What is demisexual, ecosexual and sapiosexual – 01/21/2024 – Balance

The different ways of loving and discussions about non-monogamous relationships are on the rise, as are lesser-known sexual orientations such as ecosexuality, demisexuality and sapiosexuality, which increase in internet searches whenever a celebrity takes a stance on the matter.

On Google, curiosity is heightened after comments from celebrities. Data from Trends, a tool that shows the most searched terms, show that, in 2023, ecosexuality, for example, began to register searches after the actor Sérgio Marone assumed that he fit this orientation.

Also in 2023, sapiosexuality grew 33.3% compared to the previous year. Demisexuality was on the rise in 2022, with a peak in research in October, when singer Iza spoke about this subject on the podcast “Quem Pode, Pod”, presented by Gio Ewbank and Fernanda Paes Leme.

Sexologist Carla Cecarello states that these terms are considered sexual orientations because the person is directed towards that attraction.

Because they are less known and discussed, Priscila Junqueira, psychologist, sexologist and co-founder of IPSER (Institute of Psychology and Sexology Essência Rara) states that there are some stereotypes such as the idea that ecosexuality is just a fetish, that demisexuality is a form of be more selective or that sapiosexuality is related to elitist exclusivity.

What does it mean to be ecosexual, demisexual and sapiosexual?

The term was coined by the American artist couple Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle who claim to have married the Earth in 2008. Since then, they have exalted care for the planet through attraction, not necessarily sexual, but also ideological.

Ecosexuals can feel an intimate and emotional connection with elements of nature, such as trees, rivers, mountains, or even with planet Earth as a whole, explains Junqueira.

“Nothing turns me off more than someone who throws trash on the floor, who doesn’t recycle at home, which is such a basic thing,” said actor Sérgio Marone, who declared himself ecosexual in an interview with the Terra portal, in June 2023.

It consists of having sexual relationships only with those who have emotional connections. Cecarello states that they are not people who like casual sex and that they really need to feel in love with someone to be attracted to that person.

“It takes me a long time to want to have sex with someone. I think it only happens if I have some connection with the person. I had sex once and I was like ‘my God, I was raped, invaded’, with that feeling of ‘why did I do that?’. It took me a while to understand that it had nothing to do with the boy, but with me. I have to admire a lot to say ‘I’m going to give it to you, today I want to give it to you'”, said singer Iza in “Quem Pode, Pod”, when coming out as demisexual.

Ewbank had also talked about being demisexual on the podcast. At the time, she, who has been married for 12 years to actor Bruno Gagliasso, said that she only had an intimate relationship with four people.

Sexual or romantic attraction to people who are intelligent. Cecarello explains that it is not so much the physical beauty or the physical body that attracts, but rather the intellectual content that these people carry.

Chef and presenter Bela Gil admitted that she is sapiosexual on the podcast Mil e Uma Tretas.

“My self-esteem and this sense of beauty are very related to intellect. I’m sapiosexual, I’m attracted to intelligent people, not necessarily beautiful. So I don’t think I have to be mega-pretty. Why am I going to get breast implants, understand? Leave it alone. I read a book because it will work much more”, he said on the podcast.

Former BBB and volleyball player Key Alves also drew attention to the guidance. “I like older men, despite being young. However, what really dazzles me is their intelligence. I’m attracted to their IQ. I love intelligent people”, said Key to the iG portal.

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