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People of any gender identity or sexual orientation may identify as androsexual. Medical News Today uses definitions of sexual, romantic, and gender identities that come from LGBTQIA+ and ally sources. However, it is important to note that these identities are personal, and people may define them differently. Always refer to a person’s sexual, romantic, or gender identity the same way the person describes it. This article looks at the characteristics people may have if they are androsexual, tips on telling others about sexual orientation, resources, and how to be an ally. What is androsexuality Share on PinterestEloisa Ramos/StocksyAccording to GLAAD, androsexual is a term people may use to describe those who are primarily attracted to perceived masculinity, either sexually, aesthetically, or romantically. Masculinity refers to how a person externally presents themselves via the way they look or behave. However, it is important to note that society typically dictates what people consider masculine, which changes over time and can vary depending on a person’s culture. People may also use the term androphilic to mean the same as androsexual. Anybody of any gender identity or sexual orientation can identify as androsexual. How is this different from being a cisgender heterosexual woman Cisgender is a gender identity, performance, or gender role that society perceives to match the sex assigned at birth. Heterosexual is a sexual orientation in which a person is attracted to others who have a different gender identity to their own. A cisgender heterosexual woman is a person who:was assigned female at birthidentifies as a womanis attracted to men Androsexuality refers to an attraction to perceived masculinity. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, anyone can identify as androsexual. For example, a person who identifies as lesbian and androsexual may be attracted to other women who present as masculine. People may find the term androsexual more applicable to them than other terms, such as heterosexual, gay, or lesbian. How might a person know if they are androsexual People may be androsexual if they are attracted to males, men, or masculinity. Attraction may take a range of forms, such as:sexual attractionaesthetic, which means a person is attracted to another’s appearanceemotional attractionromantic attraction People of any gender and sexual orientation can be androsexual. People can have an attraction to any gender identity and to people with masculine qualities or gender expression. How to tell others It is up to each individual how, when, or if they choose to tell people about their sexual orientation. Each person will have different experiences, and people should do what feels best for them with where they are in their lives. If a person intends to tell others about their sexual orientation, people may wish to plan ahead. It may be beneficial to take some time to think about what, when, where, and how they want to say it. If a person is unsure of how others may react upon being told, they may want to discuss LGBTQIA+ issues with them first to gauge their reaction. A person can also ask a friend, family member, or another person they trust to stay with them during the conversation. What to do if the conversation does not go well If people tell others about their sexual orientation and they have a negative response, it may feel difficult to deal with. It is important to remember that it is not the fault of the person sharing their identity if another person has a negative response. People can connect with the LGBTQ+ community online, through social media, or through local support groups, which may make people feel less alone and more supported. If people feel unsafe or are in distress after a negative response, they can contact a helpline at any time, such as through The Trevor Project. Support People may find the following resources helpful in offering support, advice, networks, and learning resources:The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides a range of resources, an online community for young LGBTQIA+ people, and a 24/7 helpline.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides a list of resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and their loved ones.The Safe Zone Project: The Safe Zone Project provides a list of resources for LGBTQIA+ people and allies. Being an ally To support people who are androsexual and be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, people can take the following steps:Avoid making assumptions about people’s gender identities and sexual orientations.Understand how unconscious beliefs and biases can be harmful.Be intentionally inclusive with social groups, use of pronouns, and terminology.Speak up if a situation requires it, such as offensive or ignorant comments against LGBTQIA+ people.Educate others on LGBTQIA+ issues and terminology.Listen or learn about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.Learn about intersectionality and marginalized groups within the LGBTQIA+ community and how to support them.Support campaigns or policies promoting LGBTQIA+ equality. Summary A person who is androsexual is attracted to perceived masculinity, which can include the way a person looks and acts. People of any gender identity or sexual orientation can be androsexual. Although the term implies a sexual attraction, it may be a romantic, aesthetic, sensual, or emotional attraction as well or instead. People may want to tell others about their sexual orientation, or they may want to use the term for their own benefit. People can support androsexual people by listening to their experiences and respecting their identity. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for LGBTQIA+, visit our dedicated hub. Last medically reviewed on April 12, 2022LGBTQIA+ 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Allyship. (n.d.).https://gaycenter.org/about/allyship/Androsexual/Androphilic. (n.d.).https://midsouthpride.org/term/androsexual-androphilic/Coming out. (n.d.).https://www.glsen.org/activity/coming-out-resource-lgbtq-studentsGlossary of terms: LGBTQ. (n.d.).https://www.glaad.org/reference/termsLGBTQIA resource center glossary. (2020).https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/glossaryLGBTQIA+ terminology.https://www.umass.edu/stonewall/sites/default/files/documents/allyship_term_handout.pdfSexual orientations. (n.d.).https://www.tcpolestar.org/lgbt-labelsThe coming out handbook. (n.d.).https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/the-coming-out-handbook/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC — By Beth Sissons on April 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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