Sapiosexual, less controversially known as scisexual or cognisexual, can be defined as when one only experiences sexual attraction to individuals they experience mental attraction to, intellectually bond with, are inspired by, or admire for their unique intellectual beauty. In this case, it may be considered a subset of mesi asexual, aliquasexual, demisexual, and apressexual.
Sapiosexuality can also describe being attracted to the mind, irrespective of gender. This is similar to pansexuality, but in this case, one specifically finds intelligence or intellectual beauty to be the main source of attraction.
Sapiosexuality was originally defined as when one finds intelligence sexually attractive or arousing, or finds intelligence to be the most attractive attribute in a individual. Though this is currently the official, commonly used, and most well-known definition, this is an outdated definition. It centers more heavily around preference than it does around orientation. This definition also tends to restrict the conversation around intelligence.
Similar terms include encephalosexal, noetisexual, and imprisexual. These terms are often used by those who want to further distance themselves from the problematic history and connotations of the sapiosexual label.
History
The term was allegedly coined by a LiveJournal user named wolfieboy, "while on too little sleep driving up from SF in the summer of '98."[1] In November of 2014 OKCupid expanded their list of sexual orientations and genders, including sapiosexual on the list[2], which is what made the mainstream public aware of the identity.
The definition has since been repeatedly altered and improved upon as to make it less exclusionary, classist, and problematic.
Scisexual and cognisexual were coined as alternative terms by an anonymous wiki user on July 15, 2021. Sci- means "to know" and cogni- means "to know; to learn." These words are intended to only be used as an alternative to sapiosexual in the context of its new definitions, not its original definition. Scisexual and cognisexual are not to be used in a way that promotes classism, elitism, ableism, exclusionism, or other harmful ideas.
Flags
The meanings and origins of the flags are unknown, but it is speculated that the original flag was created as a satirical flag on 4chan, based on the colors of Pepe the Frog. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
Controversy
Many individuals argue that wanting a smart partner is a preference, not a sexual orientation. Additionally, desiring smart partners isn't a unique or non-normative preference. Most individuals will say that intelligence is quality they would want in a potential partner. However, this does not take into account certain definitions of sapiosexuality in which intellectual bonding and appreciation is a mandatory part of attraction, not just a preference.
Older definitions of sapiosexuality have also been criticized for being ablest and classist, and limiting to the conversation around intelligence. In a Buzzfeed quiz titled "Are You Actually A Sapiosexual," one of the questions asks readers whether they're "repulsed by the idea of having sex with someone who had never gone to college, or had no interest in higher education,"[3] which seems to normalizing the idea of discriminating against those who don't have college degrees or explicitly academic aspirations. With this in mind, many individuals try to push away from this and make sapiosexuality more inclusive.
There are many types of intelligence, such as inter-personal intelligence, or naturalist intelligence. However, some sapiosexuals are only talking about pure academic intelligence, dismissing individuals who might not perform well in academic situations. This is an outdated take on sapiosexuality.