Most adults are seen as allosexual, which means they feel sexual attraction towards others, whether it’s straight, gay, bi, pan, or any other orientation.
On the flip side, around 1% of the population identifies as asexual, meaning they don’t feel any sexual attraction or desire whatsoever.
But human sexuality isn’t just black and white. In between these two extremes is graysexuality; a term for those who only feel sexual attraction occasionally, in specific situations, or not intensely enough to take action.
Graysexuality is part of the larger asexual spectrum, which also includes asexuality and demisexuality. (Last year, N-Dubz singer Tulisa came out as demisexual, explaining that she needs a strong emotional connection before feeling any attraction.)
Since this concept is still often misunderstood, many graysexual individuals report experiencing stigma or confusion regarding their feelings. Nevertheless, online communities, like the growing r/greysexuality subreddit, have become spaces to share experiences and connect with others.
Recently, a Reddit user prompted others to discuss when they first realized they were graysexual. Many shared that their “lightbulb moment” occurred during their teenage years, but it took them a long time to fully grasp it.
