What does it mean to be greysexual Definition and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What does it mean to be greysexual Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC — By Beth Sissons on April 7, 2022Greysexuality is a sexual orientation that falls under the asexual spectrum. A person who is greysexual typically experiences limited sexual attraction to others. However, everyone’s experience of greysexuality varies drastically. 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 covers the definition of greysexual and how it compares to other types of asexual identities. It also examines where a person can find support and provides sources where others can learn how to be an ally. What does greysexual mean Share on PinterestMillenius/ShutterstockPeople typically characterize asexuality as a sexual orientation in which a person does not experience sexual attraction or desires. However, asexuality is a spectrum of different sexual orientations, which people may refer to as ‘a-spec.’ Greysexuality is one type of asexual identity. It refers to those who fall between an asexual identity in which people do not experience sexual attraction and those who identify as allosexual. Allosexual is a term to describe individuals who feel sexual attraction or desire for sexual activity with another person. According to GLAAD, each person who is greysexual can have very different experiences but will usually experience limited sexual attraction to others. This can include:not usually experiencing sexual attraction to others, but may occasionallypeople enjoy and desire sexual relationships, but only under specific and limited circumstancespeople experience low sexual desire but do experience some attraction The Asexual Visibility & Education Network (AVEN) states that although each person will experience greysexuality differently, a person who is greysexual will feel much lower levels of sexual attraction than people who are allosexual. Other terms for greysexuality include:grey-Agrey-acegrey-asexuality If people have an attraction to a certain gender, they may also use terms such as bisexual, gay, or heterosexual in conjunction with grey, such as grey-homosexual. How does a person know if they are greysexual There is no test to determine whether someone is greysexual, and everyone experiences greysexuality differently. However, a person may identify as greysexual if they feel that the word relates to them. They may also identify as greysexual if they relate to the concept and experiences of asexuality, but they do not feel that “asexuality” is a label that fits them exactly. Greysexuality vs greyromantic The Split Attraction Model, or SAM, divides sexual and romantic attraction. People can experience romantic and sexual attraction differently. In the same way a person can identify as asexual and allosexual, they can also identify as aromantic or alloromantic Greyromantic refers to those who may feel some romantic attraction to others, falling between aromantic and alloromantic. Greysexuality vs demisexuality Demisexuality is the term for people who only feel a sexual attraction to another person after they feel a strong emotional bond with them. GLAAD states that people who are demisexual may only experience secondary attraction to people. Primary attraction is an attraction to another person through first impressions, such as how they look or smell. Secondary attraction is an attraction that forms over time through emotional connection. People who are demisexual may feel they are greysexual or asexual if they do not develop an emotional bond with someone. Sexual orientations are on a spectrum. Therefore, people may fluctuate between different sexual attractions, such as demisexuality and greysexuality. Learn more about demisexuality. Greysexuality vs a low libido Sexual attraction is different from sexual desire, and greysexuality is not the same as having a low libido, or sex drive. People within the asexual spectrum may feel arousal but without a desire to have a sexual relationship. Although a person’s interest in sex can fluctuate, it becomes a problem if it causes stress. Low libido may occur as a result of a medical condition. Greysexuality is different to a person who has a medical condition that affects their sexuality. Learn more about what causes a low libido. What other forms of attraction can a person who is greysexual experience People who are greysexual may experience a range of attractions toward people, including:Romantic: A person may feel romantic attraction and want a romantic relationship with another person.Aesthetic: An individual may feel aesthetic attraction by appreciating another person’s appearance.Sensual: People may experience sensual attraction and have the desire to hold hands, cuddle, or kiss another person without any sexual desire. Greysexuality and sex People who are greysexual may or may not choose to experience sexual activities. People may fall into certain categories regarding how they feel about sex:Sex-averse: People may feel repulsion