Asexuality describes a lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in sexual activity, while aromanticism refers to an orientation characterized by little or no romantic attraction to others.
Asexuality might be viewed as a sexual orientation or as a lack thereof, but it might also fall along a continuum known as the ace spectrum. Asexuality is not the same thing as celibacy or choosing to abstain from sexual behaviors.
While sexual orientation, as opposed to sexual behavior, is presumed to be enduring, asexual individuals are capable of engaging in sexual activity despite a lack of sexual attraction or desire for sex. Thus, an asexual individual may engage in sex to have children or to physically pleasure themselves or a partner. Many asexual individuals have romantic feelings for other people, may date, or even have long-term relationships.
Within the asexuality spectrum, there is a large degree of diversity. As a spectrum, there are different types of asexual people. A sex-negative individual might view sex as unpleasant or even disgusting. Sex-neutral asexuals are more or less indifferent to sexual activity. They don't have strong positive or negative feelings about sex and may not think of it much at all. Sex-positive asexuals don't experience sexual attractions, but they are likely to view sex as a normal, healthy part of life, and may even choose to have sexual relationships.
While many consider asexuality to be a sexual orientation, asexuals may experience it in various ways. As detailed above, asexuals are individuals who don't experience sexual attraction to others. Nevertheless, some asexuals may experience sexual desire, while others may have no sexual feelings at all.
Also known as gray aces or gray-a, greysexuals are individuals who are primarily asexual, although they may enjoy sexual behavior under some circumstances or experience sexual interest on rare occasions.
Demisexuals will feel sexual attraction once they have established a strong emotional connection to someone else. While they are on the asexual spectrum, they are more likely to engage in sex than others on the spectrum.
Most asexuals don't experience primary sexual attraction, but they still may be able to establish romantic connections with others. The asexuality spectrum is broad, and it includes a variety of feelings about sex and romance.
Sometimes referred to as aroaces or aros, aromantics are individuals who have little or no feelings of romantic attraction. An aromantic asexual is more likely to avoid sex than most other asexual types. Greyromantic asexuals don't usually have romantic feelings, although they may experience such feelings at some point in their lives. Demiromantics can have romantic feelings for others, although they cannot develop them until they have become very close to someone. People who identify as demisexuals sometimes also identify as demiromantics. Bisexuals experience sexual attraction to both males and females. Biromantics are similar, except they can have romantic feelings for both men and women. Heteroromantics are individuals who only have romantic feelings for people of the opposite gender. Heteroromantic attraction and heterosexuality often go hand in hand, although people who are asexual may also identify as heteroromantic. Homoromantics may experience romantic desire, but only for people of the same gender. Asexuals of any gender may experience homoromantic attractions. Individuals who are panromantic have romantic, emotional feelings and connections to other people, regardless of gender. Gender has no influence over romantic attraction for panromantics. Polyromantic and panromantic attractions are similar, except individuals who are polyromantic can have a romantic attraction to many, although not necessarily all, genders. This attraction does not always include sexual attraction, however.
Asexual people are individuals with differing experiences with sex and romance. While some will choose to have sex despite feeling no sexual attraction, others may have no interest in romantic or sexual relationships at all. Asexuality is a sexual orientation and a spectrum, and not everyone who identifies as asexual experiences their sexuality in the same way.
Asexual individuals are believed to represent a tiny portion of the population, and sociological and psychological researchers are divided in their acceptance of asexuality as a sexual orientation.
Recommended Resources
Ace and Aro Advocacy Project, The
TAAAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources on asexuality and aromanticism to the public. On the local level, TAAAP works with other LGBTQ+ organizations in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area and in partnership with Aces and Aros of the Mid-Atlantic, a social group for asexual-spectrum individuals in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Its projects, community events, educational material, and contacts are posted on the site.
https://taaap.org/
The online discussion forum is for individuals who identify as Aromantic, or who are on the romanticism spectrum. Powered by Invision Community, forum topics may be viewed by anyone interested in them, although registration and login are required for participation. Forum rules and etiquette are stated, along with a schedule of events, information about making a contribution, and staff introductions are included. Discussion topics are sorted into categories and sub-forums for clarification.
https://www.arocalypse.com/
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
Initially known as Aromantic Awareness Week, the observance was first recognized from November 10th to the 17th in 2014. In 2015, it was moved to late February, and its name was changed to Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week to be more specifically inclusive of all Aro spectrum identities. Volunteers from Aromantic-Official, AUREA, and other members of the Aromantic community currently manage the observance. Volunteer opportunities are set forth, and contacts are provided.
https://www.arospecweek.org/
Aromantic-spectrum Union for Recognition, Education, and Advocacy
AUREA is a volunteer-based initiative to assist in the growth of the aromantic community and to advocate for its interests through information, education, research, vocabulary, printable educational materials, links to in-person groups, and online resources. A glossary of basic identity, attraction, relationship terms, relevant news, and other resources are provided. Its projects and volunteer opportunities are featured on the site, and contacts are provided.
https://www.aromanticism.org/
Asexual Visibility & Education Network, The
AVEN was founded by David Jay in 2001. Claiming more than 50,000 members by 2012, the organization describes itself as the world's largest asexual community. The website offers information about asexuality and the various romantic orientations associated with asexuality, as well as an asexual community forum powered by Invision. Registration is required for participation in discussions, and its terms of service, fundraisers, and contact information are included.
https://asexuality.org/
The Asexuality Archive provides a view into what asexuality is and what it means to those who identify as asexual. Created by an asexual man in 2012 or before, the website seeks to define asexuality, describe what it means to be asexual, and clear up any misconceptions. Included is a glossary of terms, answers to frequently asked questions, and stories from people who identify as asexual. A 125-page book on the subject is available for purchase in print form or as a free download.
https://www.asexualityarchive.com/
