Asexual: Difference between revisions

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<b>Asexuality</b> is a part of the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]], and is defined by a lack of [[Sexual Attraction|sexual attraction]]. Asexual experiences may also include: not wanting to have sex, not being interested in sex, not experiencing a sex drive/libido, or being repulsed by sex. Sexual attraction is defined as the desire to have sex with, or otherwise perform sexual acts with, another specific person. For non-asexual people ([[Allosexual|allosexuals]]), sexual attraction is involuntary, and even occurs when someone doesn't know the other person (though one might not act on it). Asexual people do not have an innate desire to have sex with anyone. They might also feel disconnected from the idea of sex.

It is important to note the difference between asexuality and celibacy/abstinence. Those who are abstinent or celibate are not necessarily asexual; they may still experience sexual attraction but they choose not to act on it for moral or religious reasons. Asexuals do not experience sexual attraction, and they may or may not participate in sexual activities. Although some asexuals do not have sex, there are also many asexuals who do partake in sexual activities or are in sexual relationships. This could be for many reasons, such as their own pleasure, the pleasure of a partner, or to have children.

Being asexual does not mean that one is unable to experience [[Romantic Attraction|romantic attraction]]. An asexual person can have any romantic orientation and some asexuals identify with a [[Romantic Orientation|romantic orientation]] to specify who they're interested in romantically, if anyone. They often use prefixes like hetero-, homo-, bi-, pan-, etc. in front of the word romantic to describe who they experience romantic attraction to. For example, a person who is asexual [[Straight|heteroromantic]] is romantically attracted to people of another gender, but is not sexually attracted to them. Some asexuals are also [[aromantic]], meaning that they also do not feel romantic attraction. People who are both asexual and aromantic may identify as [[aroace]].

Sexual dispositions among asexual people can vary. Some asexuals may still have a sex drive despite not feeling sexual attraction to anyone. They may still masturbate, watch porn, or participate in sexual activities. Other asexual lack a sex drive, and some may be repulsed by the concept of sex. Terms like [[sex-repulsed]], [[sex-indifferent]], [[sex-favorable]], or [[sex-ambivalent]] are commonly used to describe these feelings.<ref>[https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2018/09/15/asexuality-as-a-hard-limit-or-the-cat-is-dead/ Asexuality as a hard limit]</ref><ref>[https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2016/06/13/20-narratives-of-aces-who-like-sex/ 20 narratives of aces who like sex]</ref>

The term "asexual" can also be used as an umbrella term to describe someone on the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]].