Asexuals are people who experience little to no sexual attraction towards others. They may still have romantic feelings but do not find physical pleasure from them. Aromantics, meanwhile, do not feel romantic attraction at all. Both groups face discrimination, misunderstanding, and stigmatization for being different from the majority sexual norm. This article will help readers understand asexuality and aromanticism better to foster greater social understanding and acceptance.
It is essential to know that sexual orientation and gender identity are distinct concepts. One's sexual orientation describes whom one desires physically, while gender identity denotes how they identify themselves socially.
Someone might be a cisgender man who is attracted to men (gay) or a cisgender woman who is attracted to women (lesbian), both of which are valid identities.
A person can also be a heterosexual transgender male or female, meaning their gender does not match their biological sex and that they prefer partners of the opposite gender. In contrast, asexuals may be any gender and have any identity - they simply lack interest in sex. Similarly, an aromantic person could be gay, straight, bisexual, pansexual, or queer, yet have no desire for romance.
We must recognize that many people believe that everyone has sexual urges. If they don't, they must be repressing something or need therapy to "fix" it. Yet this belief ignores the natural variation among humans, including those with low libido. It also overlooks the fact that some individuals may never experience desire due to physical or psychological factors. Some asexuals find sexual acts uncomfortable or distressing. Others just don't think about them at all. Aromantics may feel emotional connection but not want anything beyond friendship or companionship.
We should acknowledge that intimacy comes in various forms besides sexual intercourse. Non-penetrative activities such as kissing, touching, hugging, or holding hands can create deep bonds between two individuals. Asexuals may still enjoy these things and pursue non-sexual relationships. While aromantics do not seek romantic connections, they can develop strong friendships based on mutual trust, understanding, support, and shared interests.
Desires are subjective, and what is "normal" is arbitrary.
Someone might desire kinky fetishes that others consider strange. Therefore, we must celebrate our differences rather than judge them. Understanding asexuality and aromanticism opens up new perspectives on human diversity, allowing us to appreciate each other's uniqueness without imposing our expectations. Let's work together to respectfully educate ourselves and others to foster greater acceptance and inclusion for everyone.
How can social understanding of asexuality and aromanticism be deepened to challenge assumptions about relationality, intimacy, and human desire?
Social understanding of asexuality and aromanticism can be deepened by acknowledging that these identities are not uncommon phenomena but rather normal variations within human sexual and romantic experience. Both asexuality and aromanticism involve an absence of sexual attraction or romantic interest towards others, which is different from celibacy and abstinence due to personal choice.