A Glance at Asexuality: Not Just “One Size Fits All”
Author’s note: this article references older scientific sources, which we acknowledge are outdated and that some of the information can be upsetting. While steps have been made within the scientific community to be more inclusive, there is still much work to be done to have equal representation for all individuals.
The asexuality spectrum, or ace spectrum, is an umbrella term that encompasses a large range of experiences related to sexual attraction. While the term asexual is often used to describe individuals who do not experience sexual attraction, the ace spectrum also includes the diverse experiences of people who experience romantic attraction.
Some terms coined by the ace community avoid reinforcing the idea that one identity is considered ‘normal’, while others are deviations from this ‘norm’. Below are some of the key terms:
- Allosexual/Alloromantic: individuals who regularly experience sexual attraction/romantic attraction.
- Asexual/Aromantic: individuals who do not regularly experience sexual attraction/romantic attraction.
Asexuality and Other Identities
Asexuality is when one does not experience any sexual attraction. Some ace people are repulsed by the idea of sexual activity with another person(s), while others may find certain activities tolerable, or enjoy the intimacy of sexual activities—the experience is different amongst ace people. It’s not to be confused with having a low libido, low amount of desire, nor choosing celibacy. Many ace people still experience romantic attraction and want a romantic partnership, but there are also many who do not. Sexual and romantic attraction are separate experiences that coexist at the same time. Aromanticism is experiencing no romantic attraction. Being both asexual and aromantic is often referred to as ‘aro-ace’. However, one can identify as asexual without being aromantic, and vice versa.
Asexuality is referred to as a spectrum because people experience various degrees of sexual attraction and interest in sexual activity. There’s more freedom to one’s identity to place themselves along a spectrum rather than define themselves to a complete “yes” or “no”.
Other identities within the ace spectrum can include, but certainly aren’t limited to:
- Greysexual/Grey-asexual and Greyromantic/Grey-romantic: Individuals who experience sexual or romantic attraction only in rare or specific contexts.
- Demisexual/Demiromantic: Individuals who feel sexual or romantic attraction only once a deep emotional bond has been formed.
The Difference Between Libido, Desire, and Asexuality
A common misconception about asexuality is that ace individuals do not experience sexual desire or a sex drive (libido). Some ace individuals have a libido but without sexual attraction to a specific person(s).
To clarify:
– Libido (or sex drive): A physical desire for sex or sexual release, which can exist independently of attraction.
– Sexual attraction: A desire for sexual activity directed toward an individual(s).
Asexual people may desire sexual release via masturbation, just as others may, even if they do not experience attraction to others.
Additionally, there’s an important distinction between physical arousal and sexual attraction or desire. Physical arousal is the body’s natural response to sexual stimuli—visuals or physical sensation—without any attraction or desire attached. It is an involuntary response that doesn’t reflect one’s sexual identity.
Mischaracterization by the Medical Community
Unfortunately, asexuality was incorrectly labelled as a medical disorder by Richard von Krafft-Ebing in 1886. Krafft-Ebing coined the term “Anæsthesia Sexualis” (Absence of Sexual Feeling) and claimed it was due to biological or neurological issues, which shows the limited information that was available surrounding human sexuality. The Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders, known also as the DSM, initially labelled it as “Inhibited Sexual Desire” under “Sexual Dysfunctions” in its third version. In the current version of the DSM (the DSM-5), specific language has been included that no longer has asexuality as a disorder. This is thanks to the ever-growing advocacy from the asexual community, who challenged the outdated medical information.
One’s identity can be difficult to navigate, and it’s an extremely personal journey. Despite the progress that has been made in scientific literature, it can be difficult to find non-judgemental care that validates your identity. If this is something you’re questioning or struggling with, a mental health professional can be a valuable resource in supporting you. Here at CAYA, you can reach out to one of our therapists, who can support you in navigating this journey. Kelsey Harris (she/her) and Dr. Olivia Fischer (they/them), work with individuals exploring gender and sexual identity. Book with them for a free 15-minute consultation to see if it would be the right fit for you!
If you’d like to see extra resources, the following may be helpful for you:
– AVEN (Asexuality Visibility and Education Network): https://www.asexuality.org/ – The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
– LGBT Center of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: https://lgbtq.unc.edu/resources/exploring-identities/
asexuality-attraction-and-romantic-orientation/ –
References
Ace Community Survey Team. (2024). 2022 ace community survey summary report. https://acecommunitysurvey.org/2024/10/23/2022-ace-community-survey-summary report/
Brotto, L. A., & Yule, M. A. (2010). Physiological and subjective sexual arousal in self-identified asexual women. Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 40(4), 699–712. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-010-9671-7
Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2022, April 25). What does the term “alloromantic” mean? Verywell Mind. https:// www.verywellmind.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-alloromantic-5235473
Mitra, N. (2023, September 23). The history of asexuality – it’s older than you think. Her Campus. https:// www.hercampus.com/school/usfsp/the-history-of-asexuality-its-older-than-you-think/ Stremel, Emily. 2022. “A History of Asexuality: From Medical Problem to a Recognized Sexual Orientation”. the Ascendant Historian 2 (June), 68-77. https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/corvette/ article/view/20810.
Written by Melanie Tan (She/her), B.Des Master’s Counselling Student Supervised by Dr. Veronica Li