Gynosexual Vs Finsexual: What’s The Difference?

Gynosexual and finsexual are two terms that describes sexual attraction to femininity. Yet, they have different definitions and there is some pecularities regarding their history, origin and usage. Let’s figure out what do these words mean and whether they can be used inerchangably.

Finsexual

Finsexual is a unique term that has a very specific definition. It describes an exclusive attraction to individuals who are feminine in nature (FIN), which includes women, feminine-aligned people, feminine-presenting non-binary people, and potentially feminine men.

Finsexual people experience sexual attraction toward femininity and feminine expression rather than toward a specific gender. They are not attracted to women who present in a masculine way; instead, they are attracted to females, feminine non-binary people, and male individuals who exhibit feminine characteristics, traits, or behaviors.

Most finsexual people are non-binary, yet binary people can also identify as finsexual.

Gynosexual

The word gynosexuality (can also be spelled gynesexuality) does not have one specific definition; different people and resources provide slightly different definitions. In simple terms, it is a sexual orientation of people who are attracted to women, trans women, or anyone who identifies as female or expresses feminine characteristics.

According to Urban Dictionary, the term refers to: someone that is sexually attracted to feminin individuals, or woman, or people that “look” like a woman.

Another definition explains that the prefix gyn- in gynesexual refers to “female anatomy.” This definition is often considered transphobic or genitalistic, as it consider genitals as a most important part of the person’s identity. For this reason, many people prefer to use the term finsexual instead of gynesexual to avoid transphobic implications.

What Distinguishes Finsexual from Gynosexual?

Both gynosexual and finsexual people are attracted to femininity, but there is a subtle difference between these two concepts according to their definitions—they accentuate different aspects of attraction. Gynosexual people tend to experience attraction to women primarily because they are women or look like women. In contrast, finsexual people focus on feminine expression—that is, the way individuals present and express themselves—regardless of the person’s gender identity.

How Are Finsexual and Gynosexual Similar Concepts?

When we talk about heterosexual and homosexual people, we typically link their sexual attraction to their own gender. For example, heterosexual people are attracted to individuals of the opposite gender, while gay men are attracted to individuals of the same sex.

In contrast, when discussing finsexual and gynosexual people (as well as their masculine counterparts), the focus is solely on the fact that they experience sexual attraction to a certain type of person—those who present in a feminine or masculine way—without linking that attraction to their own gender.

Related Terms

Androsexual

Androsexuality is the masculine/male counterpart to finsexuality and gynosexuality. This word means that a person’s sexuality is centered around the attraction to masculinity.

Finromantic

People who experience romantic attraction to femininity are described as finromantic. This word has the same definition as finsexual, with the only difference being that sexual attraction is substituted with romantic attraction and big feelings.

Finsexual Flag Vs Gynosexual Flag

Even though finsexuality and gynosexuality refer to almost the same concept, they have completely different flags.

The official finsexual flag consists of pink, light pink, and light orange stripes, with an upside-down teardrop in pink placed in the center. There are a few alternative versions of the finsexual flag; one looks similar to the official flag but without the teardrop, while other versions include two additional stripes in lilac and lavender.

The gynosexual flag looks different from the finsexual flag, as well as from the trans flag and the genderqueer flag. It features three primary colors—pink, brown, and green—which respectively symbolize attraction to women/femininity, stability and support, and attraction regardless of gender identity.

Can Lesbians Be Finsexual or Gynosexual?

This question sparks controversy in chats within the lesbian and gay community. Technically, if you are a cis woman and you’re attracted to other women, you are considered a lesbian. If you are a non-binary individual and you’re attracted to femininity, you might identify as finsexual.

However, if you are, for example, a woman who is attracted to lesbians (even if some may not be particularly feminine), as well as to feminine males, trans people, and other non-binary and queer individuals, you are more likely to be bisexual person rather than exclusively gay or finsexual.

But still, you can describe and identify yourself with any term you find appropriate.

How Do I Know If I’m Finsexual or Gynosexual?

You are the only person in the world who can define your own gender, sexual orientation, and other personal preferences. If you find yourself attracted not just to females but also to feminine people of multiple genders, and if you’re drawn to femininity in general, there’s a chance that your sexuality might fall into the category of finsexual or gynosexual.

Take the time to read the definitions of these and other terms, connect with finsexual and gynosexual people on forums and in LGBTQIA+ chats, and learn more about their experiences, feelings, sexuality and desires. If the way they discuss sexuality and their feelings toward femininity and masculinity resonates with you, it could be a sign that this aspect is a part of your own sexuality and identity.

Explore Dating Apps Designed for Queer Community

Also, you can start using an inclusive LGBTQIA+ dating app to meet queer people. Create a profile and start your journey into the world of queer-ness and self-exploration. By communicating with users who identify with different genders and express themselves in various ways, you can analyze your feelings and better understand the nature of your attraction.

If you notice that you develop feelings for feminine-aligned people, it may help you gain deeper insight into your inner self. Furthermore, you don’t necessarily need to go on dates to explore your identity—chatting with other gay and queer people can be enough for you to understand yourself and connect with your authentic self.

Wrapping Up

Finsexuality and gynosexuality are two words that describe sexual orientations centered around the attraction to femininity. Gynesexual refers to a person who is attracted to femininity regardless of gender, while finsexual describes a person who is attracted to feminine-aligned genders.

Both orientations are not directly tied to the gender identity of the individual they are attracted to, but rather to their gender expression. Most finsexual and gynosexual individuals are non-binary people, though binary people can also identify with these orientations.

If you are a queer person, embrace your journey toward uniting with your most authentic self. Take steps to understand your feelings and sexual attraction —you will never regret it later.