toward the idea of having sex or have a complete disinterest in it.Sex-neutral or sex-indifferent: People may not find sex intimate or that enjoyable, but feel no distress at the idea of it. People may not actively seek sex but may still have sex in a relationship if they want to for their partner.Sex-positive or sex-favorable: People may feel happy to compromise with a partner when it comes to sexual activities and may enjoy sex with others for pleasure. People who are greysexual may also choose to have sex to have children. Greysexuality and relationships Communication is an important part of any relationship. People who are greysexual and in a relationship will need to let their partner know what works for them and how they feel about having a sexual relationship. Some people who are greysexual may not be interested in having a relationship at all, while others may want a romantic relationship or a relationship that is sometimes sexual. People who identify as greysexual will have their own unique definition of it that fits them, so communicating this in a relationship can help a partner understand their needs and preferences. Asexuality on a spectrum People may fluctuate between different sexualities within the asexual spectrum. The spectrum also includes different romantic orientations. Some of the identities within the asexual spectrum include:Aromantic: People feel no romantic attraction to others.Demisexual: People only feel sexual attraction after developing an emotional connection with someone.Demiromantic: People only feel a romantic attraction after developing an emotional connection with someone.Reciprosexuality: People only feel sexual attraction to someone once they know the other person has an attraction to them.Recipromanticism: People only feel romantic attraction to someone once they know the other has an attraction to them.Akoisexual: People feel sexual attraction toward another person, but it fades if they reciprocate the attraction.Akoiromantic: People feel romantic attraction toward another person, but it fades if they reciprocate the attraction.Aceflux: People have a sexual orientation that fluctuates between asexual and sexual.Aroflux: People have a romantic orientation that fluctuates between aromantic and romantic. Support People may find online forums or support groups helpful for connecting with other people with similar experiences of greysexuality. People can also learn more or seek advice from several organizations, including:AVEN, which includes information and forums on asexualityDemisexuality Resource Center, which includes forums and resourcesTrevorSpace, which is an online community for young LGBTQIA+ people Being an ally People can take steps to support LGBTQIA+ people by being an ally with the following steps:Learning: Keep informed and learn about current issues and terms within the LGBTQIA+ community.Listening: Stay open-minded and willing to listen to other people’s experiences.Speaking up: Educate others and speak up when someone says an offensive comment against LGBTQIA+ people, and discuss LGBTQIA+ issue with others.Supporting equality: Sign petitions or support policies that protect LGBTQIA+ people from inequality and discrimination. Summary Greysexuality is a sexual orientation that falls under the asexual spectrum. People who are greysexual fall experience some levels of sexual attraction. A person who is greysexual may:infrequently experience sexual attraction at a low intensityfeel sexual attraction to some people or under specific circumstancesfeel sexual attraction but have no desire to act on itbe uncertain of their feelings of sexual attractionnot feel that sexual attraction is important to them People who are greysexual may have a different experience of greysexuality that is unique to them. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for LGBTQIA+, visit our dedicated hub. Last medically reviewed on April 7, 2022LGBTQIA+ 7 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.About asexuality. (n.d.).https://www.asexuality.org/?q=overview.htmlBeing an ally to LGBT people. (n.d.).https://engage.youth.gov/resources/being-ally-lgbt-peopleList of LGBTQ+ terms. (n.d.).https://www.stonewall.org.uk/help-advice/faqs-and-glossary/list-lgbtq-termsPasquier, M. (2018). Explore the spectrum: Guide to finding your ace community.https://www.glaad.org/amp/ace-guide-finding-your-communityThe gray area. (n.d.).https://www.asexuality.org/?q=grayareaTurner, H. (2021). What does asexual mean?https://www.themix.org.uk/sex-and-relationships/gender-and-sexuality/what-does-asexual-mean-26697.htmlWhat is grey asexuality? (n.d.).https://demisexuality.org/articles/what-is-gray-asexualityFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC — By Beth Sissons on April 7, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat does it mean to be asexual? Asexuality is a sexual orientation that involves a lack of sexual attraction. This article looks at what it means to be on the asexual spectrum. 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