What are the Different Sexualities?
What is Sexuality?
Sexuality is range of human experiences, feelings, and behaviors related to sexual attraction, romantic interest, and intimate relationships.
It is a multi-dimensional construct that exists on a continuum, extending beyond mere biological factors to include emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. The kaleidoscope of sexuality can manifest in various orientations, expressions, and identities, each with its own unique configuration of attractions and inclinations.
Sexuality is a core aspect of human individuality, influencing not only whom we are attracted to but also how we experience and express that attraction.
It can be as complex as a mosaic, comprised of numerous elements like gender identity, sexual orientation, emotional bonds, and personal preferences, all of which collectively contribute to a person's unique sexual landscape.
How Many Sexualities Exist?
There is no finite number of sexualities in the world. Sexuality is a spectrum and does not hold a finite number of identities.
Sexuality existing as a binary concept (for example, hetero or not) stems from colonialism ideology. In fact, there are many societies that interpret sexuality as a spectrum or non-binary framework.
In Hinduism, views on sexuality are complex and vary widely. Certain ancient texts and stories feature characters who could be interpreted as embodying non-heterosexual identities.
For example, some narratives within the Mahabharata and the Ramayana include instances of characters changing gender or displaying same-sex attraction. Today there are many progressive voices within the Hindu community that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, drawing upon the religion's broader teachings of compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of individual Dharma (righteousness).
Furthermore, in many Indigenous cultures of North America, the term "Two-Spirit" serves as an umbrella designation for individuals who embody both masculine and feminine traits, or who don't fit neatly into conventional categories of male or female. The term itself was coined relatively recently, in 1990, to replace older, more derogatory terms that were imposed by colonial powers.
As we can see, the idea that there is a specific number of sexualities that individuals fit neatly into just doesn’t work for an open-minded and inclusive society.
Kinsey’s Sexuality Spectrum
Before the middle of the 21st century, western society relied on the understanding there was at most one or two sexualities. However, the latter half of the century, in conjunction with civil rights movements, America saw the opening of a discussion about the fact that sexuality doesn’t fit in just one or two categories.
In 1948, Alfred Kinsey released the volume "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male." This pioneering document was the first in a series, with the subsequent volume on female sexuality emerging in 1953.
His writings challenged the reigning concept of a binary system of hetero and homosexuality by describing sexuality as a spectrum. Kinsey's meticulous research derived from thousands of face-to-face interviews and illustrated the mosaic of human sexuality.
This quantitative approach painted a nuanced picture, weaving together the threads of human desires, orientations, and practices.
The societal reaction was a mix of awe and apprehension. Some applauded the audacity and depth of the study, while others recoiled from the candid revelations. He unveiled a multitude of human sexual desires, including asexuality and bisexuality, which were previously obscured by societal taboos.
Kinsey’s work on the sexuality spectrum remains an intellectual landmark as it dug into the human psyche and set the foundation for the nuanced description of human sexuality that is growing in society today.
Kinsey Scale:
0: Exclusively heterosexual with no homosexual behavior or attractions.
1: Predominantly heterosexual, but with incidental homosexual behavior or attractions.
2: Predominantly heterosexual, yet with a more distinct presence of homosexual behavior or attractions.
3: Equally heterosexual and homosexual in behavior or attractions; the central point of bisexuality on the scale.
4: Predominantly homosexual, but with some incidence of heterosexual behavior or attractions.
5: Predominantly homosexual, with only incidental heterosexual behavior or attractions.
6: Exclusively homosexual with no heterosexual behavior or attractions.
X: No socio-sexual contacts or reactions; often associated with asexuality.
What are the Most Common Sexualities?
Describing “common” sexualities can lead to suggesting that certain sexualities, by their being less common, are somehow abnormal or wrong.
It is important to note that this is where bias seeps into the discussion and prevents us from analyzing this on a deeper level.
The question of “common” sexualities is essentially an inquiry into the history of sexual acceptance in society.
It’s no surprise that the most cited sexualities begin in the binary description of hetero and homosexuality.
As we grow to depart from the dichotomous understanding of sexual orientation, we see the growth of the more nuanced human sexual experience.
Data on Sexualities in the United States
Compiling and publishing limited data on sexualities in the United States began in the 2000s. In 2021, the US Census began asking questions about the sexuality of its citizens.
Both the most recent US Census and in an often-cited Gallup poll from 2023, the following data on sexuality representation in the US was published:
It is important to know that data shows that younger generations are more aware of different sexualities and are more likely not to identify as straight.
