Autosexual can be defined as "sexual attraction to one's self". It was first coined by the sex researcher, Bernard Apfelbaum, in 1989. Some people have described it as "You know that feeling you get when you're sexually attracted to your partner? Well, I feel that whenever I look at myself, not towards other people".
Dr McGowan from University College London explains the orientation as: "Autosexuals are more comfortable sexually when in their own company, while narcissists crave attention. Autosexuality is also not likely to be associated with a lack of empathy or desire to give others pleasure – sexually or otherwise – but rather a preference towards a private and personal sexual experience."
There is a spectrum of autosexuality like many sexual orientations. They can still have sex with other people. Some of them do choose to have romantic partners, while others choose to "marry themselves". Some will have sexual fantasies involving themselves as well.
Autosexuals come from all slices of life and have a wide range of personalities. Are some narcissistic (clinical or laymen's definition)? Yes. However, it is not a requirement to be autosexual. Are some egotistical? Yes, but it is not a requirement to be autosexual.
The maker of the autosexual flag is a user who goes by the name "aturinfortheworse" online. It was created in 2013. When asked about the meanings, they responded with "I think the red is for love/sexual attraction. Grey for some connection to the ace/grey-ace flag because there’s a lot of overlap. I’m really stumped by the pale blue . . . something to do with the pansexual flag, i think? No, right, okay; I’ve got it, I think. So the main people - as far as I can tell, and by no means am I suggesting this is all - who are autosexual are either Potential Attraction to Literally Anyone (as in pansexual, self inclusive) or are attracted to only themselves and often identify as ace/grey-ace. So the blue is from the pansexual flag and the grey is from the ace flag. With this in mind, I just thought of a simpler flag: grey stripe, red stripe, blue stripe.")
Interesting in learning more about autosexuality? Here's some resources!
- "'I'm autosexual and I fancy myself more than other people'" https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/85b0bae2-b9fb-4358-9519-4d68aafaf49c
- "Age of the autosexual: the people sexually attracted to themselves" https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2019/mar/04/age-of-the-autosexual-the-people-sexually-attracted-to-themselves
- "What it's like being autosexual when you're attracted to yourself" https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/02/whats-it-like-being-autosexual-when-youre-attracted-to-yourself-8792806/
- "How to tell if you’re autosexual: When you’re sexually attracted to yourself" https://thetab.com/uk/2019/03/06/what-its-like-being-autosexual-when-youre-attracted-to-yourself-94749
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