5 Things You Might Not Know About Asexuality

It’s Pride Month, and we’re celebrating by discussing asexuality, a topic that’s often left out of conversations about sexuality. This lack of discussion means that many people still don’t fully understand what asexuality is or what it means. Let’s change that. Here are five things about asexuality that might challenge what you thought you knew:

1. Asexual people can experience attraction
   Asexuality is generally understood as not experiencing sexual attraction, or experiencing it very rarely. However, some asexual individuals do experience sexual attraction in certain situations or at certain times. It’s important to remember that asexuality, like many other aspects of sexuality, exists on a spectrum.
2. You can be asexual and still enjoy sex
   Sex and attraction don’t always go hand in hand. Asexual people can enjoy sex even if they don’t experience sexual attraction. The desire for sex among asexual individuals can vary—some may enjoy it and want to have sex, some may engage in sex for their partner’s sake, and others may feel uncomfortable or repulsed by sexual activity. Every experience is valid.
3. Asexual people can masturbate
   Just because someone is asexual doesn’t mean they don’t masturbate. Many asexual people do, and the reasons can vary. Masturbation might not be linked to sexual attraction but can serve other purposes like stress relief, improving sleep, or just feeling good.
4. Asexual people can fall in love
   The Split Attraction Model helps explain that there are different types of attraction. For some people, sexual attraction and romantic attraction are separate. So, even if someone doesn’t experience sexual attraction, they might still desire a romantic relationship. There are also other kinds of attraction, such as sensual or aesthetic, which can influence romantic connections.
5. Asexual people can have happy, fulfilling relationships
   Relationships are complex, and each person brings different needs and desires to them. For some people, sexual attraction isn’t part of the equation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have loving, meaningful relationships. Asexual individuals can absolutely be in happy, fulfilling partnerships that don’t rely on sexual attraction.