Journalist Emma Flint has publicly shared her story of self-discovery, revealing that she identifies as abrosexual, a lesser-known sexual orientation she came to understand only after years of personal reflection. Her candid account sheds light on a deeply personal and emotional journey of self-acceptance that spanned three decades.
Flint, a respected journalist, bravely opened up about her experience of coming to terms with her fluctuating sexuality after struggling for years to find a label that matched her experiences. She is best known for her writing and public advocacy, yet her recent revelation has sparked conversations about the complexity of sexual identities and the importance of acknowledging all orientations.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Emma’s exploration of her identity began in the 1990s, a time when LGBTQ+ representation was far more limited than it is today. The conversation around sexuality was often confined to binary terms — straight, gay, or lesbian — leaving little room for nuanced identities.
“I felt completely lost growing up,” she shared in an interview. “It wasn’t a matter of being confused about who I was. My feelings and attractions shifted in ways I didn’t have words for back then.”
For years, Flint silently struggled, unsure how to explain the way her romantic and sexual preferences seemed to shift and evolve over time. However, her transformative moment came in 2020 when she stumbled upon an educational post by social media educator Zoe Stoller, who specializes in spreading awareness of underrepresented identities.
“It was like everything clicked into place,” Flint explained. “Seeing the word abrosexual and the definition made me feel understood for the first time in my life. I finally felt validated rather than broken or indecisive.”
What It Means to Be Abrosexual
The term abrosexual describes a sexual orientation in which a person’s sexual attraction or preferences shift over time. This fluctuation can involve being attracted to different genders at various points or even feeling asexual for certain periods.
“Some weeks, I feel purely attracted to women. Then, suddenly, my feelings shift, and I’m drawn to multiple genders,” Flint elaborated. “It’s not confusion. It’s just how my identity works, and finally finding a name for it was freeing.”
Her experience highlights how abrosexuality challenges traditional perceptions of fixed sexual orientations. However, this fluidity often sparks misconceptions and misunderstanding.
Facing Skepticism and Judgment
Despite the relief that came with discovering her identity, Flint’s coming out wasn’t met with universal acceptance. When she first shared her truth with a close friend, the response was deeply hurtful.
“I was hoping for understanding,” she said. “But instead, I was met with questions like, ‘Why can’t you just call yourself bisexual?’ It felt like my identity was being trivialized.”
Unfortunately, such invalidation is not uncommon for those with lesser-known sexual identities. Flint described facing comments ranging from curiosity to outright dismissal.
“The most painful part is being told I’m just ‘seeking attention’ or ‘making up a label,’” she added. “But that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
While some reactions were disappointing, others surprised her with empathy and support. Friends and family members who initially knew little about abrosexuality took the time to educate themselves, showing genuine care for her well-being.
“It meant the world when people started asking questions from a place of curiosity, not judgment,” Flint shared.
How Abrosexuality Affects Relationships
A common misconception Flint encounters is the assumption that her fluid sexuality makes it difficult to form lasting relationships. She firmly disagrees, explaining that sexual orientation does not affect her capacity for commitment or emotional depth.
“I’m attracted to people for who they are, not their gender,” she clarified. “My sexual orientation shifts, but my love and emotional connections are constant.”
She emphasized that being abrosexual doesn’t diminish her ability to form meaningful, lasting relationships. Instead, it has given her a deeper understanding of personal identity and connection.
Advocating for Visibility and Acceptance
Now that Flint has publicly embraced her identity, she’s passionate about spreading awareness and fostering understanding for those who feel unseen. She believes visibility is the first step toward dismantling stigma.
“I want people to realize that being abrosexual is just one of the many ways humans experience attraction,” she explained. “It’s not about confusion or indecision. It’s just as valid as any other orientation.”
Flint encourages people unfamiliar with terms like abrosexuality to educate themselves.
“There’s a wealth of resources online,” she said. “Learning about diverse identities can help us create a more compassionate and accepting society.”
She also hopes her openness will inspire others who might be questioning their own identities to explore without fear of judgment.
Embracing Her Truth After 30 Years
After three decades of self-exploration, Flint feels empowered to live openly and authentically.
“For so long, I felt like there was something wrong with me,” she reflected. “Now, I see that my fluidity is just part of who I am — and I’m finally embracing it fully.”
Flint’s story serves as a powerful reminder that understanding one’s identity is a deeply personal journey, often marked by self-reflection, education, and courage. As she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, she stands as a voice for those who are still seeking the language to express their truths.