All about androgynosexuality and why it is gaining popularity among Gen Z

The term has gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

As society’s understanding of sexuality continues to evolve, new terms are emerging to reflect diverse attractions and identities. Among these, “androgynosexuality” has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity. According to dating app Feeld, the term saw a 250% increase in 2024, with its momentum carrying into 2025. The hashtag #androgynosexuality has amassed millions of views on TikTok, with an increasing number of videos offering explanations of the term, as reported by The Mirror.

The term “androgynosexuality” originates from “androgynous,” itself derived from the Greek words “andro” (man) and “gyne” (woman). It refers to individuals who possess a blend of both masculine and feminine traits. Those who identify as androgynosexual are attracted to individuals who embody these mixed-gender characteristics. The attraction may also extend to bigender, gender-neutral, or non-binary individuals. However, there isn’t a universal or rigid definition., viral

LGBTQ+ Wiki defines androgynosexual as “a person who has sexual attraction exclusively towards androgynous individuals or androgynes.” This understanding combines aspects of androsexual (attraction to masculine traits) and gynesexual (attraction to feminine traits), along with linsexual (attraction to individuals who challenge traditional gender norms).

The term has gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. One popular TikTok user, Mika Hoeben, shared a video explaining androgynosexuality, which has garnered over three million views, according to The Mirror. In the video, Mika clarified that the attraction is primarily based on appearance rather than behaviour or personality traits.

“This isn’t the way they act or the way they are, it’s just only based on looks,” Mika explained, helping to demystify the concept for a broader audience.

Experts have highlighted the social and cultural factors driving the visibility of terms like androgynosexuality. Dr Luke Brunning, a lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, told The Metro: “We desire what is visible, so greater acceptance of non-binary, transgender, and gender non-conforming people may also increase the representation of androgyny, which may in turn shape sexual preferences.”

Brunning added that as society develops a wider vocabulary for sexual identity, individuals are increasingly able to articulate and communicate their attractions. “Sexual attraction to androgynous or gender-ambiguous people may have been common but is now more visible, and communicable, due to the term androgynosexual,” he stated.

The growing interest in androgynosexuality aligns with broader trends among younger generations. Feeld’s research indicates that Gen Z is three times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than Baby Boomers or Gen X, reflecting increased openness and acceptance. The Metro reported that LGBTQ+ rights and visibility have become central to Gen Z’s social values, further contributing to the prominence of new terms like androgynosexuality.