Sex-Indifferent, sometimes called Sex-Neutral, refers to those who have a neutral opinion on sex and sexual behavior.[1] The term is commonly used by those on the asexual spectrum.[2]
For some, this means not having strong opinions towards sex and for others, it means a broader sense of apathy towards sex. One may have sex in order to please a partner or for reproduction, but there is no strong feelings towards these activities.[2] Someone who is sex-indifferent may view sex as more of a chore, like washing the dishes. While one is not repulsed, one also doesn't particularly enjoy it.[3] However, others might enjoy sex, but feels as though they can also live without it.[4]
While sex-neutral is often used as another word for sex-indifferent, sex-neutral is also used to describe a belief that moderate and non-graphic depictions of sex in media, as well as basic sex education, are okay, but specifics about sex should be discussed exclusively between the individuals involved.[5]
History
It is unknown exactly when the term "sex-indifferent" was coined, but the idea of interaction stances was coined and given proper definitions by Reddit user AnonymousHermitCrab on the r/asexuality subreddit.[6]
Flags & Symbols
The sex-indifferent flag was created by Tumblr user Beyond MOGAI Pride Flags on January 15, 2018. There is no known meaning behind the flag.[7]
Community
Perceptions and Discrimination
Sex-indifference is often ignored both within and outside the ace-spec community. Often times, sex-indifferent individuals are considered sex-favorable due to the simple fact that they are not repulsed by sex or have an aversion towards sex.[8]
Related Terms
| Label | Relationship | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Friendship-Indifferent | Counterpart | When one is indifferent towards platonic interaction. |
| Romance-Indifferent | Counterpart | When one is indifferent towards romantic interaction. |
| Sex-Ambivalent | Counterpart | When one has mixed or complicated feelings regarding sexual interaction. |
| Sex-Averse | Counterpart | When one is repulsed by sexual interactions involving themselves. |
| 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-Oscillating | Counterpart | When one's feelings towards sexual interaction change and/or fluctuate over time. |
| Sex-Piqued | Counterpart | When one is favorable towards sexual interaction due to trauma recovery, mania or other causes. |
| Sex-Repulsed | Counterpart | When one is repulsed by sexual interactions. |
| Touch-Indifferent | Counterpart | When one is indifferent towards sensual interaction. |
Alternative Flags
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![Sex-Indifferent (chaoscoining)[9]](//static.wikitide.net/lgbtqidentitywiki/thumb/9/9f/Sex-Indifferent_2.png/120px-Sex-Indifferent_2.png)
Sex-Indifferent (chaoscoining)[9]
![Sex-Indifferent (chaoscoining)[9]](/wiki/File:Sex-Indifferent_2.png)
Sources
- ↑ Zambon, Veronica. “Types of Sexuality and Their Definitions.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 20 Oct. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-sexuality.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Wareham, Jamie. “How to Be an Asexual Ally: Learn Why Some Asexual People Have Sex (and Accept That Most Don’t).” Forbes, 25 Oct. 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/10/25/how-to-be-an-asexual-ally-learn-why-some-asexual-people-have-sex-and-accept-that-most-dont/.
- ↑ ShadowBlitz. “What Is Sex-Favorable vs Indifferent.” Asexual Visibility and Education Network, 21 Nov. 2020, www.asexuality.org/en/topic/205365-what-is-sex-favorable-vs-indifferent/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
- ↑ Hydreigon12. “Reddit - Dive into Anything.” Reddit.com, 2021, www.reddit.com/r/demisexuality/comments/l3stkh/are_you_sexrepulsed_sexindifferent_or_sexfavorable/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
- ↑ “Asexuals and Attitudes towards Sex | the Asexual Visibility and Education Network | Asexuality.org.” Www.asexuality.org, www.asexuality.org/?q=attitudes.html.
- ↑ AnonymousHermitCrab. “Coining/Recoining Interaction Stance Terms.” Reddit, 27 Apr. 2022, www.reddit.com/r/asexuality/comments/ucy0kl/coiningrecoining_interaction_stance_terms/.
- ↑ Beyond MOGAI Pride Flags. “Sex and Romance Neutral/Indifferent Pride Flags.” Tumblr, 2019, beyond-mogai-pride-flags.tumblr.com/post/169725763890/sex-and-romance-neutralindifferent-pride-flags. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
- ↑ Sennkestra. “I Am Not Sex-Favorable: Identifying as a Sex-Indifferent Asexual, and What That Actually Means.” NEXT STEP: CAKE, NEXT STEP: CAKE, 18 Aug. 2014, nextstepcake.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/i-am-not-sex-favorable-identifying-as-a-sex-indifferent-asexual-and-what-that-actually-means/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
- ↑ chaoscoining. “Sex Stances Expansion & Design Edits.” Tumblr, 9 Feb. 2023, www.tumblr.com/chaoscoining/708824153616187392/sex-stances-design-edits.