Burstsexual

Key Features

• Fluctuating Sexual Attraction: The defining feature of burstsexuality is the experience of occasional, short bursts of sexual attraction. While a burstsexual individual may normally feel little or no sexual desire (similar to asexuality), they will occasionally experience sudden, intense feelings of attraction that are brief in nature.

• Intermittent Nature: The bursts of sexual attraction are irregular and may occur at unpredictable times. These surges of desire can be quite intense, but they are often short-lived and can dissipate quickly. This unpredictability is a key characteristic of burstsexuality.

• Asexual or Aromantic Core: Individuals who identify as burstsexual typically identify as asexual (little to no sexual attraction) or aromantic (little to no romantic attraction) most of the time. Burstsexuality does not negate their primary identity but rather adds an additional layer of fluctuation in terms of sexual attraction.

• No Lasting Desire: The sexual attraction felt during a burst often does not lead to a lasting or sustained desire. Once the burst subsides, the individual may return to a state of feeling no sexual attraction, much like they would in their usual asexual or aromantic state.

Context

A-Spec Identity

Burstsexuality belongs to the broader asexual spectrum (a-spec), a term that encompasses various identities related to sexual attraction and desire. Asexual spectrum identities include demisexuality, greysexuality, and fraysexuality, among others, all of which describe experiences of sexual attraction that fall outside of the traditional, more typical patterns.

Just as demisexuals experience sexual attraction only after an emotional connection, burstsexuals experience attraction only in sudden bursts, which often do not last long enough to form sustained sexual relationships or desires.

Fluctuating Sexual Identities

Burstsexuality is related to other fluctuating or intermittent sexual orientations, such as fluxsexual (those who experience fluctuating sexual attraction over time) or aegosexual (those who experience attraction but feel it disconnected from the desire for reciprocation).

These identities demonstrate the spectrum and fluidity of sexual attraction, which often contradicts traditional views that categorize sexual orientation in more rigid, fixed terms.

Overlap with Other Identities

Burstsexuality may overlap with other orientations or identities, particularly those that fall within the asexual or aromantic umbrella. A burstsexual person may also identify as demisexual (experiencing attraction after forming a bond) or graysexual (experiencing limited or infrequent sexual attraction).

The burstsexual identity could be particularly relevant to those who are trying to describe an experience where their attraction is rare but intense, acknowledging that sexual attraction is not a constant or predictable force in their lives.

Cultural Relevance

Challenging Traditional Sexual Norms

Burstsexuality, like other asexual spectrum identities, challenges the common expectation that sexual attraction is a constant or predictable experience. In many cultures, there is an assumption that sexual attraction is either present or absent, with little room for variation in-between. Burstsexuality introduces the idea that attraction can be spontaneous, short-lived, and not necessarily tied to ongoing desires or behaviors.

By acknowledging the existence of burstsexuality, society expands its understanding of what sexual attraction can look like, validating experiences that don’t conform to typical patterns.

Fluidity in Sexuality

Burstsexuality adds to the growing recognition of sexual fluidity, a concept that suggests that sexual attraction is not fixed but can change over time, sometimes unexpectedly. People who identify as burstsexual may have periods of no attraction, interspersed with occasional, intense bursts of desire.

The increasing acceptance of sexual fluidity is an important step in broadening the scope of sexual identities, giving people more room to explore their own experiences without feeling pressured to fit into traditional or binary categories.

Contribution to A-Spec Visibility

Burstsexuality is part of a broader movement to increase visibility for those who fall within the asexual and aromantic spectrums. As these identities become more recognized and discussed, individuals who identify as a-spec may find more resources, support, and validation for their experiences.

The inclusion of burstsexuality within this spectrum encourages individuals who may not experience constant sexual attraction to feel seen and understood, even if their experiences are irregular or difficult to define within traditional sexual categories.

Emotional and Relational Impact

The experience of burstsexual attraction can lead to emotional complexity, as burstsexual individuals may struggle to understand or explain their sporadic feelings of attraction. Partners or potential partners may find it challenging to understand these shifts in attraction, leading to possible misunderstandings or miscommunication.

Burstsexual individuals may also find themselves questioning the validity of their sexual attraction, given its transitory nature, and they may face challenges in discussing their experiences with others who have more consistent or predictable sexual attractions.

Challenges and Considerations

• Difficulty in Understanding and Acceptance: Due to its irregular and unpredictable nature, burstsexuality can be difficult for both those who identify as burstsexual and those around them to understand. Relationships may be complicated by sudden shifts in attraction, and there may be difficulty in forming lasting connections because of the temporary nature of sexual desire. Like other asexual spectrum identities, burstsexuality may be misunderstood or dismissed by those unfamiliar with the experiences of a-spec individuals. For burstsexual individuals, explaining their orientation to others may involve challenging stereotypes about sexuality and attraction.

• Stigma and Lack of Recognition: The concept of burstsexuality is still relatively new and may not be widely recognized in mainstream discussions of sexuality. This lack of recognition could lead to feelings of invisibility or marginalization within both LGBTQ+ communities and society at large. There may also be a lack of resources, support, or understanding available for burstsexual individuals, especially as the term itself is not as widely discussed as other more established sexual orientations.