More people are coming out as Aegosexual – here’s what it means

As discussions around sexuality become more layered, so does the vocabulary used to describe them. One term now drawing attention is aegosexual, an “identity-less” experience that’s defined by “disconnection.”

With gender and sexuality now part of everyday conversation, it’s no surprise that a growing number of new labels are finding their way into the mainstream.

Aegosexuality, part of the asexual spectrum, describes people who experience arousal or desire without wanting to engage in sexual activity.

At its core, the identity centers on a disconnect between experiencing attraction and wanting to personally act on it.

‘Disconnection’

The concept was first introduced in 2012 by Canadian psychologist and sexologist Anthony Bogaert, who originally referred to it as “autochorissexualism.” Bogaert described the experience as an “identity-less sexuality,” that’s “characterized by a disconnection between their sense of self and a sexual object or target.”

In practical terms, someone who is aegosexual may enjoy sexual thoughts, fantasies, or erotic material, yet feel detached from the idea of being involved themselves. The attraction exists, but the desire for personal participation does not.

Mental disorder

However, Bogaert’s original framing placed autochorissexualism within the category of “paraphilia.”