Understanding different sexualities is a complicated process for most people. Understanding the difference between demisexuality and asexuality can be especially difficult because they are similar in many ways but also very different. Both of these sexual identities are considered part of the ace-spectrum by some. They are used interchangeably on some websites, but their unique characteristics set them apart. This article will help to explain the similarities and differences between the two terms, demisexuality and asexuality.
What is Demisexuality?
The definition of demisexuality, according to the Webster Dictionary, is “a person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.” The keywords in this definition are “emotional connection.” Those who have a demisexual sexual identity experience an attraction to someone once they have formed a strong emotional connection with them. This means that a demisexual person can’t form a sexual attraction to just anyone. Their sex drive is impacted by their emotions, making this orientation different from most.
While some demisexuals prefer for there to be an emotional attachment before they will engage in sexual activities, others are comfortable engaging in sex without that connection. This decision depends on each individual person’s values rather than their sexual identity. Demisexuality is considered a separate orientation from heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. It is often considered on the asexual spectrum by people trying to figure out their sexuality because there are many similarities between these two sexual identities.
What is Asexuality?
A person who has an asexual identity will experience no or very little sexual attraction throughout their life. This is different from demisexual because they experience an attraction to someone after building a strong emotional connection. They are not sexually attracted to anyone, regardless of how much they may care about them.
Asexuality is considered to be a sexual orientation that falls on the ace-spectrum. The ace-spectrum refers to the sexual identities that people can have that are not included in the three most common sexualities. For example, someone who identifies as ace may experience romantic attraction, but they feel no desire to act on it with another person because of their lack of sexual attraction.
Romantic vs. Sexual Attraction
One of the key aspects that separate demisexuality from asexuality is their definition of sexual attraction. Someone who has an asexual identity will experience no or very little sexual attraction throughout their life. In contrast, someone who identifies as demisexual can sometimes feel attracted to others even if they do not experience sexual attraction in general.
Not everyone who identifies as demisexual experiences the same level of sexual attraction; however, this can happen once they get to know someone very well, while others might never feel sexual attraction to anyone. The main difference between sexual and romantic attraction is who you feel the attraction towards.
Sexual attraction occurs when someone feels attracted to another person because of their physical appearance, whereas romantic attraction happens when someone falls in love. Romantic attraction can be considered the same as romantic love, which often revolves around qualities unique to one’s loved ones rather than their physical appearance.