Terms that May Fall Under the Asexual/Aromantic Spectrum
There are many terms related to the ace/aro spectrum. Here are a few definitions that may be helpful. This is not a comprehensive list of all terms that would fall under the ace/aro spectrum. If you have any terms you would like us to add, please reach out to us at rcsgd@ucsb.edu!
A spectrum (abbreviation: a-spec)
An umbrella term for orientations that belong under the aromantic or asexual spectrum. A-spec is also used as an identity term. A spectrum and a-spec are terms that may also be used by individuals with autism.
Aromantic spectrum (abbreviation: arospec, aro)
An umbrella term for all identities under the aromantic spectrum. Arospec is also used as an identity term.
Asexual Spectrum (abbreviation: ace-spec)
An umbrella term for all identities under the aromantic spectrum. Ace-spec is also used as an identity term.
Aegosexual
A sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling a desire for partnered sexuality, yet still having sexual fantasies. Aegosexual individuals may experience some sexual desire, attraction, or arousal, but feel removed from the experience.
Allosexism
The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses asexual people based in the belief that everyone does and should experience sexual attraction.
Allosexual
A sexual orientation characterized by sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality. An allosexual person would not be on the asexual spectrum.
Aromantic (abbreviation: aro)
A romantic orientation generally characterized by not feeling romantic attraction or a desire for romance. Aromantic people can be satisfied by friendship and other non-romantic relationships. Some aromantic people are also asexual, while others desire sexual relationships.
Asexual (abbreviation: ace)
A sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling sexual attraction or a desire for partnered sexuality. It is also used as an umbrella term. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity. Some asexual people do have sex. There are many diverse ways of being asexual. Some asexual people are also aromantic, while others desire romantic relationships
Celibate / Celibacy
The deliberate abstention from sexual activity.
Demisexual
A sexual orientation in which someone feels sexual attraction only to people with whom they have established an emotional bond.This identity term can exist simultaneously with other sexual orientations (such as bisexual, straight, queer, lesbian, or gay) to indicate who one is attracted to once they establish that bond. Like asexuality, some demisexuals engage in sex and some have little to no interest in sexual activity. Demisexuals are considered to be on the asexual spectrum, meaning they are closely aligned with asexuality.
Graysexual (abbreviation: grey-ace, greysexual, gray asexuality, gray-a, gray-ace)
Graysexual is a sexual orientation in which someone experiences sexual attraction to a limited extent. They may feel sexual attraction rarely or with low intensity. Graysexual is often included under the ace/aro spectrum, however, some individuals do not identify under the ace/aro spectrum.
Queerplatonic Relationship/Partnership (abbreviation: QPR, QPP)
A relationship that extends beyond what is expected from a platonic relationship. QPRs usually involve a deep connection that is similar to those associated with allosexual romantic relationships, but contextualized within the experiences of the ace-spec community. These relationships may include physical affection, sex, intimacy, co-habitation, and/or co-parenting.
Romantic Orientation (aka: affectional orientation)
Romantic Orientation is attraction or non-attraction to other people characterized by the expression or non-expression of love. Romantic orientation can be fluid and people use a variety of labels to describe their romantic orientation. Individuals may use -romantic as a suffix with the same prefixes that people use in defining their sexuality. For example, they may use panromantic, biromantic, aromantic, and more!
Sex-Favorable
People on the ace/aro spectrum experience different attitudes towards sex. Sex-Favorable means that an individual may be open to experiencing sexual activity. They may find physical or emotional pleasure from these acts.
Sex-Indifferent
People on the ace/aro spectrum experience different attitudes towards sex. Sex-Indifferent means that an individual may be open to experiencing sexual activity occasionally or only in certain situations. They may not particularly experience physical or emotional pleasure from these acts, but they do not feel distressed from it.
Sex-Repulsed
People on the ace/aro spectrum experience different attitudes towards sex. Sex-Repulsed means that an individual is not open to experiencing sexual activity. They may feel distress at the thought or mention of sexual activity.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual Orientation is attraction or non-attraction to other people characterized by interest or desire for sexual contact. Sexual orientation can be fluid and people use a variety of labels to describe their sexual orientation. Individuals may use -sexual as a suffix with prefixes that define their sexual orientation. For example, they may use pansexual, bisexual, asexual, and more!