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Sexual dispositions among asexual individuals 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 asexuals lack a sex drive, and some may be repulsed by the concept of sex. |
Sexual dispositions among asexual individuals 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 asexuals lack a sex drive, and some may be repulsed by the concept of sex. |
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[[Sex Stances|Sex stance]] terms, including [[Sex-Repulsed|sex-repulsed]], [[Sex-Averse|sex-averse]], [[Sex-Indifferent|sex-indifferent]], and [[Sex-Favorable|sex-favorable]], 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> |
[[Sex Stances|Sex stance]] terms, including [[Sex-Repulsed|sex-repulsed]], [[Sex-Averse|sex-averse]], [[Sex-Indifferent|sex-indifferent]], and [[Sex-Favorable|sex-favorable]], are commonly used to describe these feelings.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2018/09/15/asexuality-as-a-hard-limit-or-the-cat-is-dead/ Asexuality as a hard limit}}]</ref><ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2016/06/13/20-narratives-of-aces-who-like-sex/ 20 narratives of aces who like sex}}]</ref> |
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The term "asexual" may also be used as an umbrella term, referring to anyone on the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]]. |
The term "asexual" may also be used as an umbrella term, referring to anyone on the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Early uses of the term "asexual" for human sexuality predate the formation of the asexual community. One of the first (indirect) references to asexuality was in 1896 by physician, Magnus Hirschfeld, in his book "Sappho und Sokrates" where he says "There are individuals who are without any sexual desire ('Anästhesia sexualis')."<ref>[https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/98639-indirect-mentions-of-asexuality-in-magnus-hirschfelds-books/ AVEN thread: (indirect) mentions of asexuality in Magnus Hirschfeld's books]</ref> In 1948 and 1953 Dr. Alfred Kinsey added a category "X" to the [[Kinsey Scale]], indicating those with "no socio-sexual contacts or reactions.”<ref>Kinsey, Alfred C. (1948). Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. W.B. Saunders. ISBN 0-253-33412-8</ref><ref>Kinsey, Alfred C. (1953). Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. W. B. Saunders ISBN 025333411X</ref> |
Early uses of the term "asexual" for human sexuality predate the formation of the asexual community. One of the first (indirect) references to asexuality was in 1896 by physician, Magnus Hirschfeld, in his book "Sappho und Sokrates" where he says "There are individuals who are without any sexual desire ('Anästhesia sexualis')."<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/98639-indirect-mentions-of-asexuality-in-magnus-hirschfelds-books/ AVEN thread: (indirect) mentions of asexuality in Magnus Hirschfeld's books}}]</ref> In 1948 and 1953 Dr. Alfred Kinsey added a category "X" to the [[Kinsey Scale]], indicating those with "no socio-sexual contacts or reactions.”<ref>Kinsey, Alfred C. (1948). Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. W.B. Saunders. ISBN 0-253-33412-8</ref><ref>Kinsey, Alfred C. (1953). Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. W. B. Saunders ISBN 025333411X</ref> |
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An early asexual community formed in the 1970s when the Coordinating Council of New York Radical Feminists formed caucuses based on sexual orientation in the categories of heterosexual, lesbian and bisexual. A group led by Lisa Orlando and Barbie Hunter Getz created their own asexual caucus, and in 1972 published "the Asexual Manifesto".<ref>[https://csclub.uwaterloo.ca/~pbarfuss/Asexual-Manifesto-Lisa-Orlando.pdf The Asexual Manifesto]</ref> |
An early asexual community formed in the 1970s when the Coordinating Council of New York Radical Feminists formed caucuses based on sexual orientation in the categories of heterosexual, lesbian and bisexual. A group led by Lisa Orlando and Barbie Hunter Getz created their own asexual caucus, and in 1972 published "the Asexual Manifesto".<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://csclub.uwaterloo.ca/~pbarfuss/Asexual-Manifesto-Lisa-Orlando.pdf The Asexual Manifesto}}]</ref> |
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In a study published in 1983, Paula Nurius examined the relationship between mental health and sexual orientation. The study focused on heterosexuality and homosexuality but also had options for bisexual and asexual.<ref>Nurius, Paula. (1983). "Mental Health Implications of Sexual Orientation" The Journal of Sex Research 19 (2) pp.119-136.</ref> |
