Labels like gay, lesbian, asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous are common in the LGBTQ+ and nonmonogamous communities. However, there’s a new term that may be unfamiliar: symbiosexual.

So, what does it define? It refers to someone who feels attraction towards the bond or the dynamics between two individuals rather than towards a single person, expanding beyond traditional sexual orientations or relationship forms. This concept was introduced by sexuality researcher Sally W. Johnston in her recent studies.

“(Johnston) noted that individuals identifying as symbiosexual don’t fit neatly into ‘polyamory’ or even ‘bisexual’ categories; instead, they are drawn to the couple as a unit,” explains Wendy Walsh, relationship expert at DatingAdvice and professor of psychology. “This attraction transcends physical interest; it focuses more on the connection and energy shared by the partners.”

The existence of this term highlights that there are always evolving ways to understand personal identities and sexual preferences, providing solidarity for those who identify with it.

Understanding symbiosexuality

“Some participants expressed their attraction to the love and secure attachments that couples share,” adds Walsh. “Others found the couple’s appearance appealing or were intrigued by how they navigated gender roles together.”

Additionally, some people were fascinated by the ‘power’ that couples seem to convey. The study participants mentioned a strong attraction to the collective strength formed by partners through mutual support, shared aspirations, and complementary attributes, according to Johnston.

A need for further exploration

<pHowever, she emphasized that “more research is necessary to explore how individuals interpret their feelings of attraction to relationships in relation to their sexual identity and the sociocultural messages surrounding sexual orientation,” she noted.

Theoretically, an individual could classify themselves as symbiosexual while also associating with various queer or nonmonogamous identities. Nonetheless, many LGBTQ+ individuals yearn for a reality where coming out isn’t required—a place where they can openly express affection and use their chosen pronouns without hesitation or clarification.

In certain areas, especially in U.S. cities, it may have seemed safe to do so in recent years. However, current political trends indicate that the need to come out is likely to persist. Adopting a new identifier might serve as a means for individuals to reclaim some agency.

Nonetheless, given the novelty of the term, it might take a while before it becomes widely recognized in everyday discussions. Though it could become common sooner than one might expect.

Walsh acknowledges that some may find the introduction of yet another identity overwhelming. However, “each step toward understanding contributes to our appreciation of the complexities of being human,” she asserts.