Allosexual

Key Features

• Allosexual individuals experience sexual attraction toward others and may engage in sexual relationships or activities.

• The term helps to distinguish those who experience sexual attraction from those who identify as asexual, offering clarity in discussions about sexual orientation.

• Allosexuality is often used in a broader context to describe the general experience of sexual attraction.

Context

Allosexuality is often used within the asexuality spectrum to describe individuals who are not asexual. The term helps create a more inclusive conversation by acknowledging the diversity of sexual experiences and providing a neutral term for those who experience attraction.

Sexual Attraction as a Normative Experience

Allosexual individuals experience sexual attraction in ways that are often perceived as typical or common in society. They may feel attraction toward others spontaneously or based on various factors such as appearance, personality, or shared connections.

Example: An allosexual person might develop sexual feelings for someone they meet at a party or find attractive in media without any specific conditions or restrictions.

Inclusion of a Wide Range of Sexual Orientations

Allosexuality is an umbrella term encompassing various sexual orientations, such as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and pansexuality. These orientations differ in terms of who the individual is attracted to, but they all fall under the category of allosexual because the individuals experience consistent sexual attraction.

Example: A bisexual person who feels sexual attraction toward more than one gender is both bisexual and allosexual.

Non-Ace Spectrum

The defining feature of allosexuality is its contrast to the ace spectrum (which includes asexual, graysexual, and demisexual identities). Allosexual individuals do not experience the rarity, conditionality, or absence of sexual attraction that is characteristic of ace-spec orientations.

Example: While a demisexual person only feels attraction after forming a deep emotional bond, an allosexual person might experience attraction without such prerequisites.

Allosexual vs. Related Identities

• Asexual: Asexual individuals experience little to no sexual attraction, whereas allosexual individuals experience consistent or regular sexual attraction.

• Ace-Spectrum Identities: Those on the ace spectrum (e.g., graysexual, demisexual) have specific or limited experiences of sexual attraction. Allosexual individuals do not fall under the ace spectrum and typically experience attraction in ways considered more frequent or spontaneous.

• Alloromantic: Alloromantic individuals experience romantic attraction, which is separate from sexual attraction. An allosexual person may or may not be alloromantic, as these are distinct aspects of attraction.

Example: Someone who identifies as both asexual and aromantic would not be allosexual, as they do not experience sexual attraction. Conversely, an allosexual person could experience sexual attraction across various romantic orientations.

Cultural Relevance

Recognizing allosexuality helps to foster better understanding between asexual and allosexual individuals, promoting inclusivity and awareness in discussions about sexuality. It emphasizes the spectrum of sexual experiences, providing a more complete picture of human sexual diversity.

Centering in Normative Frameworks

Allosexuality aligns with societal norms that often assume everyone experiences sexual attraction frequently and spontaneously. The majority of media, culture, and societal expectations cater to allosexual experiences, often marginalizing or ignoring ace-spec identities. Allosexuality is often presented as the “default,” reinforcing the idea that sexual attraction is universal.

Example: Romantic movies typically portray allosexual characters who experience instant or intense sexual attraction, leaving little room for ace-spec representation.

Intersection With Other Identities

Allosexuality intersects with other aspects of identity, such as gender, sexual orientation, and cultural background. The way sexual attraction is experienced or expressed can vary widely depending on cultural norms and personal identity. For instance, allosexual women in certain societies may face stigma or judgment for expressing sexual attraction openly, while allosexual men may be encouraged to do so.

Example: A pansexual allosexual individual might face challenges related to both their sexual orientation and the way they express their sexual attraction in a society that prioritizes heterosexual relationships.

Highlighting the Diversity of Sexual Experience

While allosexuality is often viewed as the norm, its inclusion in LGBTQIA+ conversations helps highlight the diversity of sexual experiences. The term helps create a framework for understanding the contrast between ace-spec and allosexual experiences, fostering greater awareness and inclusivity.

Example: In LGBTQIA+ spaces, recognizing allosexuality helps clarify the difference between someone who feels regular attraction (e.g., an allosexual lesbian) and someone who does not (e.g., an asexual lesbian).

Challenges Faced by Allosexual Individuals

• Hypersexualization and Stereotypes: Allosexual individuals, particularly women and LGBTQIA+ individuals, often face hypersexualization or stereotypes about their sexual attraction. These stereotypes can lead to harmful assumptions, such as viewing allosexual people as being “obsessed with sex” or incapable of forming meaningful emotional connections.

• Pressure to Conform: While allosexuality aligns with societal norms, individuals may feel pressured to conform to specific standards about when, how, or with whom they express their attraction. 

  • Example: An allosexual man might feel societal pressure to express sexual attraction openly, even if he is more private or selective in his feelings.

• Overgeneralization in Sexuality Discourse :Discussions about sexuality often assume that allosexual experiences are universal, which can erase nuances within allosexuality itself or dismiss people who don’t fit the mold.