(no subject)

[compass_ink]

So, last week was Asexuality Awareness Week, and in a stunning display of irony, I was... totally unaware. Now that I am aware that we are supposed to be aware, though, I feel I should rectify this.

Asexuality is the term for people who do not experience sexual attraction. Some studies indicate that about 1% of the population is asexual. Given how off-the-radar it is, however, I'm inclined to think that statistic is higher.

This entry is public, since there's not much point in writing an awarness thing and only showing it to a few people.


Things Asexuality Is Not

• A disease. And if you point to the official psychiatric index, remember that they used to describe homosexuality as an official psychiatric disorder as well. We're not suffering from our non-want to have sex.
  
• Closeted / repressed homo or bisexuality. No, really. Why would we try to deflect attention from something we're afraid of being persecuted for by calling ourselves something that attracts endless amounts of derision and confusion?
  
• Caused by emotional repression or past trauma.
  
• A phase. NO, WE DON'T NEED TO JUST FIND THE RIGHT PERSON. Stop asking.
  
• Aromanticism. Many asexuals are aromantic! I am one. But many asexuals also fall in love. They just don't want sex. The one does not automatically equal the other.
  
• An excuse for people who can't get laid.
  
• About you. After reading many anecdotes and rants in asexual communities about people who get angry, offended, or otherwise narky about this, I've come to the conclusion that when such people are told "I'm asexual, which means I don't want sex..." what they actually hear is "I'm asexual, which means I don't want sex with you." No, it has nothing to do with you, sex with you will not make us see the light, get over yourself and look for someone who is actually interested please.
  

Things Asexuality Actually Is

• A sexual orientation. You might wonder how "I don't desire sex" counts as a sexual orientation. It counts in the same way that zero is still a number. Just because it signifies an absence doesn't mean it's unimportant.
  
• Fluid. Like anything about human sexuality, there is no set picture of what an asexual "should" be like.
  
• Very diverse. Some asexuals are disgusted by the idea of sex. Some are willing to engage in it for their romantic partners, but don't care about it otherwise. And some do enjoy sex on rare occasions and/or with specific people.
  
• Cake-friendly. Would you like some?
  

Questions? I'm willing to answer them, or provide links to better answers than I can give! Normally I don't think very much about my own asexuality, but I'll do my best to address anything you want to know or clarify something. Just please be polite when you ask.