We live in the 21st century, and with that, has come the much larger acceptance of the LGBT community. But there is still a lot which confuses people about how there is more sexual orientations than those described in the acronym LGBT. The Grey-Asexual spectrum is one of those things.
First of all, let us give a definition of what is the simplest umbrella term for this – asexuality. Asexuality is when a person does not feel sexual attraction or sexual desire towards anyone. A common myth is that they cannot enter romantic relationships for this reason; in actual fact, it is only if you are aromantic that you cannot feel romantic attraction or desire. It is perfectly possible to be in a romantic relationship with someone, however asexuality means that there is no (or at the most, very little) sexual desire.
Now typically, asexuality involves absolutely no sexual attraction whatsoever. In regards to the Grey-Ace spectrum, it might be that someone might not feel as though they are completely asexual, but rather as greysexual, wherein they identify as somewhere between asexual and sexual. This means that it is very rare that they feel or act upon any kind of sexual attraction.
Demisexuality, similar to greysexuality, is when someone only experiences sexual attraction after forming very strong emotional bond. This may just seem like the normal thing in a relationship between two people, but it isn’t as simple. Possibly the most complicated one to explain, those who identify as demisexual may only feel sexual attraction very rarely, and only with their partners.
It isn’t unusual for those who identify as somewhere on the Grey-Ace spectrum to forgo romantic relationships, instead opting for queerplatonic relationships. is a relationship that is not romantic but involves a close emotional connection (platonic) beyond what most people consider friendship. The commitment level in a queerplatonic relationship is often considered to be similar to that of a romantic relationship. Just imagine marrying your best friend but never actually having any romantic love or sexual relationship, and just being happy being friends with them.
There is much more to asexuality and the Grey-Ace spectrum, but what I have written about is what are typically used as umbrella terms. There is no need to put a label, or a specific name to what someone’s sexuality is.
