Asexual spectrum

The asexual spectrum, abbreviated as acespec, refers to sexual orientations that are asexual or are closely related to asexuality. Identities under the asexual umbrella are closely connected as part of a broad community.

Identities under the umbrella
The identities below are listed alphabetically, following asexual itself.

Aceflux
Aceflux has two common definitions:
 * 1) Someone with a fluctuating orientation, and that orientation is always within the asexual spectrum.
 * 2) Someone with an orientation that fluctuates between no attraction, some attraction, and a lot of attraction.

Aegosexual
Aegosexual, also known less commonly as anegosexual and formerly referred to as autochorissexual ("autochoris" means "identity-less"), is a microlabel on the asexual spectrum that describes those who experience a disconnect between themselves and the subject of arousal. The contemporary term is made up of the prefix "a/an-" meaning 'not', "ego" for 'self', and 'sexual'. Hence, "aegosexual" or "anegosexual" literally means "sexual without self". Aegosexuals may have sexual fantasies, view sexual content, or masturbate, but typically feel little to no sexual attraction or desire to engage in sexual intercourse. Many aegosexuals fantasize about sex from a third-person perspective.

Apothisexual
Apothisexual, which stems from the Greek root "apothisan" meaning 'repulsed', refers to someone who identifies as asexual and finds sex and/or sexual activity to be disgusting or uncomfortable. Individuals who use this term are affected by sex in the media to varying degrees, and may try to avoid its presence altogether. This term should not be confused with 'sex-negative', which means finding sex immoral.

Autosexual
Autosexual is a label that refers to someone who mostly or only feels sexual attraction to themselves.

Cupiosexual
Cupiosexual, derived from "cupio" meaning longing, refers to a person who is asexual or on the asexual spectrum and still desires sexual actions despite not feeling an attraction towards people who'd inspire that desire. The term originally showed up on forums in 2014. Although cupiosexuals will not experience sexual attraction to their sexual partner, there are a myriad of other reasons a cupiosexual may have sex, such as physical pleasure or a way to bond with one's partner.

Fraysexual
Fraysexual or ignotasexual describe individuals who experience sexual attraction to those whom they do not know very well. For some fraysexual people, they may initially be attracted to another person; however, they find that their sexual attraction fades over time, particularly as an emotional connection is formed. Some fraysexual people have described their sexuality as an "imbalance of morals" that prevents them from being able to engage in sexual acts with any other person close to them. Fraysexuality has been considered by some to be the "opposite" of demisexuality.

Lithosexual
Lithosexual, formerly known as "akoisexual", is a term for someone who feels sexual attraction only for those that do not reciprocate those feelings.

Flag
The asexual flag was created collaboratively within the community in 2010. The first three stripes (black, gray, and white) represent a gradient from asexuality and gray-asexuality to allosexuality, based on the symbolism of the AVEN triangle. The fourth stripe, purple, represents community.

An alternative asexual spectrum flag design was posted to Tumblr on July 25, 2020, by Potion of the Flag Archive blog. It has four equal-sized horizontal stripes, and they suggested the following meanings for the colors: dark blue for community, its history, and solidarity; purple for asexuality in all variations and personal labels, pink for self-determination, pride, and acceptance; cream for diversity in experiences and types of attraction.

Resources

 * Asexual Visibility and Education Network&mdash;website