Aequesexual

Key Features

• Aequesexual describes individuals who experience a very strong attraction to sexuality and place significant value on sexual experiences, sometimes prioritizing them over romantic attractions.

• Aequesexual individuals are at the “far end” of the allosexual spectrum, embracing a deeply sex-positive identity.

• They challenge societal norms that prioritize romantic love while offering visibility to those who center sexuality as an important part of their identity.

• While often misunderstood, aequesexuality highlights the diversity of sexual experiences and the need for open, stigma-free conversations about desire and fulfillment.

Context

Aequesexuality can overlap with or be adjacent to identities on the asexual spectrum, but it specifically emphasizes neutrality in emotional or personal investment in sexual attraction or activity.

Strong Desire for Sexual Experiences

Aequesexual individuals have a heightened appreciation for sexuality and sexual expression.

• They experience sexual attraction intensely and may prioritize or place high personal value on sexual intimacy.

• For some, sexual connections are equally, if not more, significant than romantic relationships.

Example: An aequesexual individual might seek out or deeply enjoy relationships and experiences centered on sexual connection while holding less emphasis on romantic gestures.

Alignment with the Allosexual Spectrum

Aequesexuality is located at the far end of allosexuality, which encompasses anyone who experiences sexual attraction (unlike asexuality, which involves little to no sexual attraction). Aequesexual individuals not only experience sexual attraction but feel it strongly and place particular importance on its role in their lives.

Sex-Positive Identity

Aequesexual individuals tend to have a sex-positive outlook, meaning they view sexual experiences as healthy, natural, and meaningful.

• They embrace sexual expression without shame or stigma.

• This sex positivity can manifest in their attitudes toward sexual relationships, communication, and exploration.

Potential Balance or De-prioritization of Romance

While aequesexual individuals may still experience romantic attraction, they may:

• Place greater value on sexual fulfillment than romantic involvement.

• Find relationships most fulfilling when sexual connection is prioritized.

• Experience romantic attraction but view it as separate or secondary to their sexual experiences.

Aequesexuality vs. Related Terms

• Allosexual: Refers broadly to individuals who experience sexual attraction. Aequesexuality represents an intensified form of allosexuality, where sexuality takes a central or heightened role.

• Asexual: Asexual individuals experience little to no sexual attraction, while aequesexual individuals strongly value and desire sexual experiences.

• Demiromantic/Demisexual: In contrast to aequesexuality, demi-identities require emotional bonds to experience attraction. Aequesexual individuals may not necessarily require such emotional foundations for their sexual desires.

Cultural Relevance

Challenging Sexual Norms

Aequesexuality challenges societal stigmas that shame or diminish the importance of sexual expression.

• Many cultures prioritize romantic love as the “ideal” form of connection while viewing sexuality as secondary or less meaningful. Aequesexuality asserts that sexual desire and experiences can be equally or more significant.

• It provides visibility for those whose identities and values center around sexuality in positive, affirming ways.

Example: Aequesexual individuals may advocate for open conversations about sexual fulfillment as a valid and central part of relationships, countering narratives that focus solely on romantic ideals.

Embracing Sex Positivity

Aequesexual individuals often align with sex-positive movements, which promote healthy, consensual sexual exploration and dismantle harmful stigmas.

• By valuing sexuality as integral to their identity, aequesexual individuals push back against societal shame around sexual desire.

• This fosters greater openness about sexual health, desires, and experiences.

Intersection with Other Identities

Aequesexuality can intersect with various gender identities, orientations, and relationship dynamics:

• Queer Relationships: Aequesexual individuals may be part of LGBTQIA+ communities where non-traditional relationships and sexuality are celebrated.

• Polyamory: Some aequesexual individuals may embrace non-monogamous relationships as a way to explore and prioritize sexual experiences.

• Romantic Orientations: Aequesexual people can be heteroromantic, homoromantic, biromantic, or aromantic, depending on their romantic preferences.

Misrepresentation of Strong Sexual Desire

Aequesexual individuals may face misunderstanding or stigma due to their heightened prioritization of sexuality. Society often labels such experiences as:

• “Promiscuous” or “overly sexual” (rooted in sex-negative bias).

• “Emotionally detached” if romantic feelings are seen as secondary to sexual experiences.

Promoting accurate understanding of aequesexuality can challenge harmful stereotypes and celebrate the diversity of human sexuality.

Challenges Faced by Aequesexual Individuals

• Sex-Negative Stigma: Aequesexual individuals may face judgment or shame for embracing strong sexual desires, especially in cultures that stigmatize sexuality. They may be labeled as “shallow,” “overly sexual,” or lacking emotional depth.

• Navigating Romantic Relationships: Partners who prioritize romantic connections may misunderstand an aequesexual individual’s emphasis on sexual intimacy. Clear communication is essential to ensure that expectations, boundaries, and needs are respected.

• Lack of Recognition: Aequesexuality is an underrecognized identity, even within LGBTQIA+ or allosexual communities. This lack of visibility can lead to invalidation, misunderstanding, or erasure.