What it means to be ‘autosexual’ as expert explains common misconceptions about it

Sexuality is a spectrum, and there are various different titles for orientations, some more well known than others.

Heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual classifications are all common knowledge nowadays, but terms like asexual, graysexual and autosexual may be new ones for many people.

These classifications can often come with misunderstandings and misconceptions, as people get to grips with the ever evolving language and knowledge.

While asexuality is the absence of sexual attraction or desire, graysexuaity is the idea that sexuality isn't black or white.

According to the Asexual Visibility & Education Network (AVEN), a person who is 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 explained.

Asexuality, however, is different from autosexuality.

Autosexuality is being attracted to yourself rather than others (Getty Stock Images)

What is 'autosexuality' or an 'autosexual'

To understand the title, it's key to break down the origins.

The prefix 'homo' means 'same' (attraction to the same sex), 'hetero' means opposite (attracted to the opposite sex), while 'auto' means 'self' - so to be autosexual means attraction to yourself.

According to WebMD, someone who is autosexual is 'more attracted to themselves than to others'.

Being told you love or fancy yourself is often used as an insult or an indicator of arrogance, but in the case of autosexual people, it's the truth.

Someone who is autosexual may prefer masturbation to sex with a partner.

However, it doesn't mean they will never have sexual relationships with another person, although some people may never do.

Others exclusively fantasise, dream or daydream about themselves.

There are several different elements, with autosexuality, autoeroticism and autoromanticism, all with different meanings.

For autoromanticism, it means they experience a romantic relationship with themselves rather than a sexual one.

They may enjoy buying themselves romantic gifts, or taking themselves on dates.

Autoeroticism is the act of masturbation, rather than the sexuality itself.

Many people with autosexuality express a desire to clone themselves (Getty Stock Images/Westend61)

How do you know if you're autosexual?

If you think you might be autosexual, here are some of the things you might be experiencing.

• You find yourself fantasising about yourself instead of others.
• The idea of pleasuring yourself turns you on more than the thought of another person doing it
• You enjoy sexual experiences with yourself more than others.

One person on Reddit described it as 'a deep interest in reflective surfaces, when I look in the mirror its mesmerizing—not in some caricatured exaggerated way, but a gentle and curious fascination.'

Another added: "My main fantasy that would turn me on would be a clone of myself. I always felt more committed to myself than to others. I am happily married to myself because self partnership is important to me."

Many people confuse autosexuality with narcissism (Getty Stock Images/Jordi Salas)

Misconceptions about autosexuality

Many people are only just learning about autosexuality, and it is commonly confused with arrogance or narcissism.

Others have even accused those who identify as autosexual of being mentally ill.

Posting on TikTok as youenzieme, one expert explained: "A lot of people misconstrue autosexual as asexual, which is incorrect, as if you're asexual you don't experience desire or to be physical with your partner or with anybody."

"It also gets misconstrued with the idea of being in love with oneself, which is not the case."

Narcissism is a personality disorder, while autosexuality is not.