Understanding Allosexuality

Allosexuality, occasionally referred to as Zedsexuality, is a term that originated from the asexual spectrum, or ace-spec, community. It is used to characterize individuals who are not asexual, meaning those who frequently feel sexual attraction and desire. The equivalent term for romantic orientation is alloromantic.

It's important to note that allosexuality doesn't define one's sexual orientation. Allosexual individuals may identify as heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, among others. However, asexuality stands as an exception. In this context, allosexual serves as the antonym of asexual, signifying those who experience more than little to no sexual attraction or desire.

History and Origins

Allosexual serves as a descriptor for individuals who do not fall within the asexual spectrum. This term is often used synonymously with 'Zedsexual', forming a continuum from 'A to Z', where 'A' represents the asexual end of the spectrum and 'Z' signifies the allosexual end.

Prior to the establishment and acceptance of the term 'allosexual', the word 'sexual' was frequently employed as the counterpoint to asexuality. However, as the asexual community grew and its communication flourished via the internet in the early 21st century, it became increasingly evident that the term 'sexual' was excessively broad and lacked clarity in this particular context.

In the year 2011, a campaign advocating awareness highlighted the drawbacks of using 'sexual' to characterize those who are not asexual. The objections were manifold, primarily owing to its potential to convey a sex-negative connotation for individuals involved in the discourse, whether they identified as asexual or not. This term failed to acknowledge the existence of ace-spec individuals who, despite a lack of or minimal sexual attraction, maintain healthy sexual relationships and may even engage in sexual activities for pleasure. Furthermore, it tended to oversexualize those who are not asexual. Hence, a call for a more suitable term was made.

Controversy and Ongoing Debate

Among several proposed alternatives, the term 'allosexual' has gained the most widespread acceptance as a replacement for the simplistic 'sexual'. Nonetheless, a considerable number of individuals continue to challenge its use. The discourse remains active, with individuals both within and outside the asexual community persistently engaging in discussions and debates regarding the most appropriate and descriptive term.

A certain degree of controversy also surrounds the term due to its association with the homonymous French Canadian slang, 'allosexuel'. This term, often mistaken for its English counterpart, is used to refer to individuals who do not conform to traditional categories of gender or sexual orientation, thus adding to the complexity of the debate.

Allosexual versus Asexual

Allosexuality is typically characterized by the routine or prevalent experience of sexual attraction towards others, or a desire to participate in sexual activities. This may manifest in allosexual individuals as sexual infatuations with others, the conjuring of sexual fantasies, the pursuit of sexual encounters or relationships driven by sexual desire, or engaging in masturbation or sexual acts prompted by sexual attraction or desire.

However, it is crucial to note that the mere participation in sexual activities is not a definitive indicator of allosexuality. Numerous individuals identifying as asexual also partake in sexual activities, including masturbation or partnered sex. The fundamental distinction lies in the fact that for those on the ace-spec spectrum, these activities seldom or never arise as a response to the experience of sexual attraction.