Miley Cyrus made the news recently when she came out as pansexual—and in doing that, educated a whole lot of people about what that term even means. Pansexual is one of several sexual and romantic orientations out there that a person can identify as, beyond the commonly accepted ones like heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual. So here are 6 different terms related to sexual and romantic identities that you should know.
- Asexual
An asexual is “someone who does not experience sexual attraction.” Asexuality.org adds that while asexuals may find others attractive, and may even want to be affectionate, they are just not interested in having sex. - Graysexual
The Frisky defines it as “something more fluid between sexuality and asexuality.” - Demisexual
Someone who identifies as demisexual doesn’t typically feel sexual attraction unless they “have already formed a strong emotional bond with the person.” - Pansexual
Pansexual refers to those “who feel they are sexually/emotionally/spiritually capable of falling in love with all genders.” - Skoliosexual
Genderqueerid.com explains that these folks experience “sexual attraction to non-binary identified individuals” or those who do not identify as cisgender. - Zucchini
This is the name for a partner who is engaged in a “queerplatonic” relationship, which means a queer, non-romantic but more-than-a-friend relationship.
Looking to get involved in a sexual or romantic (or non-romantic) relationship? Whatever your orientation, we are “fluid” and up for anything here!
Check out more about alternative sexual and romantic orientations here.