'Graysexuality' explained as amount of younger people coming out appears to be on the rise

It's clear that the definitions of sexualities are better known than others, as many people seem to be confused over what 'graysexuality' actually means.

You'd hope that, by now, people within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community have taken the time to educate themselves on key terms relating to sexuality.

Especially now, as queer dating shows, like The Ultimatum: Queer Love, open the general public to questions about the relationship of sex and sexuality within a queer dynamic, like how a lesbian may define ‘lesbian sex’.

However, it appears that there's one specific label that some are still confused about. People who identify as 'graysexual' are called 'gray-A or gray ace' and fall under the 'ace-umbrella', which also includes asexuality and demisexuality, according to The Trevor Project.

So, what does this all mean?

What is graysexuality?

'Graysexuality' appears to be on the rise (Alexander Spatari / Getty Images)

The name 'graysexuality' effectively stems from the idea that sexuality isn’t black or white and that there’s a 'gray area' that many people fall into.

According to the Asexual Visibility & Education Network (AVEN), a person who identifies as graysexual is 'someone who identifies with the area between asexuality and sexuality'.

"For example, they may experience sexual attraction very rarely, only under specific circumstances, or of an intensity so low that [it] is ignorable and not a necessity in relationships," they add.

Shadeen Francis, a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified therapist, also explained to Men's Health that people who identify as graysexual may relate to statements like:

• "I feel like I experience sexual attraction occasionally, but only in particular contexts."
• "Maybe I like certain kinds of sexual activities, but I’m repulsed by or turned off by others."

What is the difference between graysexual and asexual?

There is a notable difference between graysexual and asexual individuals (Дмитрий Ларичев / Getty Images)

Unlike a graysexual person, an asexual person experiences little to no sexual attraction - AKA finding someone sexually appealing and/or wanting to have sex with them.

A common misconception is that asexuality is a medical condition; however, it isn't at all the same as having a low libido, managing sex-related trauma, or experiencing pain during sex.

Additionally, it isn’t the same as celibacy, which is a voluntary vow of abstinence.

However, those who identify as asexual can still wish to pursue romantic relationships with other people, just not a sexual one. Meanwhile, 'aromantic' people are those who feel little to no romantic attraction, and some feel like they identify with both.

What is the difference between graysexual and demisexual?

It's important to remember that sexuality is a spectrum (Getty Stock Images)

Those who are demisexual experience sexual attraction only after a close emotional bond has formed - something which is different from never experiencing sexual attraction, like how an asexual person would.

Last year, singer Tulisa opened up on I'm A Celebrity about her demisexual identity, and why she'd chosen to remain celibate over the years.

Demisexual people may experience sexual attraction often and intensely, but only with people they’re close to.

Equally, graysexual individuals may find that when they experience sexual attraction, it isn’t necessarily with people they have a close emotional bond with, hence the main difference.

Sexuality is a spectrum

However, it's important to note that with all that said, sexuality is a spectrum. It's possible to fluctuate between such sexualities at the same time.

Additionally, graysexuality looks different to different people, meaning that no two graysexual people are the same and while labels can help explain your orientation, help you find a community and so on, Francis encourages those who are set to settle on a label to 'take stock of where they are'.

She recommends that you do so by asking yourself questions like:

• "What brings me pleasure?"
• "What doesn’t feel good?"
• "What am I feeling open to?"

You can find out more about the definitions of words relating to sexuality and orientation on AVEN here.