Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person feels sexually attracted to someone only after they’ve developed a close emotional bond with them. It is different from primary sexual attraction, which is based on immediately observable characteristics such as appearance or smell and is experienced immediately. Demisexuals may be gay, straight, bisexual, demiromantic, sapiosexual, gray asexual, or pansexual, and can have any gender identity. The prefix “demi” means half, which can refer to being halfway between sexual and asexual.

Some demisexuals will also feel romantic attraction, while others do not. The duration of time and the degree of interpersonal knowledge and bonding required for a demisexual person to develop sexual attraction may be highly variable between individuals. 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 term used to describe people who experience sexual attraction infrequently or with low intensity. Demisexuals may also be confused with people who choose to wait for a deep bond to form before having sex with someone, but demisexuality is a sexual orientation, not a preference.

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. People of any sexual orientation can also be demiromantic.

In summary, demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which a person feels sexually attracted to someone only after they’ve developed a close emotional bond with them. It is different from primary sexual attraction and is not the same as gray asexuality or a preference to wait for a deep bond to form before having sex with someone.