I saw this on a friend's facebook profile recently: 'Asexuality: The Making of a Movement' is a documentary about those in the world who experience no desire to have sex.
According to the larger website AVEN: the Asexual Visibility and Education Network, "An asexual is someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Unlike celibacy, which is a personal choice, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who asexuals are. It is their identity. "
It seems as though Asexuals are perfectly content exploring all other aspects of relationships besides the sexual realm.
I hesitate to declare an opinion after only looking at the website and not personally knowing an asexual (unless my fbook friend was posting this as a way to subtly declare her sexual identity). But I think this is perfectly fine. I believe the Bible shows us how to live as whole human beings and it talks about the goodness of singleness, if we can resist our sexual desire or are not tempted in that way at all. More power to you, asexuals, to use that energy in other great places.
What worries me is the "It is their identity" part. Why must it be? That statement seems to say that their sexual status makes all other personal characteristics less important. Why?
Hello! An asexual dropping by.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone who might be classified as asexual chooses to identify as such. For those of us that do identify as asexual, there are many reasons. It can help us make sense of our personal experiences. It can help us explain ourselves to friends, family, and even potential partners. It can also be to spread awareness of asexuality. There are many people out there who end up thinking they are broken freaks because they have never heard of the concept.
Identifying as asexual does not necessarily make other personal characteristics less important. I introduced myself as an asexual here, but in other contexts, I might introduce myself as a college student, or just as [insert real name]. In general, people who adopt any kind of identity don't want to reduce themselves to faceless stereotypes.
A couple other points:
Asexuals aren't simply resisting sexual desire. For example, in my personal experience, I can hardly tell who is "hot" and who is not. How can I "resist" a hot guy/girl if I can't even see them?
Some asexuals are interested in "all other aspects of relationships besides the sexual realm". But there are also asexuals who don't fit into romantic relationships any more than they fit into sexual relationships. And then there's everyone inbetween. It's a diverse group.
thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! i have a lot to learn about those who experience asexuality. i appreciate it!
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