Autosexuality: Understanding Sexual Attraction to Oneself

Definition

Autosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by primary or exclusive sexual attraction to oneself—including one's own body, appearance, personality, or self-concept. It may involve arousal from self-viewing (mirrors, photos, video), sexual fantasies starring oneself, and self-directed sexual behavior (masturbation) as the preferred or sole outlet.

Key Clarifications

• Not a Paraphilia or Disorder: It's a valid orientation on the human sexuality spectrum. DSM-5/ICD-11 do not pathologize it.
• Distinct from Narcissism: Narcissistic personality disorder involves grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy. Autosexuality is about attraction pattern—not personality pathology. They can co-occur but are independent.
• May Coexist with Allosexuality: Many autosexual people also experience attraction to others. Orientation labels are descriptive, not mutually exclusive boxes.
• Self-Comfort & Agency: Autosexual individuals often report high body acceptance, sexual self-knowledge, and ability to self-satisfy without external validation.

Related Concepts

• Autoromantic: Romantic attraction to oneself.
• Autosexuality vs. Autoeroticism: Autoeroticism = self-stimulation (behavior); autosexuality = attraction to self (orientation).

Respect and Acceptance

Human sexuality is vastly diverse. Autosexuality challenges normative assumptions that desire must be other-directed. Like all orientations, it deserves recognition, respect, and freedom from stigma. If this resonates with you—you're not alone, and you're not broken.