Gynosexuality, sometimes spelled gynesexuality, describes someone who’s attracted to femininity. That means a person of any gender can be attracted to someone who identifies as female or expresses feminine characteristics.
Unlike the sexual orientation terms “homosexuality” and “heterosexuality,” gynosexuality doesn’t specify your gender in relation to your sexual orientation. When you’re gynosexual, you may identify as male, female, nonbinary (not exclusively male or female), or another sexual orientation. However, the term may be more commonly used by those who are nonbinary.
Is There Another Name for Gynosexuality?
Not really. Gynophilia or gynephilia, the love of femininity, is sometimes used interchangeably with gynosexuality. But they’re different.
Both terms are used to describe someone attracted to femininity or female characteristics. Like gynosexuality, gynophilia is often used by people who are nonbinary or agender. Gynosexuality refers to physical and sexual attraction, while gynophilia refers only to a romantic attraction.
When you’re gynosexual, you may be attracted to physical traits linked to femininity. Those may include long hair, breasts, curves, or female genitalia. You may also be attracted to nonphysical feminine qualities, such as style of dress, pitch of voice, or mannerisms. But gynosexuality spans beyond gender. When you’re gynosexual, you’re attracted to others who express femininity regardless of the gender assigned to them at birth.
People who are gynosexual may be attracted to people who are cisgender (those who identify with their birth gender), transgender (those who identify as a gender different from their birth gender), or nonbinary (who don’t identify as either gender).
What Is the Difference Between Gynosexual and Androsexual?
They’re opposites. Androsexuality is sexual attraction to people with masculine attributes, or to people who present as male, whether or not they identify as men. People who are gynosexual are attracted to those who present as feminine, but may not identify as women.
Terms like “gynosexuality” and “androsexuality” may be useful when you identify as nonbinary. That’s because other terms for sexual orientation rely more on attraction between genders. For example, “bisexual” means being attracted to people who identify as male or female. “Heterosexual” means being attracted to people of the opposite gender. Identifying as gynosexual or androsexual may allow you to discuss your sexual orientation without describing yourself in terms that might seem limiting or inaccurate.
How to Explore Gynosexuality
Start by considering your own sexuality:
- What qualities do you find sexually appealing in other people?
- What physical qualities attract you to someone?
- What kinds of behavior do you find appealing?
You may find that journaling about the people in your life, their moods, and their emotions can help you get a stronger understanding of your own sexuality. You may find it helps to talk to others about your feelings and expectations. It may help to see a professional therapist who can help you better understand your feelings.
How to Explain Gynosexuality to Others
It’s up to you whether to tell your friends or loved ones about your sexual orientation. However, if you do, remember that gynosexuality is a relatively new term. Some people may struggle to understand its meaning or use the term correctly. Others in your life may struggle to adopt new ideas and new ways of thinking.
While this can be hurtful and damaging to your mental health, there are steps to help your loved ones understand.
When speaking to them about gynosexuality, try to explain that the term expresses your attraction to femininity itself. Help your loved ones understand that the term gynosexuality doesn’t define your gender identity or the gender identity of people you find attractive.
Try to be patient and calm, and don’t take offense if someone misuses a term without meaning to. At the same time, it may be necessary to have boundaries in place and express your right to be treated with respect and kindness. If you have trouble talking to your loved ones, seek the advice of a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist. They’ll work with you to find ways to address your thoughts and feelings that might help people in your life better understand.
Takeaways
Gynosexuality is a relatively new term use to describe the physical and sexual attraction to feminine characteristics. Those may include long hair, certain mannerisms, bodily curves, and breasts. Anyone may identify as gynosexual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
FAQs
Is gynosexuality a recent concept?
The term gynosexuality was first used in 2014. But the concept of gynephilia dates back to at least the early 20th century, when sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld used it to describe gay men.
How is gynosexuality different from bisexuality?
Bisexuality is attraction to two or more genders, while gynosexuality is attraction to feminine qualities regardless of gender.
How do you know if you’re gynosexual?
You may be gynosexual when someone’s gender doesn’t affect your attraction to their feminine characteristics.
Can straight men be gynosexual?
Yes. People of any sexual orientation can identify as gynosexual.
