Human Sexuality Comes in at Least 18 Flavors—And Counting
When most of us were growing up, we were taught a very limited understanding of sex and attraction. The standard script went something like this: there are two sexes—male and female—and two sexual orientations—straight or gay. Everything else was either ignored, misunderstood, or shamed.
But human sexuality is far more diverse than those narrow boxes allow. Thanks to researchers like Alfred Kinsey, who introduced the Kinsey Scale in the 1940s, the public began to understand that sexual attraction exists on a spectrum. Later, the Storms Sexuality Axis and the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid further broadened our understanding of identity, attraction, and behavior.
In reality, both sexuality and gender are fluid. People may shift how they identify or who they’re attracted to throughout their lives. For some, attraction is rooted in emotional intimacy. For others, it’s about energy, intelligence, gender expression—or a little of everything.
Today, terms like asexual, pansexual, and sapiosexual are helping people define their experiences in ways that feel more authentic. Curious to learn more? Here are 18 types of sexualities you might not have heard of (or fully understood), all of which reflect just how beautifully varied human desire can be.
1. Allosexual
Anyone who experiences sexual attraction is considered allosexual. This is the baseline for most people, but it’s still worth naming—especially to contrast with identities on the asexual spectrum.
2. Asexual
Asexual people experience little to no sexual attraction. This doesn’t mean they don’t want relationships or love—it just means sex isn’t a driving force.
3. Androsexual
Attracted to masculinity? You might be androsexual—regardless of whether that masculine energy comes from men, women, or nonbinary individuals.
4. Gynesexual
On the flip side, gynesexuals are drawn to femininity, no matter who expresses it. It’s about attraction to feminine energy and traits rather than specific genders.
5. Heterosexual
Often considered the “default,” heterosexuality describes sexual attraction to the so-called opposite gender. But even this term can include trans and nonbinary individuals who align with that attraction pattern.
6. Homosexual
Gay and lesbian individuals fall under this umbrella—those who are attracted to people of the same gender or sex.
7. Bisexual
Bisexuality includes attraction to two or more genders. It’s not necessarily a 50/50 split—bi folks may have preferences, but attraction spans across gender lines.
8. Polysexual
Polysexual people are attracted to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders. There’s room for nuance and individual preference here.
9. Pansexual
Pansexuality is all-inclusive—attraction regardless of sex, gender, or identity. Think of it as being open to falling for the person, not their parts.
10. Demisexual
Demisexuals only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection. It’s not abstinence—it’s about emotional intimacy first.
11. Graysexual
Somewhere between allosexual and asexual, graysexuals experience sexual desire occasionally or under specific circumstances.
12. Cupiosexual
Cupiosexuals don’t feel sexual attraction themselves, but still desire sexual contact. Think of it as wanting the experience, not the drive.
13. Autosexual
Autosexuals are primarily aroused by themselves. For many, solo pleasure is more fulfilling than sexual encounters with others.
14. Ceterosexual
Ceterosexuality describes attraction specifically to trans or nonbinary people. It’s often misunderstood but deserves visibility.
15. Sapiosexual
Intelligence is the aphrodisiac for sapiosexuals. A sharp mind, deep conversation, and mental stimulation ignite their desire.
16. Abrosexual
This is a fluid sexuality that can shift over time. One day someone may feel bisexual, the next day gay, the next day something else entirely.
17. Heteroflexible
Heteroflexible folks identify as mostly straight but may occasionally be attracted to someone of the same gender.
18. Homoflexible
Similarly, homoflexible people primarily identify as gay or lesbian but may find themselves open to different-gender connections now and then.
In Conclusion
Labels aren’t about boxes—they’re about freedom. Understanding the many types of sexuality can help people better understand themselves and others. Whether you’re exploring your own identity or just expanding your knowledge, knowing these terms fosters acceptance, empathy, and connection in a world that’s increasingly complex and beautifully diverse.