Demisexuality is a sexual orientation where someone experiences sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional connection with someone.
For demisexual people, attraction typically doesn’t arise from physical appearance or initial interactions, but rather from a deep emotional bond or intimacy with another person. It’s considered a spectrum within the broader asexuality spectrum, as demisexual individuals may experience sexual attraction, but only under certain emotional circumstances.
In other words, while a demisexual person may not feel sexual attraction to strangers or casual acquaintances, they may develop it for someone they are emotionally close to or share a meaningful relationship with.
What is the demisexual flag?
The demisexual flag was designed to represent people who identify as demisexual. The flag consists of four horizontal stripes in the following colors:
- Black (top stripe) – Represents asexuality, as demisexuality is considered part of the asexual spectrum.
- Gray – Symbolizes the gray area between asexuality and sexual attraction, representing those who experience sexual attraction only under specific conditions.
- White – Represents the potential for sexual attraction or connection, highlighting the idea of emotional intimacy being key to feeling attraction.
- Purple (bottom stripe) – Represents the sexual attraction that comes from emotional connection and bond with others.
The colors together are meant to reflect the unique experience of demisexuality, with the gray area in particular highlighting that not all forms of sexual attraction are experienced in the same way. The flag was created to give demisexual people a symbol for their identity within the larger LGBTQ+ community.
