Kourtney Kardashian appeared to confirm that she's autosexual in a post on her website, leaving some fans wondering what the term means.
The eldest Kardashian sister's website, Poosh, featured an article talking about the specific sexuality term, which is defined as being "turned on by engaging in your own eroticism".
The 45-year-old, who is now married to Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, ran a story saying most people are "at least a little" autosexual. It added that while it may not be for everyone, people will "feel more sexual and turned on" when they personally feel sexy.
However it said it's not just about self pleasure - autosexuality can extend beyond sexual behaviour to include a "longing or desire for oneself". It featured quotes from Casey Tanner, therapist, writer, and founder of QueerSexTherapy who helped define the sexuality term.
Tanner explained: "It can also be the ability to turn oneself on through looking at, visualizing, touching, or smelling oneself," and said like most characteristics, autosexuality is a "spectrum" that most people are on. She added: "Some may identify as exclusively autosexual, in which case they might consider autosexuality their sexual orientation. Most people, however, incorporate autosexuality into a larger sexual repertoire that also includes being turned on by partnered sex."
This can include wearing sexy underwear, taking time to do hair and makeup that makes you "feel good" and "turned on" or even having a bath and "washing yourself lovingly".
The therapist shared: "Many folks resist autosexuality, fearing that it's narcissistic or might detract from partnered sex. In reality, autosexuality can be a healthy, even valuable part of your sex life. When we know how to turn ourselves on, we depend less on environmental cues to move us into a sensual headspace."
She also stressed that getting turned on by yourself doesn't mean you think you're better than others or that you're selfish and not attracted to your partner; she called it an "additional tool" instead. It can take you into a "comfortable" space. It can also take the 'pressure' off having sex if you can do it alone.
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