Asexual
Asexuality is a very complex identity, as it covers a very broad spectrum. In general, it is used to describe a person who either does not experience sexual attraction or experiences limited sexual attraction. An estimated 1% of people are considered to be asexual.
Someone who is asexual, or 'ace' for short, can experience romantic attraction to any gender(s). Romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction as it it is only a strong emotional connection to another, rather than sexual feelings.
Asexuals are not necessarily abstinent. Some aces decide to remain abstinent for their whole lives, or until marriage, while others have sex frequently. Some asexuals prefer purely romantic relationships, while others will agree to sex if their partner desires it. Asexuality has nothing to do with how one acts, but rather how one feels.
Someone who identifies as asexual may possibly feel sexual attraction on a case by case basis, sometimes (but rarely) being attracted to another. This is called gray-asexuality. Someone who only feels sexual attraction to someone after a strong emotional bond is called demi-asexual.
Aromanticism is often mistaken for asexuality. Although someone can identify as asexual-aromantic (ace-aro), the two identities are different. While asexuals do not feel sexual attraction, aromantics do not feel romantic attractions. In other words, someone who is aromantic may have sexual feelings toward someone, but they would not wish to be in a relationship with the person (dating/marriage).
Asexuality tends to be stereotyped as a shroud of faked innocence. In reality, asexuality does not mean covering up or avoiding sex altogether. In fact, aces can dress as modestly or immodestly as they feel comfortable. Many aces do end up having sex in their lifetime, though some prefer to remain abstinent their whole life. Asexuality is about how one feels, not how one acts.
Upon coming out, many aces are faced with people who claim that "aces are just trying to look innocent" or "they haven't met the right person yet." Asexuality is a concept that can be hard for others to understand. It is a broad label, with many different sub-categories that can be confusing to some. To someone who is not ace, it can be hard to understand the feelings of an asexual, as to them, experiencing sexual attraction is a normal occurrence. However, asexuality is becoming more and more accepted.
To learn more about asexuality, read these interviews, where we talked to Andy, an asexual, and Lola, an ace-aro.
Someone who is asexual, or 'ace' for short, can experience romantic attraction to any gender(s). Romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction as it it is only a strong emotional connection to another, rather than sexual feelings.
Asexuals are not necessarily abstinent. Some aces decide to remain abstinent for their whole lives, or until marriage, while others have sex frequently. Some asexuals prefer purely romantic relationships, while others will agree to sex if their partner desires it. Asexuality has nothing to do with how one acts, but rather how one feels.
Someone who identifies as asexual may possibly feel sexual attraction on a case by case basis, sometimes (but rarely) being attracted to another. This is called gray-asexuality. Someone who only feels sexual attraction to someone after a strong emotional bond is called demi-asexual.
Aromanticism is often mistaken for asexuality. Although someone can identify as asexual-aromantic (ace-aro), the two identities are different. While asexuals do not feel sexual attraction, aromantics do not feel romantic attractions. In other words, someone who is aromantic may have sexual feelings toward someone, but they would not wish to be in a relationship with the person (dating/marriage).
Asexuality tends to be stereotyped as a shroud of faked innocence. In reality, asexuality does not mean covering up or avoiding sex altogether. In fact, aces can dress as modestly or immodestly as they feel comfortable. Many aces do end up having sex in their lifetime, though some prefer to remain abstinent their whole life. Asexuality is about how one feels, not how one acts.
Upon coming out, many aces are faced with people who claim that "aces are just trying to look innocent" or "they haven't met the right person yet." Asexuality is a concept that can be hard for others to understand. It is a broad label, with many different sub-categories that can be confusing to some. To someone who is not ace, it can be hard to understand the feelings of an asexual, as to them, experiencing sexual attraction is a normal occurrence. However, asexuality is becoming more and more accepted.
To learn more about asexuality, read these interviews, where we talked to Andy, an asexual, and Lola, an ace-aro.
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| The black in the asexual flag represents asexuality, gray represents gray-asexuality and demisexuality, white represents non-asexual allies, and purple represents community. |
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