Demi-

Demi- is an Aspec orientation where one does not experience attraction to a person until they have developed an emotional connection to them. The connection can be sexual, platonic, or some other form of connection. There is no guarantee that this attraction will develop after an emotional connection is formed, but it is required in order for attraction to be possible.

Some demi people may choose to further define their orientation in terms of genders they are attracted to (demipanromantic, demihomosexual). Others do not find this necessary, or feel that they have enough experiences of that form of attraction to figure out who they’re attracted to.

Etymology
The prefix Demi- means "half" or "partial". The prefix is also used in words such as demigod.

Definitions

 * An A-spec orientation where one only experiences attraction to someone until they have formed an emotional connection to them. With what counts as a "close connection" varying between various demis. - 2021

Perception and Discrimination
There is a misconception that demi orientations are not needed because "Isn't that just being normal?", which is untrue.

Being demi (demisexual, demiromantic, or other demi- orientations) is not the societal norm. On sexuality specifically for example, the societal norm is to abstain from sex until there's an emotional connection, whereas demisexuals literally cannot feel attraction until there's an emotional connection.

Being demi is not the same as being straight, nor is it seen as "normal," demi people face aphobia and bigotry. Their experiences are often ridiculed and erased, often and perhaps, unintentionally, even by some in the aspec community. Not "Ace/Aro/etc enough", but also not "Allo enough" either to escape aphobes.

Orientation

 * Demisexual, developing sexual attraction towards someone after forming an emmotional connection to them.
 * Demiromantic, developing romantic attraction towards someone after forming an emmotional connection to them.
 * Demiplatonic, developing platonic attraction towards someone after forming an emmotional connection to them.
 * Demialterous, developing alterous attraction towards someone after forming an emmotional connection to them.