The phenomenon of asexuality has been described as the lack of sexual attraction towards others or low interest in sex, which is different from apathy or celibacy. It is an orientation that can range from being completely absent to having occasional sexual desires but not feeling any romantic ones.
Many societal structures and cultural norms actively work against acknowledging its existence, resulting in the exclusion of asexuals from various aspects of life. This paper will analyze these mechanisms and discuss how visibility initiatives can ethically address this issue.
One such mechanism is the tendency to equate sex with romance. In most societies, individuals are expected to marry and have children, and sex is often seen as a necessary component of a fulfilling relationship. This assumption leads to the dismissal of asexual people who do not fit into this mold, making them feel like outcasts.
Some argue that asexuals cannot fully experience intimacy without sex and hence they should try harder to overcome their inability to be aroused. These assumptions not only erase asexuality but also put pressure on those who do not identify as asexual by suggesting they must conform to heterosexual or homosexual standards to be accepted.
Another mechanism is the emphasis on gender roles in society. Asexuals may face discrimination due to their failure to adhere to gendered expectations regarding attraction and behavior.
Men who do not desire women may be labeled as gay or effeminate, while women who do not enjoy sex may be called frigid or asexual. Similarly, individuals who do not fit into traditional binary categories may be viewed as deviant, further marginalizing non-binary asexuals.
There are social institutions such as marriage laws and healthcare policies which reinforce these binaries, rendering asexuals invisible.
Asexuality's invisibility contributes to its erasure. Many people are unaware of it since it does not match cultural stereotypes about sexuality. As a result, few resources exist for asexuals, and asexuals themselves may struggle with self-acceptance. This in turn perpetuates the idea that asexuality is abnormal, contributing to its exclusion. Some visibility initiatives have attempted to address this issue by creating online communities and educating people about asexuality.
Some argue that these efforts can cause harm by reducing asexuals to their identities and perpetuating a sense of otherness.
To ethically address asexuality's exclusion, visibility initiatives should focus on promoting diverse representations of sexuality and challenging societal norms. They should also prioritize intersectionality, recognizing how racism, ableism, and other forms of oppression intersect with asexuality.
They should promote inclusive spaces where all orientations are respected, rather than centering asexuality at the expense of others. By doing so, visibility initiatives can help create a more equitable world where everyone feels safe and validated, regardless of their orientation.
What social, cultural, and structural mechanisms contribute to the continued erasure of asexuality, and how can visibility initiatives ethically address this exclusion?
The lack of understanding and acceptance of asexuality is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to overcome. Asexual people face various forms of discrimination, such as being seen as "broken" or abnormal, which contributes to their invisibility in society. This results from misinformation, stereotypes, and prejudice perpetuated by institutions, family, peers, and media.