Asexuality is a general term or self-designation for people who lack sexual attraction or otherwise find sexual behavior unappealing. There is debate as to whether this is a sexual dysfunction or a sexual orientation. Furthermore, there is disagreement over the exact definition of the word. The term is sometimes used as a gender identity by those who believe their lack of sexual attraction places them outside the traditional definitions of gender. There has been little research done on asexuality, but those studies that have been conducted suggest that, if it is a sexual orientation, it is among the least common.
Debate
There is continuing disagreement over whether asexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation. Some argue that it falls under the heading of hypoactive sexual disorder or sexual aversion disorder. Among those who do not believe it to be an orientation, other suggested causes include past sexual abuse,[1] sexual repression (of homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality), hormonal problems, delayed development, sublimation of sexuality for personal, religious or cultural reasons, or simply not having met the right person. Some asexuals, however, argue that they do not believe in the “right person myth”, because they couldn’t get into romantic/sexual affection with anybody for long years back and do not create any image of an ideal lover for themselves.
Many self-identified asexuals, however, do not believe that such diagnoses apply to them. Others assert that because their asexuality does not cause them distress, it should not be viewed as a disorder. Those who believe that asexuality is not pathological sometimes point to the fact that similar things have been said about homosexuality and bisexuality, which are now viewed by most as legitimate orientations. Alongside this is the debate as to whether the term ‘asexual’ is an accurate term. In biology, the term is used to describe a species that reproduces from a single member, whereas in this context it pertains to an organism not reproducing at all, and that ‘anti-sexual’ (in the clinical, rather than polemical sense) may be a more accurate description of the behavior (for the idealogical outlook, see antisexualism).
Because of this lack of research on the subject, there is little documented evidence in favor of either side of the debate.
Research
A study done on rams found that about 2% to 3% of the animals being studied had no apparent interest in mating with either sex. Another study was done on rats and gerbils, in which up to 12% of the males showed no interest in females. Their interactions with other males were not measured, however, so the study is of limited use when it comes to asexuality.[2]
A UK survey of sexuality included a question on sexual attraction, and 1% of respondents replied that they had “never felt sexually attracted to anyone at all.”[3] The Kinsey Institute conducted a small survey on the topic, which concluded that “asexuals appear to be better characterized by low sexual desire and sexual excitation than by low levels of sexual behavior or high sexual inhibition” [4]. That study also mentions a conflict regarding the definition of “asexual”: the researchers found four different definitions in the literature, and stated that it was unclear whether those identifying as asexual were referring to an orientation.
Variations
There are differences among people who identify as asexual, chiefly among them the presence or absence of a sex drive or romantic attraction. Some experience only one of these, while others experience both, and still others neither. There is disagreement as to which of these configurations can genuinely be described as asexual. While a number of people believe all four variations qualify, many others believe that to be asexual, one must lack a sex drive, romantic attraction, or both.
The sex drive of those asexuals who have one is usually not directed at anything, and is only an urge for sexual stimulation or release; one exception is those asexuals who are also fetishists, whose sex drive is focused on the fetish object rather than a person (though many fetishists do not identify themselves as asexual). In either case, the level of sex drive can range from weak to strong, and from rare to frequent. As mentioned above, some identify as asexual yet feel sexual attraction, though some would argue that they are not asexual. Some asexuals may experience sexual feelings, but have an aversion to sex or no desire to act on them, while others seek sexual release through sexual contact.
For those asexuals who experience feelings of romantic attraction, it can be directed towards any sex or sexes. These asexuals generally desire romantic relationships (ranging from casual liaisons to marriage) but often do not want these relationships to include sexual activity. Because of their romantic orientation, some asexuals describe themselves as gay, bisexual, or straight asexuals; this is related to the concept of affectional orientation.
Those asexuals who do want romantic relationships are in a difficult position, as the majority of people are not asexual. Asexuals able to tolerate sex can pair up with non-asexuals, but even then their lack of attraction or desire can be psychologically distressing to their partner, making a long-term romance difficult. Asexuals who cannot tolerate sex must either compromise with their partners and have a certain amount anyway, give their partners permission to seek sex elsewhere, have sexless relationships with those few who are willing, date only other asexuals, or stay single.
Aromantic is another term for asexuals who don’t experience romantic attraction or “typical romantic attraction”. While some do find a relationship with another asexual, they may not include things such as kissing or touching. Aromantic asexuals who are in relationships often are unsure of themselves, even if their partner is aromantic as well, because of the mass media showing “normal” relationships. They may feel they don’t measure up to their partner’s standards, usually due to a past failed relationship or lack of experience. This feeling usually goes away over time. Aromantic asexual couples often look like best friends to most people due to the nature of their relationships, even though something deeper is there. It’s the same deep love romantics have, but it’s shown in a different way from the norm.
Some asexuals use a classification system developed (and then retired) by the founder, David Jay, of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network [1], one of the major online asexual communities (abbreviated as AVEN). In this system, asexuals are divided into types A through C: a Type A asexual has a sex drive but no romantic attraction, a Type B has romantic attraction but no sex drive, and a Type C neither. The categories are not meant to be entirely discrete or set in stone; one’s type can change, or one can be on the border between two types. Note that AVEN itself no longer uses this system, on the basis that it is too exclusive, but a number of asexuals still feel it is a useful tool for explaining their orientation.
Note that asexuality is not the same as celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity; many asexuals do have sex, and most celibates are not asexual.
Asexuality and religion
The neutrality of this article is disputed.
Please see the discussion on the talk page.
Currently, asexuality faces little religious condemnation.
Several religions or religious sects believe that asexuality is a spiritually superior condition, and some asexuals believe that their lack of “base desires” allows them to feel a deeper spirituality, although other asexuals consider that an elitist attitude. However, some conservative Christians believe that naturally occurring asexuality, like naturally occurring homosexuality, is an impossibility as it was not designed by God and then subsequently instilled in Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians stated it would be better that believers remain celibate (1 Cor. 7:8). However, if they could not do so, it was better to marry (1 Cor. 7:9).
In other creeds, children are considered a gift from God that should not be refused, a means of spreading religion, or both, though some asexuals do have children, and some religions have praised both asexuality and children. Furthermore, according to some religious beliefs, sexuality itself is sacred or a divine gift; certain varieties of Tantra involve sex, for example, and some types of neopaganism and New Age spirituality include the concept of sacred sexuality.
In a research piece on the subject, Anthony F. Bogaert found that asexuals may exhibit higher rates of religiosity than sexuals. He takes this as support for his hypothesis that some asexuals may have internalized religious attitudes regarding sexual prohibition and abstinence “to such a degree that they may not admit to arousal, or at least not label it as sexual attraction”. Informal polls on the AVEN site, on the other hand, show that its membership is less religious than the general public.