What Does It Mean To Be Gynosexual?
As our culture finally gets on board with the fact that human sexuality is a diverse array of complexities that extend far beyond just gay, straight, and bisexual, more terms are being added to our vocabulary. Granted, these sexualities and identities have always existed, but now with a greater understanding of fluidity and the sexual spectrum, people are getting labels and learning terms that can help them navigate their sexuality more clearly.
One of those terms is gynosexual. In Greek gynḗ means "woman" — hence the reason a doctor who examines women's reproductive organs is called a gynecologist — and sexual is, well, in regards to human sexuality. So, the super short definition of gynosexual is someone who is attracted to femininity. But, of course, there's more to it than that.
It can be frustrating to feel a certain way and not know how to explain yourself to others or, even worse, think you might be alone in your orientation. But know this: no matter where you fall on the spectrum of human sexuality and gender, you're never alone. There just might not be a term (yet!) that accurately fits who you are and that's okay. Or maybe you're gynosexual and you're about to realize it.
What does it mean to be gynosexual?
While straight men and lesbians are the perfect examples of gynosexuals, they're not the only ones. To be authentically gynosexual, someone's gender and sexuality doesn't impact your attraction to them. Anyone can have characteristics, physically or psychologically, that are not only stereotypically associated with femininity, but can be interpreted as such by a gynosexual. In fact, someone's perception of what's feminine in someone else can also play a role in their attraction, sexually, romantically, or otherwise. For example, a person who identifies as both a lesbian and a gynosexual could find themselves attracted to a cis-gender gay man who displays a level of femininity that the lesbian in question finds sexually appealing.
"It's important to remember that gynosexuality is a term that speaks to the complexity and nuances of attraction to femininity, rather than a rigid definition of sexuality or behavior," sexologist Rhiannon John told Men's Health. "Gynosexuality is a testament to the beautiful complexity of human sexuality and the many ways we can find ourselves drawn to the qualities and characteristics of others, regardless of their gender identity."
In other words, even if someone identifies as gender nonconforming, that doesn't mean a gynosexual can't possibly find some femininity in them. Although it's not equal in its doses, all people contain aspects of both femininity and masculinity. That's just a beautiful fact.
How to know if you're gynosexual
If you're scratching your head because you were just inundated with scenarios that you didn't think possible, let's simplify it: anyone can be gynosexual. What this could look like in practice is being attracted to someone because you equate their behavior, clothing, voice, mannerisms, or physical and psychological attributes to femininity. Who that person is, how they identify, and to whom they're sexually attracted has no bearing on your personal journey with gynosexuality. Of course, it would be great if the person you're attracted to is attracted to you as well, but it's important to understand what it means to be gynosexual at its core: it has no bearing on one's gender and has far more to do with feminine-presenting traits that you find hot, sexy, lovable, or whatever other adjectives you want to assign to them.
More than anything, gynosexuality is just another term to explain how someone might experience human sexuality. While not everyone cares for labels, for those who do and haven't been able to accurately express themselves in words, being able to identify as a gynosexual could be a real game changer. Ultimately, who you're attracted to is your business and what you feel today may not be the same a year from now or even a few months from now. But as long as you know who you are, what you want, and that you're deserving of sexual pleasure, that is what's most paramount.