As people continue to explore and understand the complexities of identity, a new term called “nebulasexual” has been gaining recognition, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. The word derives from “nebula,” a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, symbolizing the foggy or unclear nature of attraction that many who identify as nebulasexual experience. This identity is particularly relevant for neurodivergent individuals who find it difficult to distinguish what kind of attraction they feel.
Nebulasexuality captures the experience of those who don’t find traditional sexual orientation labels fully representative of their feelings. Many neurodivergent people, including those with ADHD, autism, or OCD, report attraction as a confusing mix of emotions and thoughts, making it challenging to define whether what they feel is sexual, aesthetic, or something else entirely. For them, the term offers a way to acknowledge this complexity and feel less isolated.
The nebulasexual flag, inspired by the orange, white, and green hues of the Crab Nebula, has been embraced since its creation in 2020 as a symbol of this cloudy, unclear experience of attraction. Platforms like Reddit have become safe spaces for people to discuss and explore what nebulasexuality means to them, allowing many to find community and validation.
