Continuing our previous post where we discussed sexualities where sexual attraction is present, this post aims to discuss the widely misunderstood asexuality spectrum.
Asexual (colloquially referred to as ace) individuals are those who feel little or no sexual attraction towards others. Contrary to popular misconception, asexual individuals can be in happy, healthy relationships too. Asexuality may be considered an umbrella term & is a spectrum, hence can also be experienced in a variety of ways.
Grey-Ace/ Semi-sexual/ sexual-ish/ asexual-ish/ Grey Sexuality/ Grace/ Grey-A are individuals that fall on the spectrum between asexual & sexual. Individuals may rarely experience sexual or romantic attraction, or the attraction may be low in intensity.
Asexuality Spectrum
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Aceflux individuals remain on the asexual spectrum, but it fluctuates within the spectrum. One may feel strongly asexual some time, & less another.
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Sex-positive Ace individuals do have a positive attitude towards sex, as long as it is between consenting adults, even though they may not have sexual desires themselves. They may or may not participate in sexual activities, even though attraction is not present. This term is often used inter-changeably with sex-favourable ace.
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Sex-favourable Ace individuals consider sex a pleasant/favourable activity even though they do not have sexual desires. They may enjoy the act of sex or the concept of sex, either because they enjoy the physical sensation, or because they want to use sex to further enhance a romantic relationship, or for other reasons.
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Sex Neutral/Indifferent individuals are indifferent to sexual activities.
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Sex-negative Ace individuals are those who in addition to not having a desire to participate in sexual activities themselves, have negative attitudes towards sex, in general. They may consider sexual activity to be more harmful to society than beneficial.
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Sex-averse individuals dislike the idea of participating in sex, however, do not mind talking or seeing erotic imagery. It is important to note that not all sex-averse people are asexual. This term may also be often used interchangeably with sex-repulsed ace.
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Sex-repulsed Ace individuals are repulsed by the thought of engaging in sex themselves (possibly related acts) and find the idea disgusting. Moreover, this can be experienced in a variety of ways, for example, individuals may still be sex-positive, if sex does not involve them or may be repulsed by the idea of sex in general, etc. Not all asexuals are sex-repulsed; many are indifferent about sex, or may be even sex-favorable.
It is important to note that sex positive, negative & repulsed attitudes as well as romantic attraction may be present in both allosexual and asexual individuals.
Note: We understand this is by no means a comprehensive list, however, we hope it can serve as an introduction to asexuality. Moreover, as our understanding of asexuality is always evolving, we will try to keep the article as updated as possible. If you want to learn more about anything mentioned above, please feel free drop us a comment below.
