2. ^ a b c d Jalili, Candice (2020-10-23). "Allosexual". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  3. ^ a b Clark, Alyssa N.; Lefkowitz, Eva S.; Zimmerman, Corinne (2023-02-12). "Sexual and Affectionate Behaviors in Asexual and Allosexual Adults". The Journal of Sex Research. 60 (2): 242–252. doi:10.1080/00224499.2022.2051161. ISSN 0022-4499. PMID 35316105. S2CID 247615390.
  4. ^ Clark, Alyssa N.; Zimmerman, Corinne (2022-05-01). "Concordance Between Romantic Orientations and Sexual Attitudes: Comparing Allosexual and Asexual Adults". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 51 (4): 2147–2157. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02194-3. ISSN 1573-2800. PMID 35380311. S2CID 247955047.
  5. ^ Dyer, Harriet (2022-05-31). The Little Book of LGBTQ+: An A-Z of Gender and Sexual Identities. Cleis Press. ISBN 978-1-62778-536-5.
  6. ^ Decker, Julie Sondra (2015-10-13). The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality * Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in LGBT *. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-5107-0064-2.
  7. ^ "General FAQ". The Asexual Visibility and Education Network. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  8. ^ "Definition of ALLO-". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  9. ^ Burleson, Mary H; Trevathan, Wenda R; Gregory, W.Larry (May 2002). "Sexual behavior in lesbian and heterosexual women: relations with menstrual cycle phase and partner availability". Psychoneuroendocrinology. 27 (4): 489–503. doi:10.1016/S0306-4530(01)00066-X. PMID 11912001. S2CID 24519130.
  10. ^ Mollet, Amanda L.; Lackman, Brian. "Chapter 6 Allonormativity and Compulsory Sexuality". Encyclopedia of Queer Studies in Education. pp. 26–30. doi:10.1163/9789004506725_006.
  11. ^ "1.7% of sexual minority adults identify as asexual". Williams Institute. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  12. ^ MacInnis, Cara C.; Hodson, Gordon (November 2012). "Intergroup bias toward "Group X": Evidence of prejudice, dehumanization, avoidance, and discrimination against asexuals". Group Processes & Intergroup Relations. 15 (6): 725–743. doi:10.1177/1368430212442419. ISSN 1368-4302. S2CID 3056711.
  13. ^ Popova, Milena (2019-05-07). Sexual Consent. The MIT Press. doi:10.7551/mitpress/12108.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-262-35359-5.
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