Ace-spec (short for asexual spectrum) refers to the range of identities that fall under the umbrella of asexuality. This includes individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction, as well as those whose attraction levels vary. Ace-spec encompasses various orientations, such as asexual, greysexual, demisexual, aceflux, and more. Each identity within the ace-spec describes unique experiences of attraction, frequency, and the ways in which individuals engage with their sexuality. People within this spectrum may experience little to no sexual attraction or may feel it so infrequently that they identify more with the asexual experience than with the allosexual (typical sexual) experience. The shared trait among individuals on the asexual spectrum is that they don’t feel sexual attraction in the ‘standard’ way or with the ‘usual’ intensity.
When Taylor first learned about asexuality, they felt a sense of belonging but realized their experiences were more nuanced. Some days, Taylor felt entirely asexual, while on rare occasions, they experienced faint glimmers of attraction. A friend introduced them to the concept of the ace-spec, explaining how it encompassed diverse experiences, from greysexuality to demisexuality. This revelation brought clarity. “So, I don’t have to fit into just one definition?” Taylor asked, feeling relief as they embraced the idea that their experiences were valid under the ace-spec umbrella. This understanding allowed Taylor to explore different aspects of their orientation without pressure, finding comfort in the shared experiences of others in the ace community. Over time, Taylor connected with fellow ace-spec individuals, finding support and camaraderie in the recognition that sexual attraction could be varied and complex. Being part of the ace-spec empowered Taylor to express their identity openly, knowing there was a place for them within this diverse spectrum.
Those within the asexual spectrum are often referred to as ace-spec or aces. Ace-spec individuals can have any romantic orientation, including being aromantic. Together with aros (aromantic people), they make up the a-spec community.
Ace-spec identities
Some identities within the asexual spectrum include:
- Asexual: having no experience of sexual attraction.
- Gray-(a)sexual: someone who is between asexual and sexual and may experience sexual attraction only under specific circumstances.
- Demisexual: a person who experiences sexual attraction only after forming an emotional connection.
- Recisexual: someone who only feels sexual attraction when they know it’s reciprocated.
- Lithsexual/Akiosexual: someone who can feel sexual attraction but does not desire it to be returned; if it is reciprocated, the attraction may diminish.
Other ace-spec identities
Other commonly recognized ace-spec identities include:
- Aceflux
- Acespike
- Fictosexual
- Fraysexual
- Inactsexual
- Lithsexual (previously known as akiosexual)
- Recipsexual
Ace-spec microlabels
Some identities within the asexual spectrum are considered microlabels, meaning they serve as supplements to other ace-spec labels. Examples of these microlabels include:
- Aegosexual/Autochorisexual
- Apothisexual
- Caedsexual
- Cupiosexual
- Iamvanosexual
- Myrsexual
- Placisexual
- Requisexual
Terminology
Terms such as sex-ambivalent, sex-favorable, sex-indifferent, and sex-repulsed help ace-spec individuals explain their relationship with sex. People within the ace-spec community may also have a different perception of attraction, especially sexual attraction.
Additional terms support ace-spec people in discussing aspects of their orientation beyond sexuality, such as romantic orientation, the split attraction model, and tertiary attraction. Words like angled, electio, and oriented are particularly helpful for ace-spec individuals who also identify as part of the aromantic spectrum, known as aroace.
Source
https://new.lgbtqia.wiki/wiki/asexual_spectrum_or_ace-spec