What Is

Asexuality?

Allosexual vs Asexual

Experiences sexual attraction to others Does not

WHAT IS ASEXUALITY?

• The “A” in LGBTQIA+
• Sexual orientation w/ lack of sexual, physical attraction toward others
• May experience romantic attraction or not, but they do not feel the same desire for sexual intimacy as others

Asexuality

Subcategories

Aspec

Grey

Demi

Individuals who experience sexual attraction less frequently or intensely than others. It's a spectrum, meaning the level of sexual attraction can vary greatly from person to person

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Feels sexually attracted to someone only after they've developed a close emotional bond with them. This means that physical attraction alone isn't enough to spark sexual desire for a demisexual person

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Umbrella term for people who identify as asexual or aromantic, or both. It can also refer to the spectrum of identities that fall under asexuality and aromanticism

Types of Attraction

Sensual

Emotional

Aesthetic

Intellectual

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There are several types of attraction besides physical, ie:

Attraction to someone's personality, character, and emotional connection. It's about feeling a deep emotional bond and enjoying their company

Appreciation for someone's physical appearance, often considered separate from sexual attraction. It can be admiration for their beauty, style, or overall aesthetic.

Desire for physical touch and intimacy beyond sexual activity. It can include cuddling, hugging, and other forms of physical affection.

Attraction to someone's intelligence, wit, and intellect. It's about finding their ideas and perspectives stimulating and engaging.

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THE BIOLOGY OF IT ALL

Biology ≠ Attraction

Biology

Attraction

-Occurs SEPARATE of biology

-Depends on who, if anyone, who find physically appealing

-Happens in “the brain” (internal), not the body (external stimulation)

-Bluntly, biology still happens if you’re ace, meaning you still can experience:

-Libido, urge to masterbate, orgasms

–Like an bite: Feels good to scratch but would rather not have the bite in the first place

-Doesn’t make you less ace

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QUICK STATS

Healthcare

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Demographics

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Safety

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Intersectionality

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61% of aces worry about being able to keep their health insurance, compared to 48% of all LGBTQ+ people. (HRC.ORG)

A majority of asexual individuals are assigned female at birth. 1-2% of the population are thought to be ace

83.8% of aces avoid being open about their sexuality for fear of a negative reaction from others, the most of any LGBTQIA+ group. (Stonewall.org.uk)

In the 2021 Ace Community Survey, about one in three ace participants identified as nonbinary.

Stereotypes & Discriminations

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

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Conversion Therapy

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Sexual Assault

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Sex-Repulsed

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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) called asexuality a disorder, such as (HSDD), led to the belief that asexuality needed to be "fixed."

Asexuality has been dismissed as a mental illness or a phase. Thus, some asexual individuals may have faced harmful conversion therapy practices.

Nearly 25% of asexual college students reported being raped through coercion or physical force, and over 70% reported experiencing unwanted non-contact sexual experiences.

Many asexual people are indifferent to sex or may even enjoy it in certain contexts.

ASEXUAL ALLY TIPS

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the asexual spectrum,
• Listen and Validate: When an asexual person shares their experiences, listen with empathy & understanding.
• Use Inclusive Language: Avoid making assumptions about an individual's romantic or sexual relationships.
• Advocate for Asexual Rights: Advocate for the rights and well-being of asexual individuals.
• Create Safe Spaces: Help create safe & inclusive spaces where asexuals feel comfortable & supported.
• Challenge Acephobia: Challenge acephobia whenever you encounter it.
• Promote Self-Acceptance: Encourage asexual individuals to embrace their identity and find self-acceptance.

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THANK YOU!