Greysexual or grey-asexual (also spelled graysexual or gray-asexual) is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum, referring to those who relate with asexuality, yet feel that there are parts of their experience that aren't fully described by the word asexual. Greysexual can be used as a specific identity, or as an umbrella term for any ace-spec identity that isn't purely asexual, including demisexual and others.
A common reason someone may identify as greysexual is that they experience sexual attraction but very infrequently. Some greysexual people may only feel sexual attraction once or twice in their life. Others may experience it more frequently, but still not as frequently as allosexual people.
Some other possible greysexual experiences may include:
- Experiencing sexual attraction infrequently.
- Experiencing sexual attraction very weakly.
- Experiencing sexual attraction only in specific circumstances.
- Feeling uncertain about whether they experience sexual attraction.
- Experiencing attraction that is only ambiguously sexual.
- Feeling alienated from sexual attraction.
- Relating to aspects of asexuality, even if it isn't a perfect fit[1][2].
Greyasexual can be an orientation on its own or be combined with other sexual orientations. For example, one could be greysexual and gay (grey-homosexual), meaning that when someone does experience sexual attraction it is only ever towards those of the same gender.
The romantic counterpart to greysexual is greyromantic.
History
The concept of gray-asexuality developed in the early 2000s on the AVEN forums.[3] In 2003, an AVEN member proposed the concept of "semisexuality," naming a half-way point between being asexual and not. Later, in 2006, AVEN member KSpaz proposed the term "gray-a" to describe the "fuzzy" space in the asexual spectrum.[4]
Symbolism
In 2009 and 2010, there was an organized community-wide effort to find consensus on an asexual community flag, resulting in the black, gray, white, and purple design shown here.[5] The asexual flag includes a black stripe for asexuality and grey stripe for grey-asexuals.
In 2013, another flag design was proposed specifically for greysexuality via upload to Wikipedia.[6]