Learning about the different sexualities and understanding how to be inclusive of everyone is more important now than ever.
What are the Different Sexualities?
Understanding sexual attraction is not a simple binary “on / off” switch that is easily registered emotionally, physically and mentally.
Different people can be attractive for different reasons, each of which may overlap and intersect.
The following is a overview to the different types of sexualities in society today:
ABROSEXUAL
Refers to an individual whose sexual orientation is dynamic, experiencing shifts or fluctuations over time.
Unlike static orientations that have a consistent point or range of attraction, abrosexuals navigate a fluid landscape of romantic or sexual interests.
The term captures the essence of sexual fluidity, acknowledging that for some people, the coordinates of attraction are not fixed but ever-changing.
ALLOTROPOSEXUAL
A sexual orientation that describes people who are sexually attracted to those with non-cisgender gender identities, such as people who are nonbinary, genderqueer, or trans.
In this orientation, the compass of sexual or romantic attraction is intricately linked with the individual's own gender experience, resulting in a dynamic, interdependent relationship between the two.
The term aims to encapsulate the fluid and interconnected nature of gender and attraction for these individuals, as changes in one can directly influence the other.
ANDROGYNOSEXUAL
Refers to individuals who are predominantly attracted to androgynous or gender-ambiguous people, irrespective of their own gender identity.
In this orientation, the magnet of attraction is drawn to the blending or mixing of traditionally male and female traits. The focal point here is the aesthetic, behavioral, or emotional qualities that defy easy categorization within a binary gender system.
ANDROSEXUAL
A term used to communicate sexual or romantic attraction to men, males, or masculinity. This term intentionally includes attraction to those who identify as men, male, or masculine, regardless of biology, anatomy, or sex assigned at birth.
AUTOSEXUAL
Describes individuals who find their primary source of sexual attraction or satisfaction to be themselves. In this orientation, the epicenter of sexual pleasure and emotional satisfaction is self-focused, rather than directed outward towards other individuals.
It captures a unique form of self-intimacy where the individual's own body, fantasies, or self-experience act as the central catalysts for sexual fulfillment. While autosexuality can coexist with other sexual orientations, it specifically underscores the individual as their own principal focus of sexual interest.
BISEXUAL
refers to an individual who experiences romantic or sexual attractions to both males and females, or more broadly, to individuals of more than one gender. The magnetic draw of emotional or intimate connection is dual-natured, navigating between at least two distinct points on the gender spectrum. This orientation allows for a dynamic interplay of attractions that are not confined to a single gender identity.
CETEROSEXUAL
Describes a non-binary individual who is attracted to other non-binary people. In this orientation, the focal point of romantic or sexual attraction lies specifically within the realm of non-binary identities.
The word "cetero-" is derived from the Latin word for "other," underscoring the orientation's focus on non-binary experiences and identities.
CUPIOSEXUAL
Refers to individuals who do not experience sexual attraction but still harbor a desire for a sexual relationship or experience. In this orientation, the absence of innate sexual attraction is countered by an intentional pursuit of sexual activities, often for various personal reasons such as emotional intimacy or partnership goals.
Cupiosexuality outlines a unique intersection where a lack of spontaneous sexual desire meets a proactive interest in engaging in sexual experiences. This term often falls under the asexual umbrella but stands out due to the distinctive craving for a sexual component in relationships.
DEMISEXUAL
Describes individuals for whom sexual attraction is not an immediate experience but rather develops over time, typically in the context of a deep emotional connection.
In this orientation, the ignition of sexual or romantic interest often requires an intimate emotional catalyst. Unlike orientations focused solely on gender identity or physical traits, demisexuality adds an emotional prerequisite to the equation of attraction.
FINSEXUAL
Less commonly recognized in mainstream conversations around sexual orientation and can carry different meanings depending on the community or individual.
Generally, it describes someone who is attracted to femininity, irrespective of biological sex or gender identity. In this orientation, the aesthetic or behavioral aspects associated with femininity serve as the focal point around which romantic or sexual attraction orbits.
This focus allows for a nuanced form of attraction that isn't strictly tethered to any one gender but rather to traits often categorized as feminine.
FLUID
Describes an orientation where romantic or sexual attractions are not set in stone but can shift or evolve over time. Here, the emotional and sexual currents flow freely, altering their course to encompass different genders, expressions, or characteristics.
Fluidity in this context indicates a permeable and adaptable nature of attraction, which can change due to various factors like personal experiences, emotional connections, or self-discovery. Unlike fixed orientations, a fluid sexual orientation operates on a malleable canvas where the hues of attraction can blend, separate, or transform.