In a study published in 1983, Paula Nurius examined the relationship between mental health and sexual orientation. The study focused on heterosexuality and homosexuality but also had options for bisexual and asexual.<ref>Nurius, Paula. (1983). "Mental Health Implications of Sexual Orientation" The Journal of Sex Research 19 (2) pp.119-136.</ref> |
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The contemporary asexual community originated once the internet enabled small, geographically-dispersed demographics to connect with each other. The earliest asexual proto-community formed in the comments of a 1997 article by Zoe O'Reilly and published by StarNet Dispatches, entitled "My Life as a Human Amoeba".<ref>O'Reilly, Zoe. [http://web.archive.org/web/20030210212218/http://dispatches.azstarnet.com/zoe/amoeba.htm "My life as an amoeba"]</ref> On October 12, 2000 the Yahoo e-mail group "Haven for the Human Amoeba (HHA)" was founded.<ref>[http://wiki.asexuality.org/Haven_for_the_Human_Amoeba AVENwiki: Haven for the Human Amoeba]</ref> The following year, David Jay created the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN).<ref>[http://wiki.asexuality.org/AVEN AVENwiki: AVEN]</ref> On LiveJournal, the Asexuality community was founded in 2002.<ref>[https://asexuality.livejournal.com/profile LJ Asexuality]</ref> |
The contemporary asexual community originated once the internet enabled small, geographically-dispersed demographics to connect with each other. The earliest asexual proto-community formed in the comments of a 1997 article by Zoe O'Reilly and published by StarNet Dispatches, entitled "My Life as a Human Amoeba".<ref>O'Reilly, Zoe. [http://web.archive.org/web/20030210212218/http://dispatches.azstarnet.com/zoe/amoeba.htm "My life as an amoeba"]</ref> On October 12, 2000 the Yahoo e-mail group "Haven for the Human Amoeba (HHA)" was founded.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://wiki.asexuality.org/Haven_for_the_Human_Amoeba AVENwiki: Haven for the Human Amoeba}}]</ref> The following year, David Jay created the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN).<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://wiki.asexuality.org/AVEN AVENwiki: AVEN}}]</ref> On LiveJournal, the Asexuality community was founded in 2002.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://asexuality.livejournal.com/profile LJ Asexuality}}]</ref> |
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Over the years, asexuality has been defined in a variety of different ways by different individuals.<ref>Hinderliter, Andrew C. [http://www.asexualexplorations.net/home/history_of_definition.html "Asexuality: The History of a Definition"]</ref><ref>[https://www.pillowfort.social/posts/717314 A Condensed History of Asexuals Arguing with Asexuals Over What Asexuality Is]</ref> One of the most popular definitions emphasizes [[attraction]], but there have also been those that emphasize a lack of sex drive or desire. |
Over the years, asexuality has been defined in a variety of different ways by different individuals.<ref>Hinderliter, Andrew C. [{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://www.asexualexplorations.net/home/history_of_definition.html "Asexuality: The History of a Definition"}}]</ref><ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.pillowfort.social/posts/717314 A Condensed History of Asexuals Arguing with Asexuals Over What Asexuality Is}}]</ref> One of the most popular definitions emphasizes [[attraction]], but there have also been those that emphasize a lack of sex drive or desire. |
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==Asexuality in the DSM == |
==Asexuality in the DSM == |
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*ICD-10 — Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) |
*ICD-10 — Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) |
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In 2013, the DSM-5 was published. Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder remain listed as disorders, but their criteria exclude individuals who self-identify as asexual.<ref>[http://www.asexualityarchive.com/asexuality-in-the-dsm-5/ Asexuality in the DSM-5] |
In 2013, the DSM-5 was published. Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder remain listed as disorders, but their criteria exclude individuals who self-identify as asexual.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://www.asexualityarchive.com/asexuality-in-the-dsm-5/ Asexuality in the DSM-5}}] |
