What is asexuality?
Asexuality is a term used to describe people who do not experience sexual attraction toward any gender identity. It is a sexual orientation similar to homosexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, or pansexuality. This means that an asexual person may have romantic feelings for someone but not feel sexual desire towards them. There are many types of asexuals, including demisexual (meaning they only feel sexual attraction after developing a deep emotional connection), gray-asexual (not feeling sexual attraction but still enjoying it occasionally), and aromantic (having no romantic feelings) among others.
How does asexuality differ from celibacy?
Asexuality is different from celibacy because celibacy is typically a choice made by a person based on their personal values, while asexuality is a sexual orientation. Celibacy can be temporary or permanent, whereas asexuality is a permanent part of a person's identity.
Some asexual individuals may engage in sex or masturbate as a way to relieve stress or tension, but this does not mean they necessarily enjoy it. They might simply find it necessary for their physical health.
They generally do not seek out sexual relationships.
Why is asexuality considered marginalized?
Asexuality remains largely invisible within society due to the widespread assumption that everyone experiences sexual attraction. As a result, asexual individuals often struggle with misconceptions about their identity, such as being labeled as "incomplete" or uninterested in romance, and face discrimination and stigma both within LGBTQ+ communities and outside of them. This lack of visibility also makes it difficult for asexual people to access resources and support.
What are some examples of cultural mechanisms of invisibility?
Some examples of cultural mechanisms of invisibility include:
1. Media representation - The media often portrays characters who are non-asexual as more desirable and normal than those who are asexual. Asexual characters are rarely shown and even less frequently given positive roles. This leads to negative stereotypes and misinformation about what an asexual person looks like.
2. Language - People commonly use terms like "dead bedroom," "frigid," and other derogatory language when discussing asexuality. This reinforces the idea that being asexual means being abnormal or undesirable.
3. Social norms - Sexualization of society encourages everyone to participate in activities related to sex and intimacy. Asexuals may be excluded from these conversations and feel misunderstood by friends and family members.
4. Gender expectations - Society expects men to have sex drives while expecting women to refrain from sex until marriage, which can make it difficult for asexual men to express their identity without fear of ridicule or judgment.
5. Myths & beliefs - Many myths circulate around asexuality, such as the idea that all asexuals are aromantic or that they cannot enjoy physical pleasure, which further stigmatizes the community.
How might inclusion be ethically pursued?
Inclusion of asexual identities requires a multifaceted approach that considers both individual rights and broader societal issues. Some steps toward inclusivity include:
1. Education - Teaching people about asexuality at a young age helps eliminate ignorance and prejudice. School curriculums should provide information on sexual orientation, including asexuality.
2. Legislation - Laws can support asexual individuals' right to privacy regarding their relationships and health care choices, such as access to contraception and gender-affirming surgeries.
3. Representation - Media representation is essential to breaking down stereotypes about what an asexual person looks like and how they live. Companies should hire more asexual actors and writers to create more realistic portrayals.
4. Language - People need to use non-stigmatizing language when discussing asexuality and avoid making assumptions about someone based on their sexuality.
5. Empathy - Listening to and understanding asexual experiences helps promote empathy and acceptance within society. Asexual individuals should not feel pressured into having sex if they do not want to.
What mechanisms of cultural, institutional, and media-based invisibility contribute to the marginalization of asexual identities, and how might inclusion be ethically pursued?
Asexuality is a sexual orientation wherein an individual experiences little or no interest or attraction towards another individual for sexual purposes. Researchers have found that due to a lack of understanding about what constitutes sexual activity and desire, most people fail to recognize this identity as legitimate. The medical community has also overlooked asexuality as a disorder, which contributes to its stigmatization by labeling it as a mental health issue.