Autosexual: 3 Signs of Autosexuality

The term “autosexual” refers to people with a sexual identity that favors the attraction to the self instead of a sexual partner. Sexuality is fluid, and autosexual people prefer having sexual experiences with their own bodies (via sex toys and masturbation in front of a mirror). Autosexuals may have a sexual attraction to others of any gender. Still, they generally feel a more robust sexual desire for themselves, engaging in self-stimulating activities that lead to solo sex orgasms.

Autosexual and autoromantic describe two unique sexual-romantic orientations. Someone who identifies as autosexual prefers sexual activities with themself but may still experience a romantic attraction toward others. They might enter romantic relationships with others while still desiring to have sex with themself. An autoromantic person, however, has a romantic attraction to themself. They may also have autosexual experiences or sexual experiences with others that do not equate to romance or commitment.

In the LGBTQ+ community, the plus sign encompasses other letters, which elongate to LGBTQIA. Sometimes, the A refers to asexual or aromantic or allies. In some variations, it can relate to autosexual or autoromantic.

Autosexuality is a healthy expression of eroticism. You may be autosexual if:

1. 1. You find yourself sexually appealing. If you fantasize about yourself or develop sexual feelings for people who look like you or share specific features, that can signify autosexuality.
2. 2. You have sex in front of a mirror. For autosexual people, watching yourself during sex in front of a mirror can be a big turn-on, showing attraction to the self.
3. 3. You prefer masturbating to partnered sex. People who like masturbating or performing sex on themselves with a dildo or other sex toy instead of having sex with others might be autosexual.

There are some misconceptions about this sexual orientation. Consider the following misconceptions and their myth-busting:

1. 1. Autosexuals are abnormal. Autosexuality is entirely healthy; autosexuals can lead happy sex lives, have vital mental health, and connect with others on platonic and romantic levels.
2. 2. Autosexuals are narcissists. Autosexuality is not a form of narcissism. Autosexuals have sexual fantasies about themselves, which is as much a sexual preference as people’s attraction to others.
3. 3. Autosexuals don’t want romantic partners. While most autosexuals get sexual pleasure from stimulating themselves, that does not mean they can’t pursue lifelong romantic relationships. Autosexuals can still enjoy sex with romantic partners; they may prefer to save sexual feelings for themselves.
4. 4. Autosexual is the same as asexual. Asexual people experience minimal to no sexual desires, while autosexual people experience sexual arousal primarily for themselves.

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