GREYSEXUAL
Describes people who fall somewhere between asexual or aromantic and sexual or romantic. They’re incredibly broad, and people who identify by one of the following terms may also identify as graysexual or grayromantic.
GAY
Commonly used to describe individuals who feel romantic or sexual attraction toward people of the same gender.
Within this context, the gravitational pull of emotional and physical affinity is singularly aimed at one's own gender identity, as opposed to spanning multiple genders.
GYNESEXUAL
A term used to communicate sexual or romantic attraction to women, females, or femininity.
This term intentionally includes attraction to those who identify as women, female, or feminine regardless of biology, anatomy, or the sex assigned at birth.
HETEROSEXUAL
As known as straight, refers to individuals who experience romantic or sexual attraction primarily toward members of the opposite gender.
In this orientation, the compass of emotional and sexual interest is directed across the gender divide, focusing on a singular but contrasting gender identity.
Unlike orientations that encompass multiple or all genders, heterosexuality operates within a binary framework of attraction.
HOMOSEXUAL
Describes a person who experiences romantic or sexual attraction predominantly toward individuals of the same gender. Unlike those with fluid or multi-gender attractions, someone who is homosexual has a targeted emotional or intimate inclination that orbits around their own gender identity.
MONOSEXUAL
refers to an individual whose romantic or sexual attractions are primarily directed toward members of a single gender.
In contrast to being multisexual, where attractions span multiple genders, monosexuality focuses on a singular point of affectionate or sexual interest
MULTISEXUAL
Broad term that serves as an umbrella for sexual orientations involving attraction to more than one gender.
This multi-pronged attractional scope occurs in various forms, whether it be bisexual, polysexual, omnisexual, or other plural-gender attractions.
The term captures the multi-faceted nature of such orientations, indicating a spectrum of emotional or sexual interests that are not tethered to a single gender identity.
QUEER
At one time considered a derogatory term, it is now celebrated as a part of the LGBTQ+ umbrella. In terms of sexuality, it can encompass any sexuality other than heterosexuality.
OMNISEXUAL
Refers to an individual whose romantic or sexual attractions encompass all genders, but unlike pansexuality, the person may still consider gender as a factor in their attractions.
In this way, an omnisexual individual's magnetic field of attraction is wide-ranging, capturing the nuances of multiple gender identities while still acknowledging their specific influence.
PANSEXUAL
Term used to describe someone whose romantic or sexual attractions are not limited by gender identity or biological sex.
For these individuals, the compass of emotional and sexual interest can point in any direction on the gender spectrum, embracing a multitude of identities without constraints or delineations.
POLYSEXUAL
Describes someone who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to multiple, but not necessarily all, genders.
This orientation offers a versatile emotional and sexual palette, painting attractions across a diverse but selective range of gender identities.
Unlike pansexual or omnisexual individuals, polysexual people may have specific exclusions in the kinds of genders they are attracted to.
RECIPROSEXUAL
Describes individuals who primarily experience romantic or sexual attraction when they know the other person is attracted to them first.
In this orientation, the spark of interest often ignites only when the fuel of mutual or initial attraction from another is present.
The catalyst for emotional or sexual connection is thus highly responsive, contingent upon the assurance or realization that the sentiment is shared.
SAPIOSEXUAL
Pertains to individuals who find intelligence to be the primary or significant factor fueling their romantic or sexual attraction.
In this orientation, the cerebral realm acts as the magnetic core, pulling them toward partners whose intellectual prowess resonates deeply.
Unlike orientations anchored solely by gender or physical traits, sapiosexuality prioritizes the allure of the mind as its central point of gravitational attraction.
SKOLIOSEXUAL
Refers to an individual who experiences sexual or romantic attraction predominantly toward non-binary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming individuals. In this orientation, the magnetism of attraction is tuned specifically to those who operate outside traditional gender binaries.
The term aims to recognize and encapsulate the unique facets of such attractions, providing a language that transcends binary gender constructs. Essentially, skoliosexuality focuses on the diverse rainbow of gender experiences that don't neatly fit into the categories of male or female.
SPECTRASEXUAL
Term used to describe individuals whose attractions span across a wide range of gender identities and expressions but are not necessarily all-inclusive.
This orientation embraces a spectrum-like fluidity, capturing a kaleidoscopic array of attractions that might vary in intensity or focus over time.
Unlike monosexual orientations, which are tethered to a singular gender, spectrasexuality offers a broader canvas upon which the colors of multiple genders are acknowledged and appreciated.
