User:DecafPotato/drafts/Asexuality
Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction or a low or absent desire for sexual activity.
Definition and identity[edit]
The primary definition of asexuality is that of a person who lacks sexual attraction.[1] Many also consider asexuality to be a lack of desire or interest in sexual activity.[2]
Asexual people may still experience romantic attraction, as the concept of asexuality is decoupled from that of aromanticism.[1] Despite this, many definitions of sexual orientations include both sexual and romantic components, and asexual people who are young or closeted may choose to identify with an orientation other than asexuality based purely on their romantic orientation, despite the alternative label not fully describing them.[3]
The lack of sexual attraction in asexual people does not mean that they are incapable of experiencing sexual arousal.[4] Furthermore, being unable to experience sexual pleasure is also not a defining characteristic of all asexuals.[5]
While most asexual people also lack sexual experiences, sexual experiences do not necessarily mean that a person is not asexual. Those who abstain from sexual activity—such as celibates—are similarly not always asexual, as they often do not lack sexual attraction or desire.[6]
Asexual people may choose to participate in sexual activity for a variety of reasons, including the fulfillment of an intellectual curiosity or the benefit of a romantic partner.[7]
Asexuality is sometimes referred to by the alternative term nonsexuality.[8]
History[edit]
Throughout history, many humans have lived without sexual activity, such as through a failure to find a mate or forced abstinence. There have additionally been many examples of a person refraining from sexual behavior by choice, and is often due to religion.[9]
It is difficult to determine if people that would be considered today to be asexual existed historically, as someone's sexual orientation is often hidden from the public, and one who seemingly did not exhibit sexual inclinations may have hidden their true orientation due to a lack of social acceptance.[10]
Some have speculated that historic figures such as Isaac Newton or Emily Brontë may have been asexual, and the fact that they likely died virgins could be seen as evidence of the claim.[11]
Research[edit]
On the Kinsey scale of human sexuality, the designation X is used for those who do not fall on the scale between heterosexuality or homosexuality.[12] The model of sexuality created by Micheal Storms, a measurement of both heterosexual and homosexual attractions, classifies those that experience the lowest amount of both as asexual, though Storms did not investigate if the model accurately reflected the experiences of asexual people.[13]
According to Anthony Bogaert, most researchers of sexual orientation agree that one's attractions are a better measurement of their orientation compared to one's behavior.[14]
Asexual people are frequently found to be strongly religious.[13]
Bogaert believes that a lack of sexual attraction may be considered a 'minimal' definition of asexuality, and that defining an "asexual" as someone who lacks both sexual attraction and sexual desire may be more stringent.[15]
Prevalence[edit]
The precise amount of asexual people is generally unknown.[16] According to a 2004 analysis by Bogaert of a 1994 British study, 1 percent of adults are asexual,[17] and asexual people were more likely to be older than younger.[18] In studies published in 1948 and 1953, Alfred Kinsey classified 1.5 percent of men as an X on the Kinsey scale, compared to 14–19 percent of unmarried women and 1–3 percent of married women.[8]
Community[edit]
Discrimination and legal protections[edit]
Relationship with religion[edit]
Religious figures have often been portrayed as asexual.[19]
Media portrayal[edit]
Throughout history, many fictional characters have been portrayed as what could be termed asexual.[19]
Asexual characters may also be designed to increase tension or drama within a story.[19]
Some asexual characters could be intended to appeal to asexuals or children yet to sexually mature.[20]
Arthur Conan Doyle characterized Sherlock Holmes in a way reminiscent of asexuality in order to portray Holmes as being motivated by intellect.[19]
See also[edit]
Notes[edit]
References[edit]
Citations[edit]
- ^ a b Bogaert 2012, p. 13.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 21–22.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 14.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 15–16.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 22–23.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 18–19, 34.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 18.
- ^ a b Bogaert 2012, p. 45.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 33.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 34.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 34–35.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 17.
- ^ a b Bogaert 2012, p. 19.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, pp. 17–18.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 22.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 49.
- ^ "Study: One in 100 adults asexual". CNN. October 14, 2004. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 46.
- ^ a b c d Bogaert 2012, p. 36.
- ^ Bogaert 2012, p. 37.
Sources[edit]
- Bogaert, Anthony F. (2012). Understanding Asexuality. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4422-0101-9. OCLC 811407897.
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