androphilia

Androphilia is a term used in sexuality studies to describe sexual attraction to adult males. It is considered a sexual orientation. The term is often used in academic or clinical contexts as a more neutral and descriptive alternative to "homosexuality" or "gay," especially when discussing attraction patterns without necessarily implying a specific identity or community affiliation. It is important to note that androphilia refers solely to the direction of attraction and does not encompass behavior, identity, or social aspects of sexual orientation.

The concept of androphilia is part of a broader classification of sexual orientations based on the gender of the object of attraction. Similar terms exist, such as gynephilia (attraction to adult females) and ambiphilia (attraction to both adult males and adult females). The use of such terms aims to provide precise language for describing sexual preferences in research and theory. It is distinct from pedophilia, which is sexual attraction to pre-pubescent children, a paraphilia considered harmful and illegal. Androphilia, like other consensual sexual attractions between adults, is a normal variation of human sexuality.