A woman has bravely shared her experience of coming out as abrosexual, revealing the harsh backlash she faced from friends who questioned the validity of her sexual orientation. Emma Flint recounted the moment she disclosed her sexuality to her friends, only to be met with hurtful comments. She stated that those individuals are no longer part of her life, and being honest about her identity has helped her become more comfortable with her feelings.
Abrosexuality is defined as a sexual identity that fluctuates and changes - it may mean that you're attracted to men for a while, and other times you're attracted to women. Emma fully identifies with this label now, but she was unaware such a term existed until she turned 30. Thankfully, she finally feels "seen" after discovering it.
While Gen Z is actively discussing this sexuality on platforms like TikTok, there's still a lot of confusion surrounding the term, with many people clueless about its meaning. Speaking to Metro, Emma revealed the harsh comments she received when she came out, including "When did you decide this? Is this even a label I've never heard of it. I support you, obviously, but this doesn't sound real", reports the Mirror.
Despite the plethora of sexual identities available today, 32 year old Emma admitted that growing up, she'd never heard of abrosexuality. In the nineties, society recognised only straight, gay or lesbian orientations - anything else was considered "made up".
"Of course, we know that's far from the truth - but societal blindspots mean we learn terms much slower than if they're readily accessible," she said, and revealed she had "struggled" to identify what her sexuality was because it fluctuated "so rapidly".
Emma also recalled how she would get comments from friends questioning her change in sexual preferences and said they didn't understand, and at the time, she couldn't explain why she was no longer a lesbian or why she was now bisexual. It was only when she came across the term abrosexual, being used by Zoe Stoller, a US-based creator and LGBTQ+ campaigner, that she saw the term abrosexuality used for the first time.
She recalled the moment as a "lightbulb" moment, as Zoe told her 74,000 followers that abrosexuality is 'fluid' and said it is different to being pansexual - where you are attracted to a personality rather than a specific gender.
Emma detailed that it doesn't "alter" any romantic relationships, and said she loves the person rather than the gender. But she said: "However, even after explaining this, there are always some people who enjoy demanding that I 'pick a lane' so that my identity doesn't offend them. "Emma is championing the term abrosexual, hoping it will become recognised as "just another identity" and not dismissed as a mere 'on trend' label a criticism she's faced in the past.
Understanding Abrosexuality
Abrosexuality is a relatively new term, and it's gaining more visibility due to the increased conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation happening online, particularly on platforms like TikTok. It's important to note that not everyone who identifies as abrosexual will have the same experiences or express their identity in the same way. It's a fluid and evolving concept.
The Importance of Acceptance
Stories like Emma's are a reminder that we need to be more accepting and understanding of the diverse ways people experience sexuality. While many of us might be familiar with traditional labels, it's crucial to remember that the world of sexual orientation is far more complex and diverse. Emma's story highlights the need for open communication and empathy when it comes to understanding and supporting others, regardless of their sexual identity.
Moving Forward
Emma's journey, while filled with challenges, ultimately led to self-acceptance and a sense of belonging. Her experience serves as an inspiration for others who may be struggling to understand their own sexuality or are facing resistance from others. It's a reminder that understanding, acceptance, and a little bit of kindness go a long way in creating a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone.
By embracing the diversity of human experiences, we can foster a world where everyone feels safe, accepted, and able to express themselves authentically.
The Future of Abrosexuality
With increased awareness and conversations about abrosexuality, it's likely that the term will continue to evolve and gain broader recognition. As more people understand and embrace this sexual identity, it will hopefully become more readily accepted in society, paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding world.
