Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person feels sexually attracted to someone only after they have developed a close emotional bond with them. The prefix “demi” means half, which can refer to being halfway between sexual and asexual. Demisexuals do not experience primary sexual attraction, which is attraction based on immediately observable characteristics such as appearance or smell and is experienced immediately. Instead, they are more likely to feel secondary attraction, which happens after they know someone for a while. Most demisexuals feel sexual attraction rarely compared to the general population, and some have little to no interest in sexual activity.

It is important to note that demisexuality is not the same as gray asexuality, which is a sexual orientation in which a person experiences sexual attraction infrequently or not at all. Demisexuality is also not the same as being pansexual, which is a sexual orientation in which a person is sexually attracted to anyone, regardless of the person’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Demiromanticism is similar to demisexuality but slightly different. People who are demiromantic need to feel an emotional connection with someone before they can feel romantic toward them. Most people who identify as demisexual also identify as demiromantic, but you can be one without the other.

It is worth noting that demisexuality is a valid sexual orientation, just like any other.