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</ref> |
</ref> |
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[[File:Ace of spades.png|thumb|181x181px|alt=|The ace of spades.]] |
[[File:Ace of spades.png|thumb|181x181px|alt=|The ace of spades.]] |
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[[File:Aventriangle.jpg|thumb|125x125px|The AVEN triangle]] |
[[File:Aventriangle.jpg|thumb|125x125px|The AVEN triangle]] |
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In the summer of 2010 AVEN and several other asexual websites held a contest to design an asexual flag. The current asexual flag was designed by the AVEN user Standup and was uploaded on June 30th, 2010.<ref>[ |
In the summer of 2010 AVEN and several other asexual websites held a contest to design an asexual flag. The current asexual flag was designed by the AVEN user Standup and was uploaded on June 30th, 2010.<ref>[h{{Archive|Site=web|URL=ttps://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2018/02/21/the-ace-flag-a-history-and-celebration/ The Ace Flag: A History and Celebration}}] |
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</ref> The gradient of black, grey, and white was based on the AVEN triangle and symbolizes the concept of the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]]. the black is for asexuals, grey for [[greyasexuals]], [[demisexuals]], and other ace-spec individuals, and white represents allosexuals. Purple represents the community and was likely chosen because AVEN has a purple color scheme. |
</ref> The gradient of black, grey, and white was based on the AVEN triangle and symbolizes the concept of the [[Asexual Spectrum|asexual spectrum]]. the black is for asexuals, grey for [[greyasexuals]], [[demisexuals]], and other ace-spec individuals, and white represents allosexuals. Purple represents the community and was likely chosen because AVEN has a purple color scheme. |
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An alternative symbol for asexuality was created by RavenFire803 on June 14, 2021. The design's colors were directly taken from the flag. The purple represents lack of sexual desire, the white represents purity and kindness, the gray represents the in-between area on the spectrum, and the varying shades of each color represents the wide variety of identities asexuality supports. The spade is for asexuality in general, and the plant designs represents the fact that asexuals are not "broken", but a natural and beautiful part of life. [[File:Asexual coat of arms.png|thumb|The asexual coat of arms, featuring all four aces.]]Another common symbol is an ace playing card, due to the fact that asexual is often shortened to ace. Generally the ace of hearts is used to represent asexuals who feel romantic attraction. The ace of spades can be used to represent aromantic asexuals, or is sometimes used as an umbrella symbol for all asexuals and ace-spec individuals. The ace of diamonds and the ace of clubs are less commonly seen. The ace of diamonds is most commonly associated with [[Demisexual|demisexuals]] and sometimes [[Greyasexual|greyasexuals]] as well. The ace of clubs is commonly associated with greyasexuals, but also sometimes is used for individuals who are [[questioning]] where they fall on the asexual spectrum. |
An alternative symbol for asexuality was created by RavenFire803 on June 14, 2021. The design's colors were directly taken from the flag. The purple represents lack of sexual desire, the white represents purity and kindness, the gray represents the in-between area on the spectrum, and the varying shades of each color represents the wide variety of identities asexuality supports. The spade is for asexuality in general, and the plant designs represents the fact that asexuals are not "broken", but a natural and beautiful part of life. [[File:Asexual coat of arms.png|thumb|The asexual coat of arms, featuring all four aces.]]Another common symbol is an ace playing card, due to the fact that asexual is often shortened to ace. Generally the ace of hearts is used to represent asexuals who feel romantic attraction. The ace of spades can be used to represent aromantic asexuals, or is sometimes used as an umbrella symbol for all asexuals and ace-spec individuals. The ace of diamonds and the ace of clubs are less commonly seen. The ace of diamonds is most commonly associated with [[Demisexual|demisexuals]] and sometimes [[Greyasexual|greyasexuals]] as well. The ace of clubs is commonly associated with greyasexuals, but also sometimes is used for individuals who are [[questioning]] where they fall on the asexual spectrum. |
