Asexual individuals are those who do not experience sexual attraction towards others. This means that they may have little to no interest in sexual acts and may find them unappealing.
This does not mean that they don't have any romantic feelings for others, nor does it imply that they cannot enjoy platonic physical contact like hugging or kissing. The term "asexual" was coined by David Jay in 1994 as an umbrella term for various identities and orientations outside of heterosexuality or homosexuality. It is estimated that approximately one percent of the population identifies as asexual.
Despite their numbers, asexuals remain largely invisible within society due to several factors. Firstly, there is no widely recognized language to describe them or their experiences. As a result, many people are unaware that asexuality even exists or mistakenly assume it is a synonym for celibacy or abstinence. Secondly, most asexuals are closeted out of fear of being stigmatized, misunderstood, or discriminated against. Thirdly, asexual representation is limited in mainstream media, which perpetuates negative stereotypes about them. Fourthly, social norms reinforce heteronormative expectations around sex and intimacy, rendering asexuals as deviant or abnormal.
Institutional mechanisms such as healthcare services, education systems, and employment practices fail to recognize their needs, rights, and experiences.
To improve recognition and psychological well-being, advocacy and representation play a critical role. Asexual visibility campaigns promote awareness through events, literature, and online platforms, educating people on what it means to be asexual and dispelling misconceptions. Representation in popular culture can normalize asexual experiences and challenge prejudices against them. Institutional changes include developing policies and guidelines that accommodate asexuals, sensitizing professionals to their needs, and training them on cultural competency. Moreover, research on asexual mental health needs is crucial for better understanding their unique challenges and promoting appropriate interventions.
The invisibility of asexual individuals reflects societal attitudes towards sexuality and relationships. Advocacy and representation can help shift these attitudes by creating a more inclusive environment where asexual identities are validated, respected, and supported.
What social, cultural, and institutional mechanisms contribute to the invisibility of asexual individuals, and how can advocacy and representation improve recognition and psychological health?
Asexuality is an orientation that refers to people who experience little or no sexual attraction towards other people (Döring & Kranz, 2017). Researchers have found that a lack of knowledge about this sexual minority may lead to its invisibility in society. Social institutions and cultures play a role in maintaining asexual invisibility by shaping individuals' identities, beliefs, values, and behaviors (McLean et al.