Asexuality in proper biological terms is ‘the lack of sexual attraction to anyone, or low or absent interest in sexual activity’. It is distinct from abstention from sexual activity and celibacy, which are behavioral and are generally motivated by factors such as an individual’s personal or religious beliefs. Generally, these people are termed as LGTB community (Lesbian Gay Transgender and Bisexual community) and are often seen “different” (abnormal) from the so called “normal” people.
There are a lot of misconceptions and taboos associated with asexuality. Many of these misconceptions can be offensive. It’s high time we realize who asexuals are? Why are they different? It’s time to set the record straight.
- Oh, so you’re celibate?
Asexuality is someone’s sexual orientation, which simply means, that they do not experience sexual attraction to anyone. Whereas, in case of Celibacy, a person abstains from sex either voluntarily (such as a religious vow) or involuntarily. Celibacy is about behavior, while asexuality is about underlying feelings. Celibacy and asexuality are neither mutually exclusive nor mutually linked. It is possible for an asexual person to not have sex and be celibate, and it’s also possible for an asexual to have sex and not be celibate.
- Asexuality is a choice
Asexuality is not a choice. It is a sexual orientation, like heterosexuality or homosexuality, and it something that can be turned on or off when needed. Also adding to this, people considered “Asexuality” as a disease which needs to be “cured” .Asexual were even forced to have sex as a treatment to their condition.
- They don’t feel anything, especially love
Relationships involve physical as well as emotional aspects. It is often assumed that asexual lack feelings. Asexual people do feel the full range of romantic emotions, from a slight crush to true love. They do have romantic attraction to other people like homo-romantic, hetero romantic, bi-romantic, etc. Also, generally people have the misconception that they have romantic relationships amongst themselves. However, there are other types of love that exist that asexual people can experience: love for one’s family, love for one’s friends.
- Asexual people don’t/can’t have sex.
Most asexual people can have sex, and some of them do. Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction, not a lack of sexual ability. They are physically and physiologically indistinguishable from other people. Sexual attraction differs from sexual behavior, so even though there are asexual who have sex, they can still be asexual. If an asexual person is incapable of having sex, it is usually due to some other condition, and not necessarily related to their asexuality.
- Too Bad You Don’t Masturbate.
In general, asexuals can masturbate and many do. Asexuals generally don’t have impaired genital function, which means the parts typically work, and when the parts work, they can feel good to use. Aces who masturbate will do so for reasons ranging from relieving tension to wanting the pleasure of an orgasm. Of course, masturbation is a personal choice, and while many asexual people will masturbate, many do not.
- Asexuals just haven’t met the right person yet
There’s a huge difference between knowing you’ll never be attracted to anyone or anything in the universe and thinking, I’ll find someone someday.
This assertion offends many asexuals. They’ve seen many people in their life and have not been sexually attracted to any of them. This claim acts to invalidate and deny a part of their core identity. It’s a bit like going up to a heterosexual male and saying “You could really be gay, you know. Maybe you just haven’t met the right man yet.
We all must keep in mind that Asexuals are just like normal Human Beings. The only difference is that they lack sexual drive and orientation. It is high time we stop seeing them as a Disease. We all are created differently. If discriminating people on the basis of color, caste, gender or religion is wrong, then it’s also wrong to discriminate people on the basis of their sexual orientation.
