What Does It Mean To Be Asexual In A Sexual World?

Over the past decade or so, the United States has been in conflict with its people over the concept of sexuality. For traditionalists and conservatives, heterosexual relationships are both normal and just. For others, they are striving for homosexuality (and other relationships considered to be taboo) to be accepted. The Inquisitr has actually kept up with news around the stigma of sexual attraction, which includes a New York Times article stating that pedophilia isn’t a choice, and on a more commonly known subject, the Supreme Court unblocked gay marriage in five states in which they are denied a hearing.

Whether it be heterosexual, homosexual, or any type of sexual preference that results in the desire to act, they are all some form of attraction. But what if said person doesn’t have any attractions at all? What about asexuality? The preference (or lack of) is being covered quite a bit this week.

According to the Chicago Phoenix, Asexual Awareness Week runs from October 26 to November 1. This movement started back in 2010 in California, when activists Sarah Beth Brooks and David Jay created the observance to educate the public of its existence, introducing a definition of an asexual person, and to eliminate any popular misconceptions. The movement’s website actually details this information.

“We primarily fulfill our mission through campus or community planned… events that include at least one workshop, lecture, or presentation about asexuality. We also occasionally engage in advocacy regarding defamation of asexuals or pop culture, and in outreach to the LGBT community.”

As for how an asexual feels in this sexually-driven world, Courtney Ehrenhofler wrote an excellent piece for The Huffington Post, in which she describes her own personal experiences. Because of all the things catered to something of a sexual nature, such as “Sexiest Swimsuit Models” magazines to those articles by women’s magazines on how to “please a man,” Courtney feels as if she is “not normal” at times.

“It’s not just media culture that’s alienating; it’s friends and family, too. Even queer friends that I have who still aren’t in the hetero status-quo talk about sex with their partners, their Facebook feeds constantly show pictures and status updates of weddings, engagements, babies and dates. When I’m out with friends, there’s usually at least one person remarking on the attractiveness of people walking by. There’s something reminding me almost constantly, every day, that I’m not normal, that I’m not a part of this.”

In conclusion, asexuality is considered something of a taboo to the rest of the world. How can someone not be attracted to someone, right? That kind of thinking comes from a lack of knowledge about asexuality. As for asexuals themselves, they aren’t asking for civil rights or anything of that matter. All they want is to be recognized.

Now that you’ve read the article on asexuals, what are your opinions about the preference. Should they be given recognition for their lack of preference without judgment?

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