Asexual - meaning and definition
AlsoACEaceasexualityasexuals
Definition
Describes a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. Asexual people may still want romance, closeness or relationships.
At a glance
- Describes little or no sexual attraction to others.
- A sexual orientation, not a medical condition, a fear or a decision to abstain.
- Many asexual people feel romantic attraction and want relationships.
- Ace is a common short form and an umbrella for the asexual spectrum.
- Differs from low libido that causes someone distress, which is a health topic.
In detail
Asexuality is a sexual orientation, not a medical condition, a fear or a decision to abstain. Some asexual people have no interest in sex; others may have sex for reasons such as a partner's wishes, curiosity or wanting children. Many experience romantic attraction and use labels such as biromantic or heteroromantic alongside "ace".
Asexuality differs from low libido that causes someone distress, which is a health topic. "Ace" is also used as an umbrella for the whole asexual spectrum.
In a sentence
- I'm ace and biromantic, so I date, but sex isn't something I'm drawn to.
- Finding the word asexual made me realise nothing was wrong with me.
Where the word comes from
Asexual long meant without sex in biology. Its use as an orientation grew with online communities in the early 2000s, notably the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), founded in 2001.
Not to be confused with
- Abstinence
Abstinence is a choice not to have sex; asexuality is about attraction.
- Hypoactive sexual desire
Low desire that causes personal distress is a health concern; asexuality is not.
Common questions
Can asexual people have relationships?
Yes. Many asexual people have romantic relationships, marriages or close partnerships. Romantic attraction and sexual attraction are separate, and relationships can be built in many ways.
Is asexuality the same as celibacy?
No. Celibacy is a choice not to have sex. Asexuality describes attraction itself. Some asexual people have sex for their own reasons, and some allosexual people choose celibacy.
Is asexuality a medical problem?
No. It is an orientation. If someone is distressed by a change in their sexual desire, that is a separate health topic that a clinician can help with.