Allosexual: Meaning, Sexual Attraction, and Asexuality

The word does not mean that someone constantly wants sex, has many sexual partners, or behaves in a highly sexual way. It only describes their general capacity or pattern of experiencing sexual attraction.

• an allosexual person;
• an allosexual partner;
• an allosexual identity;
• allosexual experiences;
• the allosexual population.

It may also appear after a linking verb:

• She is allosexual.
• His partner identifies as allosexual.
• The character is allosexual but aromantic.

The word can function as a noun:

• She is an allosexual.
• The discussion included asexuals and allosexuals.

However, many speakers prefer allosexual person because person-centered wording may sound more natural and respectful.

The shortened form allo is sometimes used informally:

• My partner is allo, while I am ace.
• Allo and ace people may have different experiences of attraction.

• allo-, meaning other or different;
• sexual, relating here to sexual attraction.

The prefix also appears in alloromantic, which describes someone who experiences romantic attraction.

Although allosexual and alloromantic look similar, they refer to different forms of attraction.

Asexual generally describes someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction. Asexuality may also be understood as a spectrum containing several related identities and experiences.

Compare:

• An allosexual person may feel sexually attracted to someone.
• An asexual person may experience little or no sexual attraction.
• A graysexual person may experience sexual attraction rarely or weakly.
• A demisexual person may experience it only after forming a strong emotional bond.

These labels describe patterns of attraction. They do not predict every individual’s behavior, preferences, or relationships.

Alloromantic concerns romantic attraction.

A person may be:

• both allosexual and alloromantic;
• allosexual and aromantic;
• asexual and alloromantic;
• both asexual and aromantic.

For example, an allosexual aromantic person may experience sexual attraction without wanting romantic partnership. An asexual alloromantic person may desire romance while experiencing little or no sexual attraction.

Allosexuality describes the broader pattern of experiencing this kind of attraction. It does not specify:

• how often attraction occurs;
• how intense it feels;
• which genders are attractive;
• whether the person acts on it;
• whether the person enjoys sexual activity;
• whether the attraction is mutual.

Two allosexual people may therefore have very different experiences.

Allosexuality concerns sexual attraction toward people.

An allosexual person may have:

• a high libido;
• a moderate libido;
• a low libido;
• changing levels of sexual desire;
• little current interest in sexual activity.

Similarly, an asexual person may experience bodily arousal or libido without feeling sexually attracted to a particular person.

Attraction and general sexual drive can influence each other, but they are not identical.

Allosexual describes a pattern of attraction.

An allosexual person may be sexually active, but they may also:

• be celibate;
• practice abstinence;
• be waiting for a relationship;
• have no current partner;
• avoid sex for health or personal reasons;
• have little interest in acting on attraction.

A sexually active person may also identify as asexual. Sexual behavior alone does not establish someone’s orientation.

Allosexual describes someone who experiences sexual attraction.

A person can therefore be both allosexual and celibate. They may experience attraction while choosing not to participate in sexual activity.

Celibacy is generally a behavior or commitment, while allosexuality concerns attraction.

Allosexual only indicates that sexual attraction is experienced. It does not identify the gender or genders toward whom it is directed.

Therefore:

• many heterosexual people are allosexual;
• many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual people are also allosexual;
• allosexual is not a replacement for those orientation labels.

The terms provide different information and may be used together.

Without such a word, discussions may unintentionally treat people who experience sexual attraction as the unnamed default while presenting asexual people as exceptions. Naming both experiences can make comparisons clearer.

The word may be especially useful in conversations about:

• asexuality;
• mixed-orientation relationships;
• sexual attraction;
• social expectations about sex;
• LGBTQIA+ identities;
• ace inclusion;
• sexual and romantic orientation.

Not every person who experiences sexual attraction personally uses the label. Some simply identify through terms such as heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, or pansexual.

Allosexism refers to beliefs, practices, or social expectations that disadvantage asexual-spectrum people by treating sexual attraction and activity as universal or necessary. UC Davis describes allosexism as a system based on the assumption that everyone does and should experience sexual attraction.

Examples may include:

• assuming every adult wants sex;
• treating sex as necessary for a valid relationship;
• claiming that asexuality must be corrected;
• pressuring someone to prove love through sex;
• presenting sexual attraction as a requirement for maturity.

Recognizing allosexuality as one experience among several can help avoid these assumptions.

Their relationship may involve discussions about:

• sexual attraction;
• frequency of sexual activity;
• affection and touch;
• romantic closeness;
• boundaries;
• relationship agreements;
• nonsexual intimacy;
• differing levels of desire.

Neither partner’s orientation makes their needs automatically more important. Healthy relationships depend on honest communication, mutual respect, and freely chosen agreements rather than pressure or obligation.

Every allosexual person has a high libido.
Libido varies greatly and may be low, high, or change over time.

Allosexual means heterosexual.
People of many sexual orientations may be allosexual.

Allosexual people are always sexually active.
They may practice celibacy, abstain, or simply choose not to have sex.

Allosexual and alloromantic mean the same thing.
One concerns sexual attraction, while the other concerns romantic attraction.

Everyone who is not asexual must use the label allosexual.
The term can be useful, but identity labels remain personal.

• allosexual person;
• allosexual identity;
• allosexual partner;
• allosexual experience;
• allosexual community;
• allosexual and asexual;
• identify as allosexual;
• allosexual–asexual relationship.

• An allosexual person experiences attraction but chooses celibacy.
• Someone identifies as allosexual and aromantic.
• An allosexual partner dates a person on the asexual spectrum.
• A bisexual person also describes themselves as allosexual.
• Someone has a low libido but still experiences sexual attraction.
• A couple discusses differences in attraction and interest in sex.
• A teacher explains the difference between allosexual and alloromantic.
• A person understands the term but prefers not to use it as a personal label.

1. She identifies as allosexual and panromantic.
2. An allosexual person may have a low sex drive.
3. Allosexuality describes sexual attraction rather than behavior.
4. He is allosexual but currently celibate.
5. The partners discussed their allosexual and asexual experiences.
6. Allosexual does not mean heterosexual.
7. An allosexual person may also be aromantic.
8. Sexual activity alone does not determine whether someone is allosexual.
9. The term is often used when discussing the asexual spectrum.
10. Both partners respected each other’s orientation and boundaries.

Allosexual people differ in libido, sexual behavior, relationship preferences, romantic orientation, and attitudes toward sex. Some value sexual intimacy strongly, while others rarely pursue it. Some are sex-favorable, while others may feel indifferent, uncomfortable, or uninterested in particular circumstances.

Experiencing sexual attraction does not give anyone a right to sexual access. Attraction, arousal, dating, marriage, or previous intimacy never replaces consent. Healthy sexual relationships require mutual willingness, communication, respect for boundaries, and freedom from pressure.