Autosexual Meaning: Understanding What It Means to Be Attracted to Yourself

A person who has sexual attraction toward themself is said to be autosexual. Some examples of this behavior include having sexual relations with one's own body or becoming sexually attracted by one's own body. While this term may be unknown to many, autosexuality is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation that has earned more attention in recent years.

In this blog post, we will go more into the meaning of autosexuality, its roots, and the obstacles that autosexual individuals may experience. We'll talk about how people generally feel about autosexuality and offer advice to anyone who's struggling with an attraction to themselves. Read further into understanding autosexual meaning and why it is important to understand this form of sexuality and expression in the LGBTQ+ Community. 

What is Autosexuality?

Those who identify as autosexual are sexually attracted to themselves. Masturbation, sexual fantasies, and an overall sense of pride in one's physical self are just a few examples of the ways this can develop. Autosexuality affects both sexes equally and knows no age boundaries.

During the 1980s, sex researcher J. Michael Bailey was the first to introduce the word "autosexual" to characterize people who are most attracted to themselves. A growing number of people are becoming comfortable with openly discussing their sexual orientation, and this has led to a rise in interest in autosexuality, a relatively new idea in sexuality.


Origins of Autosexuality

Due to a lack of studies, we don't know for sure where autosexuality first emerged. Some researchers, however, think it has something to do with an individual's sense of self-worth and affection for themselves. People with high self-esteem may be sexually attracted to themselves because they appreciate and value their own bodies and sexuality.

Challenges Faced by Autosexual Individuals

Even while autosexuality is a perfectly legitimate sexual orientation, those who identify as autosexual may confront special difficulties in today's society. Autosexuality is often stigmatized and misunderstood, and its practitioners may experience feelings of shame and loneliness as a result of this perception. Also, many people are unfamiliar with the concept of autosexuality, therefore autosexual individuals may have difficulty finding partners who embrace their sexuality.

Some people confuse autosexuality with narcissism, which further muddles their sense of self and their sexuality. Some people who identify as autosexual may have problems with narcissism, but autosexuality is not narcissism. Rather, it's merely a distinct type of sexual desire that stands on its own merits.

View of Autosexuality in Society

Cultural and religious norms greatly affect how people perceive autosexuality. Self-love and -appreciation are celebrated in some cultures, but frowned upon in others. Those who identify as autosexual may find it challenging to reconcile their desires with their faith if, for example, masturbation and self-pleasure are considered prohibited in their religious tradition.

Nonetheless, autosexuality still lacks acceptance and understanding in mainstream culture. It could lead to stigmatization and exclusion if people treat you differently because they find your behavior odd or even pathological. Yet, we can aspire for wider acceptance and understanding of autosexuality as more individuals are exposed to information about this alternative sexual orientation.