Sex-Averse is a term used to describe an individual who does not want to have sex. The term is commonly used by those on the asexual spectrum.[1]

The sex-averse flag

Those who are sex-averse may be fine engaging or interacting with sexual discussions and media, but do not want to engage in the act itself.[1] Some may be favorable towards sexual content or activities that don't involve them.[2]

History

It is unknown exactly when the term "sex-averse" was coined, but the idea of interaction stances was coined and given proper definitions by Reddit user AnonymousHermitCrab on the asexuality subreddit.[3]

Flags & Symbols

 
The sex-averse/repulsed/negative flag

The sex-averse flag was created by Tumblr user Beyond MOGAI Pride Flags on January 15, 2018. However, it was also labeled as the "sex-repulsed" and "sex-negative" flag.[4]

Another sex-averse flag was created by Tumblr user chaoscoining on February 9, 2023.[5]

Community

Perceptions and Discrimination

Sex-aversion, much like sex-repulsion, is often seen as something that should be overcome.[6]

Label Relationship Description
Friendship-Averse Counterpart When one is averse towards platonic interaction involving themselves.
Romance-Averse Counterpart When one is averse towards romantic interaction involving themselves.
Sex-Ambivalent Counterpart When one has mixed or complicated feelings regarding sexual interaction.
Sex-Desired Counterpart When one actively desires sexual interaction.
Sex-Drained Counterpart When one is repulsed by sexual interaction due to trauma or exhaustion.
Sex-Favorable Counterpart When one is favorable towards or enjoys sexual interaction.
Sex-Indifferent Counterpart When one has no strong feelings regarding sexual interactions.
Sex-Oscillating Counterpart When one's feelings towards sexual interaction changes and/or fluctuates over time.
Sex-Piqued Counterpart When one is favorable towards sexual interaction due to trauma recovery, mania or other causes.
Sex-Repulsed Similar When one is repulsed by sexual interactions.
Touch-Averse Counterpart When one is averse towards sensual interaction involving themselves.

Sources

  1. 1.0 1.1 asexualawarenessweek. “Ace Week.” Tumblr, 16 Jan. 2020, www.tumblr.com/asexualawarenessweek/190296238741/the-word-sex-averse-describes-someone-who-does-not. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
  2. Ace. “Sex-Repulsed, Sex-Averse and Everything in between – Discoveries of an Ace.” Discoveries of an Ace, 27 Feb. 2024, discoveries-of-an-ace.com/2024/02/27/sex-repulsed-sex-averse-and-everything-in-between/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.
  3. AnonymousHermitCrab. “Coining/Recoining Interaction Stance Terms.” Reddit, 27 Apr. 2022, www.reddit.com/r/asexuality/comments/ucy0kl/coiningrecoining_interaction_stance_terms/.
  4. beyond-mogai-pride-flags. “Sex and Romance Negative/Repulsed/Averse Pride Flags.” Tumblr, 15 Jan. 2018, beyond-mogai-pride-flags.tumblr.com/post/169725646550/sex-and-romance-negativerepulsedaverse-pride.
  5. chaoscoining. “Sex Stances Expansion & Design Edits.” Tumblr, 9 Feb. 2023, www.tumblr.com/chaoscoining/708824153616187392/sex-stances-design-edits. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.
  6. aceinlace. “Sex-Averse.” Ace in Lace, 16 July 2014, aceinlace.wordpress.com/tag/sex-averse/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.