HI steph53-ga i know only that
Like all identities, asexuality is self-proclaimed; someone is asexual
if they say that they are. There are no set critertia that make
someone asexual or not, no test to see if someone "qualifies" as
asexual. Like all sexual orientations, asexuality is a concept that
individuals are free to use and modify as they see fit. Anyone who
thinks that the term "asexual" might be useful in thinking about
themselves and explaining themselves to others is welcome to use it.
Some people experience asexuality differently than others. Though
there is no way to describe the full diversity of asexual experience,
much of it can be thought of in terms of three factors:
Attraction- Asexual people differ in how strongly they experience
attraction. Some asexual people find themselves strongly attracted to
others. They will experience a desire to become intimate with the
people that they are attracted to, but no desire to express that
intimacy sexually. Asexual people who experience attraction will often
identify themselves as gay, bi, or straight as well as asexual. Other
asexual people will experience attraction weakly or not at all. These
individuals often do not identify with an orientation. Though they are
less likely to ?fall in love,? many still desire, pursue and achieve
close intimate relationships.
Arousal- Asexual people also experience differing levels of sexual
arousal. For some sexual arousal is a fairly regular occurrence,
though it is not associated with a desire to find a sexual partner or
partners. For some arousal is merely an annoyance. Others will
occasionally masturbate, but feel no desire for partnered sexuality.
Other asexual people experience little or no arousal. These
individuals generally do not see their lack of arousal as a medical or
psychological problem, and do not seek treatment to alter it.
Relationships- There is considerable diversity in how asexual people
desire and seek intimate relationships with others. Some feel little
need for relationships and prefer their own company. Most are socially
active, maintaining networks of friends who can provide intimacy and
support. Some asexual people form romantic relationships, some choose
to marry. Others simply seek close friendship, or to form
relationships which ?blur the line? between friendship and dating. |
