Understanding Asexuality In A World Obsessed With Sex And Love
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Understanding Asexuality In A World Obsessed With Sex And Love

She's beauty. She's grace. She's probably ace.

270
Understanding Asexuality In A World Obsessed With Sex And Love

The "A" in LGBTQA doesn't stand for allies -- it stands for asexual (ace). Asexuality is often an overlooked category of sexuality because it is very different from the norm. Asexuals do not experience sexual attraction though they may still choose to engage in sexual activity. Asexuality is different from celibacy because asexuality is an innate part of who they are and celibacy is the choice to not have sex. Asexuals are not naive or like children, they just do not experience sexual attraction. In a world that is mesmerized by sex, asexuality seems to be unfathomable, but it is a legitimate sexuality that should be more commonly recognized.

Each person engages with their asexuality in a different way: some are repulsed by sex, some willingly participate in sex (and even enjoy it) and some experience attraction and have no desire to act out that attraction sexually. This does not mean that asexuals are incapable of love or strong relationships. Sex is not always the best or only way to show love.

Asexuality has a large spectrum of subcategories, each as valid as any other type of sexuality. Aromantics (aro) experience little to no romantic attraction towards others. Aromanticism is a difficult branch of asexuality to understand. Not only is our world obsessed with sex, it is obsessed with romantic relationships that fit into the strict circle of normality. Again, just because they do not experience romantic attraction does not mean that they are incapable of love or strong relationships. They just prefer platonic relationships or friendships. Aromanticism often couples with asexuality. Aromantic asexuals do not experience romantic nor sexual attraction.

Demisexuals do not experience sexual attraction until they have formed a strong emotional connection. That connection is unique to each individual, but it generally stems out of close friendships or romantic partners. Many people believe that demisexuality is something that everyone does when they are beginning a relationship. The difference is that demisexuals generally experience little to no sexual attraction and may not engage in sexual activities at all. Greysexuals similarly feel very weak sexual attraction, or very rarely, and they generally do not need to form an emotional bond.

Other forms of asexuality: lithosexuals feel sexual attraction but do not want a sexual relationship; cupiosexuals want a sexual relationship but do not feel sexual attraction; fraysexuals feel sexual attraction but it fades over time; autochorrisexuals experience a disconnect between themselves and sexual stimulants, and reciprosexuals feel sexual attraction only after someone is sexually attracted to them first. Each form of asexuality is as valid as any other sexuality, but because the world is so obsessed with sex and love asexuality is disregarded. People who fall under the spectrum of asexuality should not be ashamed or embarrassed because the world doesn't that recognize the absence of sex or romantic love is real.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

87783
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

54164
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments