The split attraction model, or SAM, came into broader discussion in around 2005, although it had been theorised about as early as the 1900s. The model is most often used in the context of distinguishing between sexual and romantic attraction: that one’s romantic orientation can be different from their sexual orientation.
The model is mostly used with the asexual and aromantic (a-spec) community as a way to articulate how they experience attraction. For example, an asexual biromantic would be someone who does not experience sexual attraction yet can feel romantic attraction to multiple genders.
However, the use of the model is contested. Although it is considered valuable to the a-spec community when distinguishing between asexuality and aromanticism, it can also be problematic, specifically to the LGB+ community.
Some feel that the model sexualises LGB+ identities, taking back years of progress. For example, we view a bisexual person as someone who experiences both sexual and romantic attraction to multiple genders. The existence of the model may cause the re-sexualisation of the term by implying that it only encompasses sexual attraction, which can be harmful and/or misrepresentative.
Although SAM is very valuable to the a-spec community, it can be harmful to others. There is no easy solution to this, so we must respect that not everyone chooses to use the model and must not force it on others. Be open to changes or alternatives to it.
Written by Josie
Artwork by Aurora Brooks
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