What is Asexuality?

Asexuality is a sexual orientation that is generally defined as not having a sexual attraction or desire for other people. It is typically categorized as an orientation that is distinct from bisexual or heterosexual identities. Individuals who identify as asexual may experience a wide range of different attractions, including emotional, physical, or romantic attractions to those of the same or different gender. Although asexuality is often considered an orientation for people who lack sexual attraction, some asexuals do experience some levels of desire, arousal, or pleasure from sexual activities.

Asexuality is different from celibacy, which is the voluntary abstention from sexual activities, or from sexual aversion or antipathy toward sex. Asexuals feel no sexual attraction to any gender and tend to have no desire to have sex. Asexual individuals may identify themselves with any of the many asexual labels, such as graysexual, demisexual, and more.

Historical Perspective

Although asexuality is a current topic of study and discussion, its history is older than suggested by the perception of asexuality as a “new” orientation. Asexuality has been explored and discussed for centuries, from authors like Plato, to spiritual theories from the ancient Vedic and Buddhist traditions, to 19th century medical writings. While not explicitly using the term asexual, authors across many cultures have written of individuals at various times in history who have experienced little or no sexual desire.

The term asexual first appeared in scientific literature in the early 20th century, and asexuality has been fully accepted in the psychological and medical fields within the past few decades. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions about asexuality and its role in identity, and the idea of asexuality is still considered to be a “fringe” orientation.

Understanding Asexuality

Unlike celibacy or abstinence, asexuality is an inherent part of a person’s identity, not defined by any particular behaviors or habits. Asexual individuals, like all other individuals, can have different personalities, beliefs and lifestyles, including whether or not they engage in any sexual activities. However, it’s important to remember that asexuality does not equate to an aversion to sex, or the avoidance of sex altogether. Asexual people are equally capable of feeling strong emotions such as love or desire for another person.

Asexuals often experience pressure to conform to societal expectations, both from those who assume that everyone wants or needs sex, and from those who perceive asexuality as an illness or abnormality. Asexual people can experience a wide range of romantic, sexual, and non-sexual attractions as well as varying levels of desire for different activities. It’s important to remember that each asexual person is unique and may identify in a different way than another asexual person.

Asexuality is a valid orientation that should be respected and celebrated. Learning more about asexual people and their experiences can help create an understanding and acceptance of asexuality among the whole population. Asexual individuals can still have meaningful, intimate relationships if they choose to and should not be isolated or ignored.