Lithosexuality, or akoisexuality, is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum. People who are lithosexual feel sexual attraction but do not want to have these feelings reciprocated. This can cause problems in relationships and self-identity. A lithosexual person might find someone sexually attractive and like the idea of being attracted to someone, but they do not want to have these feelings reciprocated in a physical relationship.
Key Features of Lithosexuality:
Lithosexual individuals are attracted to others but lose interest if those feelings are reciprocated. Many find pleasure in being able to view others from a distance, taking pleasure in attraction without the complications of the other person’s reciprocation.
The attraction may cease once they discover that the other person is interested as well.
Lithosexual individuals may prefer masturbation as opposed to sexual relations with others.
Lithosexuality is an orientation that is different from asexuality and aromanticism. An asexual will not feel sexual attraction to other people, whereas a lithosexual is someone who feels sexual attraction but does not act upon it.
Aromantics do not feel attraction in the romantic sense but, again, lithosexual refers to nonreciprocated sexual attraction.
The word “lithosexual” is taken from the Greek term “litho,” meaning stone or rock, to describe emotional unavailability in relationships. Even though “lithosexual” is widely used, some individuals prefer the word “akoisexual” in an attempt not to appropriate from a different culture, specifically lesbian culture, where “stone” lesbians have a special connotation referring to the sexual preference of nonreciprocal preference.
Other Lesser-Known Sexual Orientations:
- Demisexuality: An individual who only becomes sexually attracted to someone when there is an emotional bond formed.
- Graysexuality: Those that have occasional sexual attraction but rarely or are neither close to asexuality nor common sexual attraction.
- Ceterosexuality: Predominantly attracted to individuals who are transgender or non-binary.
- Cupiosexuality: Individuals who lack sexual attraction but want and wish to have a sexual relationship or experience.
