What Does Autosexual Mean?

In the world of dating and relationships, we often hear about various sexual orientations and identities. While many are well-known and widely accepted, there are lesser-known aspects of human sexuality that deserve recognition and understanding too. Autosexuality is one such concept that has been gaining attention in recent years.^*

Autosexual is a term used to describe people who are more sexually attracted to themselves than to others. They may seek sexual arousal or stimulation through self-pleasure or fantasies, rather than sex or imaginary scenarios involving another person. People who are autosexual may find themselves particularly drawn to their own bodies, personalities or self-image (but it goes beyond a love of taking selfies).

While it's important to note that autosexuality is not an officially recognised sexual orientation in mainstream psychology, it is a valid and unique aspect of human sexuality. Characteristics of autosexual people include:

Whoever you are, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself. But even if you are autosexual it is entirely possible for you to fall in love with another person because sexuality is fluid and evolving. Autosexuality primarily relates to a strong sense of self-attraction and self-connection, but it does not preclude someone from forming romantic or emotional connections with others. Being autosexual doesn't mean you are incapable of experiencing romantic love or deep emotional bonds with someone else.

Autosexuality is a unique and valid aspect of human sexuality, and people who identify as autosexual should be celebrated for their self-love and self-acceptance. In the context of a relationship, if that means embracing autosexuality (this might look like a shared enjoyment of self-pleasure), then that is a powerful step on the path to self-discovery and personal growth.

Many autosexual individuals do engage in romantic relationships and experience love for others while still maintaining a strong sense of self-love and self-attraction. In fact, a healthy romantic relationship can complement one's sense of self-love and personal growth.

As with any sexual orientation, it's essential to approach dating and relationships with honesty, open communication, and a commitment to authenticity. People who are able to embrace their autosexuality can also share it with potential partners, creating meaningful connections that align with both their values and desires.

That said, people who identify as autosexual may approach dating and relationships in a unique way. Here are some tips for navigating the dating world:

Determining if you are autosexual is a personal and introspective process. Autosexuality is not a widely recognized or studied sexual orientation, so there are no specific diagnostic criteria or tests to definitively determine if someone is autosexual. However, there are some signs and characteristics that may suggest you have autosexual tendencies. Here are some factors to consider:

Autosexual individuals often have a deep and strong connection with themselves. They feel comfortable and satisfied with their own company, both physically and emotionally.

You may find that you have a genuine attraction to your own body or personality. This can manifest as a strong sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Autosexual individuals may derive a significant amount of sexual satisfaction and pleasure from solo activities, such as self-pleasure (masturbation), self-care, or self-exploration.

Autosexuals tend to value their independence and self-sufficiency. They often prioritize self-care and self-discovery as essential components of their well-being.

While autosexual individuals can certainly form romantic and sexual relationships with others, they may not feel a strong need for external validation or companionship to feel fulfilled.

Autoeroticism and autosexuality are related concepts but have different meanings. Autoeroticism refers to the practice of engaging in sexual activity or self-stimulation for sexual pleasure by oneself, without the involvement of a partner. It encompasses activities such as masturbation, self-pleasure, and sexual fantasies that individuals engage in to experience sexual satisfaction on their own. Autoeroticism is a broader concept that focuses on the physical and erotic aspects of self-stimulation and self-pleasure. It does not necessarily involve feelings of romantic attraction or emotional connection to oneself.

Autosexuality, on the other hand, is a term used to describe individuals who experience a strong sense of attraction, connection, or sexual satisfaction with themselves. It goes beyond just the physical act of self-pleasure and can include a deep emotional or romantic connection with oneself. Autosexuality is a more specific concept than autoeroticism and often includes an element of self-love, self-attraction, and self-romance. Autosexual individuals may feel emotionally fulfilled by their own company and may have a high level of self-esteem and self-confidence.

The desire to indulge in self-pleasure, often referred to as masturbation or self-stimulation, is a natural and common aspect of human sexuality. It involves engaging in sexual activities for the purpose of experiencing sexual pleasure without the involvement of a partner. Self-pleasure is a physical act and does not necessarily imply a deep emotional or romantic connection with oneself.

It is a common and healthy way for individuals to explore their bodies, experience sexual pleasure, and release sexual tension. Self-pleasure is not exclusive to autosexual individuals; it is a practice that people of various sexual orientations and identities engage in to satisfy their sexual needs and desires.

Autosexuality includes a broader and more complex set of feelings and emotions toward oneself, which can include self-love and self-romantic attraction. The desire to indulge in self-pleasure, on the other hand, is a more specific and common aspect of human sexuality focused on the physical act of experiencing sexual pleasure through self-stimulation. While autosexual individuals may engage in self-pleasure, the two concepts differ in terms of the depth of emotional and romantic connection with oneself.

* Williams Institute (2019) School of Law, Williams Institute. Available at: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/sm-asexuals-press-release/. (Accessed 23 October 2023).