‘Graysexuality’ is gaining recognition as more individuals find it aligns with their experiences and identity.
Sexual and gender identities today are increasingly viewed as spectrums, challenging the traditional binary perspectives of gender and sexuality.
Globally, many people reject the conventional gender binary, choosing identities such as non-binary or genderfluid, among other identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
A growing number of individuals are finding resonance with the term ‘graysexuality,’ also known as gray-A.
This identity is connected to the asexual spectrum, where individuals typically do not experience sexual attraction or have no sexual orientation. However, people who identify as gray-ace may not fit neatly into this category.
Graysexual individuals may find themselves between having no sexual feelings at all and experiencing some level of attraction or sexuality.
The term suggests a nuanced understanding of sexuality, indicating a ‘gray area’ within the spectrum.
WebMD has attempted to categorize graysexuality into three types: sex-repulsed, sex-neutral, and sex-positive.
This means that someone who is gray-ace might be uninterested or averse to sex, or they might not be repulsed but aren’t actively seeking it either.
Those who identify as gray-ace may be open to sex in certain contexts, such as within a relationship, if they are sex-neutral or sex-positive.
Other common traits might include not prioritizing sexual attraction in romantic partnerships, deeming sex as not crucial, and expressing affection in non-sexual ways.
Shadeen Francis, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shared insights with Men’s Health about the graysexual experience.
One example she provided was: “I feel like I experience attraction occasionally, but only in particular contexts.”
Another example she mentioned was: “Maybe I like certain kinds of activities, but I’m repulsed by or turned off by others.”
Francis explained: “A person who identifies as graysexual is often a person who is saying that ‘my identity—my sexual orientation—exists in the gray.’ Graysexuality is part of the larger asexuality, or ace, umbrella.”
Experts emphasize that graysexuality is not related to having a low sex drive or libido, which could be influenced by factors such as relationships, lifestyle changes, medication, or health issues.
In fact, graysexual individuals might have a high libido in certain situations.
Francis also noted that some who identify as gray-A might share traits with demisexuality, where attraction is felt after a strong emotional bond is formed with someone.
The Demisexuality Resource Center notes: “Some demisexuals also relate to other definitions of gray asexuality, such as finding experiences of sexual attraction confusing or hard to pin down… It is possible and valid to use both labels if they both apply.”