Alexmosexual is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum for those who are neurodivergent and experience alexithymia or alexithymic traits. An alexmosexual individual may find it difficult to understand or describe their sexuality due to alexithymia. Alternatively, they might struggle to feel their sexuality at all; however, this doesn't necessarily mean it isn't there. The romantic counterpart is alexmoromantic.
Examples of alexmosexual include:
- Feeling one's sexuality but being unable to put it into words.
- Not being able to differentiate between one's sexuality and one's emotions.
- Not knowing how one feels about sexuality in general.
- Experiencing one's sexuality as a physical sensation.
- Not being able to tell whether one is experiencing sexual attraction.
The prefix alexmo- can be applied to any form of attraction (eg. alexmoplatonic, alexmosensual, alexmoaesthetic, etc). The term itself can be used on its own or alongside another orientation. The prefix can also be added to one's identity (eg. alexmopansexual, alexmo-ace, demi-alexmo, etc).
History
The term was coined by Tumblr user synpa-tee on June 18, 2021. The flag was created the same day.[1]
Flag
The alexmosexual flag has five stripes: a red stripe, two dark red stripes, and two grey
stripes. Grey represents uncertainty and red represents sexuality. There is also a black rhombus on the center of the flag. The shape and color represents something unknown. Black can also represent asexuality.
Etymology
The term alexmosexual comes from Greek: a- meaning 'not,' léxis meaning 'words,' and thȳmós meaning 'heart' or 'emotions' or 'seat of speech.' This is also where the word alexithymia comes from.