Asexuality

I have recently become aware of a group of people who struggle to have a community and a voice. Asexuals are people with low or no desire for sex. They may want relationships that include romance and intimacy, but it typically does not include sex. We know that there is huge variation in the way people experience sexual attraction or libido, so it makes perfect sense that some folks are on the very low end of these things.

While other sexual orientations have visibility in the world, asexuality does not. It is considered a sexual orientation. Asexual folks may also be gay, lesbian, or bisexual, in terms of the romantic/intimate relationships they may have. Being asexual refers specifically to how one experiences sexual attraction and not who someone is sexually attracted to. However, it is a sexual orientation.

You are probably familiar with the various pride flags for different groups. Above is the pride flag for asexuals. My understanding is that there is an online community for asexual folks, but they aren't a visible community. I imagine there are asexual individuals who would like to be out about their sexuality. It could be nice to find others in real time who they share that with. It would also be nice simply to not have to hide who they are. Many asexuals probably are asked a lot of questions around why they aren't involved in relationships (assuming they aren't) and being able to be out might help temper that. Visibility is one step towards acceptance.

For more information about asexuality, go to www.asexuality.org