In a world where identity is becoming more nuanced and inclusive, a new term is gaining traction: symbiosuality. Coined by sexuality researchers, symbiosuality describes individuals who are attracted not to specific genders or people, but to the energy and connection shared between those in existing relationships. Rather than being drawn to individuals, symbiosuals find themselves captivated by the dynamics within established couples or multi-partner relationships. According to new findings, it’s the shared intimacy, emotional synergy, and interplay that spark desire — not the individual partners themselves
This emerging identity, particularly present in LGBTQ+ and non-monogamous circles, reflects a growing recognition of how complex human attraction can be. Dr. Sally W. Johnston, who led a study on the topic, explains that symbios**uality is distinct from identities like bisexuality or pansexuality because it centers on attraction to relational energy rather than gender. For some, it’s about the visual or emotional chemistry a couple radiates; for others, it’s about seeking validation through being desired by an already-bonded pair. As one study participant put it, “You feed off their energy… there’s an interplay between the couple” — a dynamic that can be as magnetic as it is emotionally rich
With more than a third of survey respondents acknowledging this form of attraction, symbiosuality is clearly resonating. While more research is needed to fully understand how people integrate these experiences into their broader sexual identity, the term itself offers validation and language for those who’ve felt “different” but couldn’t quite explain why. In a time when self-understanding is evolving and visibility matters more than ever, recognizing symbiosuality is another step toward a more inclusive, emotionally honest view of human connection and desire
