Asexual

What does it mean to be asexual?

Asexual people, who might use the term “ace” or “aces” for short, typically don’t experience sexual attraction or want to pursue sexual relationships with other people. That said, being asexual means different things to different people. Some people might only experience sexual attraction in very limited circumstances.

Do asexual people still have a libido?

Similarly, many asexual people still have a libido and might experience sexual desire. So, asexual people might still masturbate or have sex. Again, asexuality doesn’t always mean someone doesn’t enjoy sex. It just means they don’t experience sexual attraction.

Can asexuality change over time?

Asexual people might have experienced sexual attraction in the past but no longer do. Some people’s capacity for attraction can change over time. Just because an asexual person felt sexual attraction before doesn’t erase their identity now.

Is asexuality a sexual dysfunction?

The suggestion that asexuality is a sexual dysfunction is controversial among the asexual community. Those who identify as asexual usually prefer it to be recognized as a sexual orientation.

Is it possible to become asexual over time?

No, as it says in the FAQ, sexuality is a fluid thing, so it can change. You can change from sexual to asexual over and over, its not set in stone, it may or may not be something youre born with, and your sexuality/asexuality can change over time, but it may not.

Can asexuality be cured?

Decker recounts her struggles as a member of the asexual community, a misunderstood and often denounced group. She explains what asexuality is, what it isn’t, whom it affects and why it doesn’t need to be “cured.”

Is asexuality a disorder or something else?

Though many assume that asexuality is a disorder, that asexual person just haven’t met the right person yet or that he or she is secretly gay, Decker explains this is not the case. Further, she explains that asexual people can become sexual later in life, and that doesn’t mean they were not asexual before.

Does sexual orientation change over time?

These findings go against the common argument that change of orientation is gradual and occurs over an extended period of time. Some may see these results as reflecting not a change in sexual orientation for most participants who reported such change, but rather a change in sexual identity.

So, while it doesn’t make sense to say that asexuality in general is a paraphilia, it seems possible that a small subset of self-identified asexuals might simply have some uncommon sexual interests. Is it a sexual orientation?

Is asexuality a mental illness?

To the extent that asexual persons indeed have higher rates of psychological distress, it’s probably because they lack social approval and support—not because they are mentally ill. Is it a sexual dysfunction?