GUIDES

Types of Sexual Orientation: 23 Labels and Meanings

From asexual to skoliosexual: plain-language definitions of the 23 sexual orientations you can choose on Nymph, so you can find the label that fits.

✦ BY LUNA ROSE

MARCH 28, 2025

Types of Sexual Orientation: 23 Labels and Meanings

At Nymph, we're all about embracing diversity and celebrating the full spectrum of human experiences. Our platform is designed for open-minded, non-monogamous, kink-friendly, and queer individuals, and we believe that the more we understand each other, the more we can create a welcoming space for everyone. That's why we're taking a moment to dive into the different sexual orientations you'll find on Nymph – because no matter who you are, we want you to feel seen, understood, and free to be your authentic self.

Straight

Straight, or heterosexual, individuals are primarily attracted to people of the opposite gender. It's one of the most widely recognized sexual orientations and remains an important part of the sexual spectrum.

Gay

Gay individuals are attracted to members of the same gender. This term is most commonly used for men who are attracted to other men, but anyone identifying with same-sex attraction can use this label.

Lesbian

Lesbian refers to women who are attracted to other women. This orientation is a key part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for many, being a lesbian is an important part of both their sexual and social identity.

Bisexual

Bisexual individuals experience attraction to more than one gender. This can mean attraction to both men and women or any number of gender identities. It’s an orientation that acknowledges the fluidity of attraction and the possibility of love and desire beyond the binary.

Pansexual

Pansexuality refers to attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. Pansexual individuals are drawn to others based on personality, connection, and chemistry rather than gender, which creates a deeper sense of inclusivity.

Polysexual

Polysexual individuals are attracted to multiple genders, but not all. While pansexuality encompasses all genders, polysexuality involves attraction to a subset, highlighting the varied and complex nature of sexual attraction.

Androgynosexual

Androgynosexual people are attracted to individuals who express androgynous traits - those that blend masculine and feminine qualities. This orientation celebrates gender fluidity and attraction to people who defy traditional gender roles.

Androsexual

Androsexuality is the attraction to people with masculine traits or expressions, regardless of their gender. This can include individuals who identify as cisgender, transgender, or non-binary, as long as they express masculinity in some form.

Aromantic

Aromantic people do not experience romantic attraction to others, though they can still form deep and meaningful relationships. Aromantic individuals may engage in friendships and partnerships, but without the romantic or emotional attraction that others feel.

Autosexual

Autosexuality is when an individual feels primarily attracted to themselves. While this doesn’t mean a lack of interest in others, autosexual individuals experience a stronger sexual attraction to their own body, personality, or presence.

Asexual

Asexuality refers to individuals who do not experience sexual attraction. This doesn’t mean a lack of intimacy, connection, or love, but rather a difference in how sexual desire is experienced or expressed.

Bi-Curious

Bi-curious individuals are exploring the possibility of being attracted to more than one gender. It’s a space of curiosity and self-discovery, where individuals can explore their attractions without the pressure of labeling themselves.

Demisexual

Demisexual individuals experience sexual attraction only after forming a deep emotional connection with someone. The emotional bond precedes sexual desire, making demisexuality a unique and meaningful part of the sexual spectrum.

Fraysexual

Fraysexual individuals experience sexual attraction that fades after they get to know someone more intimately. At first, they may feel a strong attraction to someone, but as they form a deeper connection, that attraction tends to diminish or disappear entirely. For those who identify as fraysexual, the spark of attraction is often tied to novelty and initial encounters, with feelings changing as the relationship grows.

GrayA (Gray-Asexual)

Graysexual individuals experience sexual attraction infrequently or under rare circumstances. It's a more nuanced space for those who find that their experiences of attraction don’t fit neatly into the typical categories of sexual desire.

Gynesexual

Gynesexual individuals are attracted to femininity or female-presenting people. This includes cis women, trans women, and anyone who identifies or presents themselves in a feminine way, highlighting the diversity of attraction within gender expression.

Heteroflexible

Heteroflexible individuals are primarily attracted to the opposite gender but may experience occasional attraction to the same gender. This orientation embraces fluidity and flexibility, allowing for occasional exploration outside of strict heterosexual norms.

Homoflexible

Homoflexible individuals are mainly attracted to the same gender but may also experience occasional attraction to the opposite gender. Like heteroflexible individuals, homoflexible people embrace a fluid approach to their attractions and experiences.

Objectumsexual

Objectumsexual individuals are attracted to inanimate objects. While this may seem unusual to some, it’s a valid orientation where deep emotional and sexual connections can be formed with non-living entities.

Omnisexual

Omnisexual individuals are attracted to all genders, but unlike pansexuality, there may still be an awareness of gender as a factor in their attraction. Omnisexuality celebrates the diversity of people while acknowledging gender as an element of connection.

Graysexual

Similar to grayA, graysexual individuals experience sexual attraction on a limited basis, but it’s more broadly used to describe those whose experiences with attraction are rare or ambiguous. It’s an orientation that reflects the complexity of desire.

Queer

Queer is an umbrella term used for anyone whose sexual or gender identity falls outside of traditional norms. It’s a powerful reclamation of a word that once held negative connotations, now embraced by those who don’t fit into the “straight” or “cisgender” boxes.

Skoliosexual

Skoliosexual individuals are attracted to people who are transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming. This orientation reflects the beauty of attraction that goes beyond the gender binary, celebrating the diversity of gender expressions.

We believe in creating a space where all sexual orientations are not just accepted but celebrated. Whether you're just beginning to explore your sexual identity, embracing who you are, or simply looking for a place where you're not confined by labels, you belong here.

Ready to connect with a community that celebrates all orientations? Explore our guide to inclusive dating apps and communities where you can find authentic connections with people who understand you.