What does it mean to be biromantic asexual?

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Biromantic is a type of romantic orientation. This describes a person’s romantic attraction to others.

If a person is biromantic, it means they are romantically attracted to people of two or more genders, according to Aces & Aros.

The LGBTQIA Resource Center states that the term “asexuality” refers to a spectrum of sexual orientations in which people can experience varying degrees of sexual attraction.

Some asexual people will experience no sexual attraction, while others will experience varying levels of sexual attraction.

Everyone experiences their sexuality differently. It is important that people do not make assumptions about a person and their experiences.

Individuals can have a romantic orientation that differs from their sexual orientation.

People may refer to this as the split attraction model, which separates romantic attraction from sexual attraction.

Asexual people may not feel any sexual attraction toward others, but may feel a romantic attraction toward people of certain genders.

People who are biromantic asexual may want a romantic relationship with people of multiple genders but may not feel sexually attracted to people of any gender.

Biromantic asexual people may desire a romantic relationship with another person. People may be looking for an emotional connection and romantic love.

People may express romantic attraction through a number of ways, such as:

• physical affection, such as cuddling or holding hands
• spending quality time together
• doing something thoughtful for the other person or giving a meaningful gift
• complimenting or positively affirming the other person
• sharing responsibilities

A biromantic asexual person may not be in a relationship with someone who identifies with the same romantic or sexual orientations. This means that it is important to communicate how each person feels and discuss what each person feels comfortable with.

According to GLAAD, some asexual people:

• may have no desire to engage in sexual activity
• may be sex-neutral or sex-positive and wish to engage in sexual activity with others
• may have a libido, experience arousal, and masturbate but not engage in sexual activity with others
• may have a libido and have sex with a partner

It is up to each individual whether they want to share how they identify with those around them.

If people want to help those around them understand more about being biromantic asexual, they may find the following tips from The Trevor Project helpful:

• People may feel comfortable telling different people in different ways, such as online, in person, via a text or email, through a letter, or over the phone.
• People may feel comfortable telling some people and not others, they may want everyone in their life to know, or they may feel happy just being out to themselves.
• It is important to follow whatever feels safe and right for each person, at the time that is right for them.
• People may feel happy telling others in a casual way or it may help to prepare what to say in advance or write out the key points to communicate.
• Talking with supportive, encouraging people first may help a person practice.
• A person may want to consider the timing and location in which they will talk with others.

Others may have a range of responses to learning more about a person’s romantic and sexual orientations.

Considering how they may react in positive or negative ways may help people prepare and plan how they may respond to others’ reactions.

If people are unsure of how others will react to their identity, they may want to talk to them first about an LGBTQIA+ person in the public eye or LGBTQIA+ issues. This may give an indication of how they will react — but not always.

If people want to talk to a trained counselor at The Trevor Project, they can get in touch here.

People may also want to direct friends and family to FAQ pages of organizations such as The Asexual Visibility & Education Network, which may help answer further questions.

The following are myths and frequently asked questions surrounding biromantic asexuality.

Myth: Being asexual means that a person does not experience arousal or any sexual attraction toward others

GLAAD notes that asexuality is a spectrum and can be different for each person.

Some examples of asexual identities includes:

• Demisexual: A person experiences sexual attraction once a strong emotional connection has formed.
• Graysexual: A person identities as being in-between asexual and sexual.
• Akiosexual: A person experiences sexual attraction that fades if the other person reciprocates it.

Asexual people may or may not feel arousal, masturbate, or participate in sexual activities.

Learn more about asexuality.

Myth: Asexuality is the same as celibacy or a medical condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)

Asexuality is a sexual orientation and is not the same as celibacy or having a low sexual desire due to medical reasons.

Celibacy refers to a person’s decision to abstain from sexual activity despite experiencing sexual desire.

HSDD refers to a medical condition in which a person does not experience sexual desire and it causes distress, per 2016 research.

Planned Parenthood states that people may experience HSDD due to:

• anxiety
• depression
• stress
• tiredness
• concerns about body image
• problems in a relationship
• medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
• medications, such as antidepressants
• menopause
• pregnancy or recent delivery

If a person finds that their lack of sexual desire is causing distress, they should contact a medical professional.

What is the difference between being biromantic and panromantic?

Biromantic refers to a person who experiences romantic attraction to two or more genders.

Panromantic refers to a person who experiences romantic attraction to all genders or regardless of gender.

It is important to note that people may experience romantic attraction to all genders yet still define themselves as biromantic instead of panromantic.

Learn more about what it means to be panromantic asexual.

People may find the following resources helpful for finding support and further information about biromantic asexuality:

• The Asexual Visibility and Education Network
• GLAAD and amp
• The Trevor Project
• Aces & Aros
• Asexual Outreach
• LGBT Foundation

People may also find online forums, support groups, or social media groups a helpful way of connecting with people sharing similar experiences.

GLADD offers the following tips for being an ally and supporting a person who is biromantic asexual and those within the LGBTQ+ community:

• staying open-minded and willing to learn
• listening
• being inclusive and inviting LGBTQIA+ people to join social events
• avoiding making assumptions about anyone’s sexual or romantic orientation and not assuming everyone is heterosexual
• remembering that people can have a sexual orientation that is different to their romantic orientation
• calling out any jokes or comments that are offensive or discriminatory against LGBTQIA+ people
• examining any personal privilege, prejudice, or bias, even if this feels uncomfortable
• taking action on LGTBQIA+ rights movements and contacting organizations, such as GLADD, about misrepresentation or discrimination in the media
• believing that everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity

Biromantic asexual people feel a romantic attraction to people of two or more genders and do not feel a sexual attraction to people of any gender.

People who are biromantic asexual may desire a romantic relationship yet feel no sexual desire. People should communicate with partners about their needs and what they feel comfortable with.

Others can be an ally to biromantic asexual people by listening to their experiences and accepting and supporting their identity.