Keeping up with modern relationship terminology can feel overwhelming. New words describing sexual identity and attraction seem to appear regularly, leaving many people trying to understand what each one represents.
Terms like graysexual, abrosexual, and even lesser-known labels have entered mainstream conversations in recent years. As society becomes more open about discussing sexuality, more individuals are finding language that better describes their personal experiences.
This shift reflects a broader cultural trend: people want clearer ways to explain how they experience love, dating, and emotional intimacy.
While the growing list of identities can sometimes feel confusing, it also highlights how diverse human attraction truly is. That’s why we’re breaking down one term that has been gaining increased attention — demisexuality.
Unlike some newer labels that remain unfamiliar to many, demisexuality has entered wider public discussion — especially after British singer Tulisa Contostavlos spoke about her identity during her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2024.
The former X Factor judge shared that she identifies as demisexual, explaining that emotional depth plays a crucial role in how she experiences attraction.
She described her perspective by saying that connection comes first. For her, physical attraction does not happen without a meaningful emotional bond. She referred to herself as a “slow burner,” emphasizing the importance of trust and emotional intimacy.
Demisexuality is considered a sexual orientation in which a person only feels sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection with someone.
For demisexual individuals, attraction typically develops from:
- Deep emotional intimacy
- Mutual trust
- Personal compatibility
- Meaningful conversations
- Shared values
Physical appearance, voice, or other immediate traits are not usually the primary triggers of attraction.