Many people argue that there is no official definition of asexuality. The most common definition is an individual who does not experience sexual attraction or desire. This is not abstinence by choice, or the inability to have sex. Asexuality revolves around the feelings that arise when it comes to sex. Most people crave sex, whether they engage in the physical activity or not. Asexuals on the other hand, do not feel that same desire.
This upbeat video features an interview of David Jay, the 'poster boy' for asexuality. The goal is to describe what asexuality is and raise awareness about it's existence.
This upbeat video features an interview of David Jay, the 'poster boy' for asexuality. The goal is to describe what asexuality is and raise awareness about it's existence.
- One subtype of asexuality is aromantic. This is where someone experiences very little to no romantic attraction towards others. This is different from asexuality because many asexuals still strive to be in a romantic relationship, but they don't have the desire to have sex. People who are aromantic don't want romantic or sexual relationships.
- Grey-A is an over-arching term for people who are in between sexual and asexual. Most of these people consider themselves asexual because it seems to fit better than saying they're sexual, and it's easier to explain. Some common qualities among people who identify as Grey-A are that they:
- Demisexual is another term similar to asexual that is a specific sexual orientation under the Grey-A umbrella. It basically means in between asexual and sexual. Someone who identifies as demisexual does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone. This can be thought of as asexuality with an exception because demisexuals experience sexual attraction and desire, but only towards the specific partner or partners. Not to say that demisexuals have incomplete or half sexuality, but they experience secondary sexual attraction without experiencing primary sexual attraction.
***It is important to note that these gender terms are fluid and have different meanings to different people. These are only the basic, general definitions, but they can change depending on one's perspective and internal feelings.
- Grey-A is an over-arching term for people who are in between sexual and asexual. Most of these people consider themselves asexual because it seems to fit better than saying they're sexual, and it's easier to explain. Some common qualities among people who identify as Grey-A are that they:
- do not normally experience sexual attraction, but do experience it sometimes
- experience sexual attraction, but a low sex drive
- experience sexual attraction and drive, but not strongly enough to want to act on them
- people who can enjoy and desire sex, but only under very limited and specific circumstances
- Demisexual is another term similar to asexual that is a specific sexual orientation under the Grey-A umbrella. It basically means in between asexual and sexual. Someone who identifies as demisexual does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone. This can be thought of as asexuality with an exception because demisexuals experience sexual attraction and desire, but only towards the specific partner or partners. Not to say that demisexuals have incomplete or half sexuality, but they experience secondary sexual attraction without experiencing primary sexual attraction.
- Primary sexual attraction is based on outward characteristics like the way a person looks, dresses, or their personality. This is attraction when you first look at someone. Demisexuals never experience this.
- Secondary sexual attraction stems from a connection, usually romantic, or from how close of a relationship two (or more) people have. This is an attraction for only a certain person or couple of people after getting to know them and forming a deep connection.
***It is important to note that these gender terms are fluid and have different meanings to different people. These are only the basic, general definitions, but they can change depending on one's perspective and internal feelings.