Asexuality

by Dom

Calling all Graces and Aces: Do you prefer cake to sex? Here's a mini-mini-guide to asexuality. Just for you. We dip our toes into AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) and the modern movement...

What is asexuality?

It's a term used to describe those with little-to-no libido (sex drive).

This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never have sexual feelings or engage in sexual activities. It simply means it will be a rarity by personal inclination.

Some research declares asexuality denotes complete lack of sexual action but others disagree and believe it is common for those concerned to engage in self-gratification. I think it’s probably best to say some do, some don’t.

Asexuals may have relationships like anyone else but whether the partnership will be a sexual one (to please their other or because they have a sex drive but it’s very low), or whether it will be more or less a platonic love (purely romantic love) is never certain.

What is a 'grey asexual'?

Some people - who may refer to themselves as 'grey asexual' - feel their inclination and behaviour lies in a grey area of the standard definition of asexuality. They may experience sexual attraction, but very rarely. They may have a low sex drive, or experience sexual feelings but not strongly enough to want to act on them. They may feel sexuality is not an important part of their lives and don't identify with a sexualised culture. As the term suggests, it's a grey area. People define their own identities.

You may hear about Graces and Aces. Aces? They're asexual people who self-term themselves as such; the Ace playing card is a symbol of asexuality, as is the colour combination of grey-white-purple-black. Graces? A newer coinage for people who consider themselves in the grey area.

How asexuality has been viewed throughout history

Like other sexualities, asexuality is not a choice and cannot be changed through willpower or some nonsense ‘treatment’ (although, as with homosexuality, there was originally thought to be a possible link between asexuality and mental health).

Oh no! Asexuality doesn't even feature on the Kinsey Scale

Asexuality has been known about for some time; there are mentions of it in writings of Christianity and Islam, and more recently Satanism (La Vey).

Asexuality is somewhat admired by some in the Bible as it is seen as spiritual discipline, and being free from the temptation to commit sin, much like celibacy (the choice not to engage in sexual activities). Other biblical writings follow the same lines as Muslim teachings which state that there are concerns about marriage and not being able to satisfy one's partner’s desires.

According to religious texts, asexual people are, however, 'allowed' to marry if their partner feels they can cope with an asexual spouse.

Satanism does not express particular distaste for asexual nature but does mention it is believed that any/all energy that would otherwise be devoted to sexual activities will be used elsewhere.

“If a person favours other interests over sexual activity, it is his right, and no one is justified in condemning him for it." (Anton La Vey).

AVEN and the modern movement

AVEN – or Asexual Visibility and Education Network - is a network/organization founded by David Jay. Its main goals are acceptance and growth of the asexual community.

Despite knowledge of the existence of asexual people dating back to biblical times, until recently the general public was not aware. This change is probably down to the internet and its many wonders. Now, thanks to the internet, there are asexual dating sites and all manner of Ace communities.

Asexual Awareness Week

Asexual Awareness Week (October 23-29 2011) has created a census for asexual, demisexual and grey-a identified people.

To be scientifically representative, the asexuality census requires 500 or more responses. Once 500 responses are achieve, the census' results can be added tofuture academic research into asexuality, and lead to a better understanding of the asexual population.

If you yourself are on the asexual spectrum, please take the survey!

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