Understanding Asexuality

Asexuality can be defined as an enduring lack of sexual attraction. Thus, asexual individuals do not find (and perhaps never have) others sexually appealing. Some consider “asexuality” as a fourth category of sexual orientation, distinct from heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality. However, there is also recent evidence that the label “asexual” may be used in a broader way than merely as “a lack of sexual attraction.” People who say they have sexual attraction to others, but indicate little or no desire for sexual activity are also self-identifying as asexual. Distinct from celibacy, which refers to sexual abstinence by choice where sexual attraction and desire may still be present, asexuality is experienced by those having a lack or sexual attraction or a lack of sexual desire. More and more, those who identify as asexual are “coming out,” joining up, and forging a common identity. The time is right for a better understanding of this sexual orientation, written by an expert in the field who has conducted studies on asexuality and who has provided important contributions to understanding asexuality. This timely resource will be one of the first books written on the topic for general readers, and the first to look at the historical, biological, and social aspects of asexuality. It includes firsthand accounts throughout from people who identify as asexual. The study of asexuality, as it contrasts so clearly with sexuality, also holds up a lens and reveals clues to the mystery of sexuality. Contents......Page 7 Acknowledgments......Page 9 Chapter One: Introduction......Page 11 Chapter Two: The A, B, C, and Ds of Sex (and Asex)......Page 21 Chapter Three: History......Page 37 Chapter Four: The Prevalence of Asexuality......Page 51 Chapter Five: To Masturbate or Not to Masturbate......Page 65 Chapter Six: Sex and Gender......Page 77 Chapter Seven: Forging an (A)sexual Identity......Page 93 Chapter Eight: The Madness of Sex......Page 105 Chapter Nine: Do You Have Hypoactive Skydiving Disorder?......Page 115 Chapter Ten: A Monster in All of Our Lives......Page 125 Chapter Eleven: Art and Food on Planet Sex......Page 133 Chapter Twelve: (A)sexuality and Humor......Page 145 Chapter Thirteen: Just Because......Page 157 Chapter Fourteen: The Beginning......Page 171 Bibliography......Page 173 Index......Page 187 Introducton The A, B, C, and Ds of sex (and asex) History of asexuality The prevalence of asexuality : to masturbate or not to masturbate Sex and gender Forging an (a)sexual identity The madness of sex : do you have hypoactive skydiving disorder? A monster in all our lives Art and food on planet sex (A)sexuality and humor Just because The beginning. In a world where people often feel compelled to advertise their sexual inclinations and preferences, many people identify as asexual, lacking sexual attraction to either men or women. This book introduces the idea of asexuality as a fourth category of sexual orientation and reveals the historical, biological, and social aspects of asexuality