What Does Androromantic Mean? An In-Depth Guide

Individuals identifying outside of stereotypical male or female sexes can face discrimination and prejudice. Allies can help by respecting them and not using harmful language in your discussions. This article will examine the definition of androromantic relationships, discuss pride flag symbolism, and offer tips for being an ally.

Androromantic definition

Androromantic is an adjective to describe someone who exhibits romantic attraction toward men, men-aligning people, or masculinity, whether gay, heterosexual, or nonbinary. Androsexual (the scientific term for this type of attraction) may sometimes be used interchangeably with androromantic; however, these terms have different definitions. Androsexual refers to a specific sexual orientation, while androromantic is used to refer to emotional connections with masculinity or maleness.

Many people use the term androromantic in order to be more inclusive, yet its interpretation can differ depending on who’s using it. While it could refer to the romantic attraction between men (which overlaps with heteroromantic and gayromantic) or emotional connections with people who present masculinely (which agender people typically mean when using this term), it could also refer to a sexual orientation that limits its membership to people with “male anatomy,” which some could perceive as transphobic.

As an ally, it is vitally important that you understand what androromantic means so you can support LGBTQIA+ friends. People who identify as androromantic often experience prejudice; as an ally, harsh statements regarding this topic shouldn’t damage those involved. If you know anyone who identifies as androromantic, be sure to use their preferred pronouns and don’t assume anything about their gender identity.

It’s also essential to keep romance and sexual orientation separate. Romance refers to emotional bonds, while sexual orientation involves physical relations; you could find yourself attracted to people of either gender without necessarily wanting physical encounters with them.

Some androromantics prefer other terms, such as minromantic, marsic, viramoric, and maromantic, to better define themselves and avoid negative connotations. Some nonbinary people also opt for these alternative terms because androromantic can be seen as reducing gender to sexuality; using them will make their identity more inclusive of transgender people as well. Using alternative terms could also help stop discrimination against androromantic individuals.

Androromantic’s attraction to men

Many people struggle with distinguishing romantic attraction from platonic affection. If you feel connected with someone, keeping that information between yourselves is best.

As an ally, it is your duty to protect the privacy and safety of your friends. Be wary about outing them or giving away information that could compromise their well-being, such as using terms like “andromantic.” Additionally, avoid calling someone new to the community “andro”; doing so would be rude and disrespectful.

Androsexuality refers to sexual and romantic attraction to masculine traits and features. However, it’s worth noting that androsexuality doesn’t refer exclusively to men; rather, it describes any preference for men and masculinity in general that can include heterosexual women, gay men, and nonbinary people alike. Androsexuality should also not be confused with masexuality, which refers to an attraction toward genitals regardless of gender identity.

Andromantic comes from the Greek word for man, meaning masculine or “manly.” Androsexuality refers to all individuals attracted to masculinity; it is more inclusive than homosexuality or heterosexuality. It is useful for nonbinary and transgender people as it doesn’t restrict what activities can or cannot occur sexually or romantically.

There are various ways of expressing romantic emotions, from lithomantic to viramoric to even aidos. Lithromantics exhibit strong emotional connections but do not seek relationships; on the other hand, an aidos is marked by his or her fluid romantic attraction to various gender expressions and identities.

The term andromantic may not be widely recognized, but it is integral to LGBTQIA+ communities. Understanding romantic versus sexual orientation differences, as well as supporting people of all orientations, are vitally important components of being an ally to people of any orientation. If you’re an ally yourself, being supportive and using respectful pronouns are ways to spread awareness for andromantic feelings, while encouraging your friends and family members to learn more about andromantic relationships can help spread understanding about andromantic feelings among allies alike!

Androromantic’s attraction to masculinity

Andromantic refers to someone who is romantically attracted to men and masculinity in general. This could apply to anyone attracted to heterosexual men, homosexual men who find attraction within themselves, or nonbinary people attracted to transgender or gender nonconforming men’s masculinity. Many andromantic people prefer not to be called homoromantic or heteroromantic due to their potentially negative connotations; instead, they use words like minromantic, viramoric, or maromantic to describe their attraction toward men.

When someone confides that they are romantic or amorantic to you, it’s essential that you show empathy, respect their preference, and not label or out them publicly. Furthermore, it would be polite not to inquire further into their sexual orientation until they initiate it themselves. 

If you know an andromantic person, consider contributing to LGBTQIA+ charities. These groups work tirelessly to provide access to healthcare, housing, and employment while fighting bigotry and discrimination in schools and the workplace.

Your contribution as an andromantic ally also lies in using pronouns correctly. Many andromantic people have experienced misgendering or being addressed with inappropriate pronouns, which can be extremely hurtful and make healthy relationships hard to form with those they care for. It’s essential to remember that romantic and sexual orientations are two different concepts; you may be drawn toward people of the same gender, but this doesn’t equate to a heterosexual or homosexual orientation.

Panromantic, polyromantic, ambiromantic, and asexuality are also sexual orientations; these terms describe romantic attraction to someone regardless of gender identity or expression. While andromantic refers to romance attracted only between people of the opposite sex (such as androsexuality does), these terms don’t imply physical attraction to a certain gender (unless genderqueer individuals prefer such terminology instead).