The word abrosexual is a label for someone whose sexual orientation shifts over time. For example, a person who is abrosexual might be sexually attracted to the same gender at one point, experience little or no attraction at another, or go through periods of varying intensity of attraction.
Sometimes, people who are abrosexual use the word “abro” to describe themselves. The Greek root abro means “delicate” or “graceful.” It symbolizes the movement and changing nature of people who are abrosexual.
Abrosexual is one of more than 100 terms used to label different sexualities. It falls under the multisexuality umbrella, which includes people of all identities who are romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
People who are abrosexual may choose different romantic and sexual partners, or no partners at all. If you’re abrosexual, you might choose to tell others close to you, someone you’re interested in, or no one at all.
Other Names for Abrosexuality
Sometimes, people use both abrosexual and abroromantic to describe a person with a fluid or changing sexual orientation.
The word “abroromantic” has the same Greek root as “abrosexual,” suggesting fluidity in attractions, but these terms are different in that one refers to romantic attraction and the other to sexual attraction.
A person who is abroromantic may want to have a romantic relationship but not necessarily want to have sex. A person who is abrosexual may want to have sex but not necessarily want a romantic relationship. Even though they mean different things, sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably.
What’s the Difference Between Abrosexuality, Pansexuality, and Asexuality?
There are many labels for LGBTQ identities. Sometimes, there’s overlap. Here are some other identities and labels that people mix up with abrosexuality.
Is abrosexuality the same as sexual fluidity?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there’s a difference between the two. Sexual fluidity is a broader term showing the way a person’s sexual attraction or identity changes over time, according to Douglas Haldeman, PhD, chair of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California. Sexual fluidity can also include different types of changes in attraction, such as pansexuality, demisexuality (sexual attraction only after an emotional bond forms), or sapiosexual (attraction based on an intellectual connection). Abrosexuality is a more specific term and can change more quickly.
Abrosexuality vs. pansexuality
Abrosexuality is different from pansexuality because of its changing nature. A person who is abrosexual may, at times, be pansexual, but at other times they may be heterosexual or asexual. Their sexual orientation is in flux. People who are pansexual are attracted to all people, no matter their gender or sexuality.
Abrosexuality vs. asexuality
While abrosexuality is characterized by its fluidity, asexuality is unchanging. A person who identifies as asexual doesn’t feel sexual attraction at any time. A person who is abrosexual may have asexuality from time to time.
Abrosexuality and Relationships
People who are abrosexual may find themselves in relationships with people of different gender identities and sexual orientations.
If you’re abrosexual, communicate your boundaries with any potential partners, especially when you have a change in sexual orientation.
Helping Your Loved Ones Understand Abrosexuality
If you want to come out as abrosexual to your loved ones, it may be easier if you prepare. It may help to write down some talking points. Think about what you want to say and how you want to begin. Having a good understanding of what being abrosexual means to you and your sexuality can help, says Haldeman.
“Explain to them — to the best of your ability and in plain language — how you are defining yourself now,” he says. “It may look something like, ‘You knew me as gay, and now I just have something to add to that.’”
Keep in mind, you’ve probably thought about this longer than your loved ones. They may need time to understand.
You can find support networks and resources through:
- Human Rights Council
- GLAAD
- The Trevor Project
Misconceptions about abrosexuality
Abrosexuality is a newer label, and its first recorded use was around 2015. As such, there are plenty of misconceptions about abrosexuality and sexual fluidity in general. Here are a couple of the most common misconceptions.
People who are sexually fluid can’t be in monogamous relationships. The stereotype that people whose sexuality may change can’t stay in monogamous relationships is untrue and offensive. Anyone in the sexual fluidity spectrum, including abrosexual people, can have a relationship with one person.
Abrosexual people are just “confused” about their own sexuality. A person’s sexual orientation is completely natural. It’s part of who they are. People don’t pick and choose their sexual orientation. Someone who is abrosexual isn’t confused because their sexual orientation may shift over time.
Takeaways
Abrosexuality is a kind of sexual fluidity where a person’s sexual attraction can change over time. If you’re abrosexual, you may be bisexual, asexual, or pansexual at different times. Not everyone may understand what the label means for you and your sexuality. When talking with your family or friends about your sexuality, try to give them some time to understand.
Abrosexuality FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about abrosexuality.
What’s the difference between aceflux and abrosexual?
Aceflux and abrosexual are similar terms. They’re often used interchangeably, as synonyms. A person who identifies as aceflux may also use the term abrosexual to describe their shifting sexuality. But some people don’t see aceflux and abrosexual as the same thing. They may use the term aceflux to describe someone who has shifts in their sexuality along the asexual spectrum.
Can a person’s sexual attraction change over time?
Yes. Some people have sexual fluidity. That means their sexual orientation and attraction may shift over time. It’s more common in the LGBTQ community and among younger people.
How is abrosexual different from bisexual?
Bisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person is attracted to more than one gender. With abrosexuality, a person may be attracted to one gender during one period of time and shift later on. Someone who identifies as bisexual may like more than one gender their whole life, but someone who identifies as abro may change as time goes on. If you’re abrosexual, you may also be asexual at times.
