From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Allosexuality is the ability to experience sexual attraction and 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

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

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. It makes it one sexuality among others, rather than being a deviation from what is simply 'normal'. [10]

Society and culture

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

References

  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.

External links