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Wearing a black ring on the middle finger, typically of the right hand, known as an "ace ring" has become a way to subtly identify the wearer as being asexual. The origin of the black ring began in a thread from 2005.<ref>[http://wiki.asexuality.org/Black_ring AVENwiki: Black ring]</ref><ref>[https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/76607-black-rings-and-other-ways-to-show-asexual-pride/ Black rings and other ways to show asexual pride] |
Wearing a black ring on the middle finger, typically of the right hand, known as an "ace ring" has become a way to subtly identify the wearer as being asexual. The origin of the black ring began in a thread from 2005.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://wiki.asexuality.org/Black_ring AVENwiki: Black ring}}]</ref><ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/76607-black-rings-and-other-ways-to-show-asexual-pride/ Black rings and other ways to show asexual pride}}] |
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</ref> The material and exact design of the ring are not important as long as it is primarily black. |
</ref> The material and exact design of the ring are not important as long as it is primarily black. |
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Cake has been an informal symbol of asexuality since 2004, originating from the AVEN forums cake emote and the joke that asexuals "prefer eating cake to having sex".<ref>[http://wiki.asexuality.org/Cake AVENwiki: Cake]</ref> Dragons have also been used to symbolize asexuality, stemming from a joke that "asexual individuals are way more interested in dragons than in sex" it is also a reference to Charlie Weasley from ''Harry Potter'', who was described as being "...more interested in dragons than relationships and all that stuff" causing many individuals to headcanon him as asexual.<ref>[https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/182214-dragons/?tab=comments#comment-1063215480 The Asexual Network: Dragons?]</ref> Asexuals are also associated with plants, since certain plants have the ability to reproduce asexually through mitosis. |
Cake has been an informal symbol of asexuality since 2004, originating from the AVEN forums cake emote and the joke that asexuals "prefer eating cake to having sex".<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://wiki.asexuality.org/Cake AVENwiki: Cake}}]</ref> Dragons have also been used to symbolize asexuality, stemming from a joke that "asexual individuals are way more interested in dragons than in sex" it is also a reference to Charlie Weasley from ''Harry Potter'', who was described as being "...more interested in dragons than relationships and all that stuff" causing many individuals to headcanon him as asexual.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/182214-dragons/?tab=comments#comment-1063215480 The Asexual Network: Dragons?}}]</ref> Asexuals are also associated with plants, since certain plants have the ability to reproduce asexually through mitosis. |
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An older asexual symbol is the AVEN triangle, which used a black-to-white gradient to represent the asexual spectrum, with white representing allosexuality and black representing asexuality.<ref>[http://wiki.asexuality.org/AVEN_Triangle AVEN Triangle]</ref> This gradient is what inspired the white, grey, and black stripes of the asexual flag. |
An older asexual symbol is the AVEN triangle, which used a black-to-white gradient to represent the asexual spectrum, with white representing allosexuality and black representing asexuality.<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=http://wiki.asexuality.org/AVEN_Triangle AVEN Triangle}}]</ref> This gradient is what inspired the white, grey, and black stripes of the asexual flag. |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The term "asexual" uses the Greek prefix "a-" which means "not" or "a lack of."<ref>[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/a-#Etymology_5 Wiktionary: a-]</ref> |
The term "asexual" uses the Greek prefix "a-" which means "not" or "a lack of."<ref>[{{Archive|Site=web|URL=https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/a-#Etymology_5 Wiktionary: a-}}]</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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