Kardashian Sister Comes Out As ‘Autosexual’ – Here’s What It Means

Kourtney Kardashian Barker has long been the Kardashian sister most likely to break the internet—not with a selfie, but with a subversion of social norms. This month, the Poosh founder has once again ignited a viral conversation, this time by bringing the concept of “autosexuality” into the mainstream.

While the topic originally surfaced in a 2020 Poosh editorial, it has regained massive traction as fans revisit the piece, speculating whether the reality star is subtly signaling her own evolution. The concept—defined as being sexually aroused by one’s own eroticism and self-image—challenges the traditional outward-facing nature of desire, turning the lens inward in a way that is both controversial and, according to experts, deeply empowering.

Stripping Away the Stigma

The discourse surrounding autosexuality is often clouded by a specific kind of social “shaming.” Critics frequently dismiss the trait as mere narcissism or an obsession with vanity. However, the Poosh report features insights from Casey Tanner, a prominent queer-sex therapist and founder of QueerSexTherapy, who argues that this stigma is misplaced.

Tanner asserts that embracing autosexuality—viewing oneself as a primary source of erotic interest—can actually serve as a foundational pillar for healthy relationships. By fostering a “partner-independent” sense of confidence and comfort in one’s own skin, individuals may find they are more present and secure when engaging with others.

“Most Likely, You Are Autosexual”

The editorial doesn’t bury the lead, opening with a provocative question: “Are you autosexual?” The answer provided is a definitive: “Most likely, yes. In fact, most of us are, at least to some extent.”

To ground this claim, Tanner defines the trait as “arousal by engaging with one’s own erotic self.” The therapist explains that for many, feeling “sexually alive” is directly linked to an internal perception of attractiveness. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience; rather, it’s a spectrum of self-appreciation that can elevate everything from self-esteem to a couple’s bedroom dynamics.

From Mirror Work to Self-Care

According to Tanner, autosexuality manifests in ways that many people already practice without having the vocabulary to label it. Examples include:

• The “Mirror Moment”: Finding genuine attraction in your own reflection or dancing in the mirror for your own pleasure.
• Solo Seduction: Dressing in lingerie or applying a specific scent purely for personal satisfaction rather than to elicit a reaction from a partner.
• Visualization: Using one’s own image as a focal point for erotic fantasy.

Tanner emphasizes that these acts are entirely natural. Far from diminishing a partnered sex life, understanding these “auto” triggers can actually enrich it by removing the burden from a partner to be the sole provider of desire.

The Kardashian-Barker Context

The timing of the conversation is particularly poignant. Kourtney and husband Travis Barker—who welcomed their son, Rocky Thirteen, in late 2023—have built a public brand around unapologetic intimacy and “forever” PDA. In an era where the couple’s “soulmate” narrative is constantly scrutinized, Kourtney’s platforming of self-focused desire suggests a more complex philosophy of love: one where the relationship with the self is just as vital as the one with the spouse.

Whether the Poosh feature is a personal reflection or a savvy educational pivot, Kourtney Kardashian Barker has once again proven her ability to move the cultural needle, forcing a global audience to ask: Is the ultimate turn-on staring back in the mirror?