After decades of navigating shifting attractions and grappling with confusion, UK-based writer Emma Flint has publicly embraced her identity as abrosexual—a term describing individuals whose sexual orientation changes over time.
In a personal essay published in July 2024, Flint recounted her experiences of feeling drawn to different genders at various points in her life, often questioning her own identity. “I felt lost, as if out at sea,” she wrote, describing the emotional toll of not fitting into conventional labels. Her discovery of the term “abrosexual” provided a sense of validation: “Finally, I felt seen.”
Abrosexuality is characterized by fluid and fluctuating attractions, where an individual’s sexual orientation may shift between different identities over time. This concept differs from other orientations like bisexuality or pansexuality, which involve attraction to multiple genders but do not necessarily encompass the element of change over time.
Flint’s openness about her journey has contributed to broader conversations about sexual fluidity and the importance of recognizing diverse identities. Her story underscores the significance of language in helping individuals understand and articulate their experiences, fostering a more inclusive society where people can find affirmation and community.