Sexual attraction vs arousal?? So many questions

Rose • 21 // autistic + disabled // nonbinary // queer🏳️‍🌈 // speaks french

Okay so I’m currently questioning my sexuality and I’ve got some questions for you guys, to (hopefully) help me try to figure out what I’m feeling...

First off, I identified as fully asexual from the time I was fourteen until earlier this year. (I DEFINITELY distinguish between sexual and romantic attraction tho. Those are not feelings I usually experience simultaneously, unlike most non-ace/aro ppl.) I’m now starting to realize that doesn’t quite fit anymore, and I’m trying to figure out who I’m attracted to. I’m actually now wondering if I might be bi, but I’m not entirely sure what sexual attraction is meant to feel like.

Is feeling turned on/aroused the same thing as feeling sexually attracted to somebody? Or are those separate feelings? Because I keep noticing myself being turned on by images of female bodies, but I’ve never had an actual crush on a girl, or noticed a girl irl and thought, “oh hey, I’d fuck her”, ya know? (Then again, the only person I’ve EVER thought I’d actually be down to do the dirty with is my current bf. But idk if that means he’s the only one I’ve ever been fully sexually attracted to? Or if I just wasn’t ready for sex and I’m a person who doesn’t want to have sex without love?) I have no idea. If anybody can provide any sort of insight, or describe your own personal experiences, I’d be eternally grateful!!

(PS—yes, I know I don’t have to label myself. I’m not pressuring myself to find a label that fits, I’m just questioning myself and wondering about things. And I happen to be a person that likes labels anyway. So no hate pls, okay?)

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