AsexualityWhat It Is – Why it Matters

What is What is asexualasexual…?…?

A) Autonomous A) Autonomous reproductionreproduction

B) A person who isB) A person who isgenerally not interested generally not interested inin

sex.sex.

C) A person who does C) A person who does notnot

experience sexualexperience sexual

attraction.attraction.

D) GodzillaD) Godzilla

Fire in theFire in the

hole!!!hole!!!

AnswerAnswer

All of the aboveAll of the above

Definition of Definition of AsexualityAsexuality

AsexualityAsexuality: a sexual orientation: a sexual orientation

characteristic of people who do characteristic of people who do notnot

experience sexual attraction.experience sexual attraction.

Here are some visual Here are some visual representations…representations…

Storms Storms

ModelModel

(1980)(1980)

What Asexuality Is What Asexuality Is NotNot

AbstinenceAbstinence: to reframe from engaging in a: to reframe from engaging in a particular behavior e.g. sex.particular behavior e.g. sex.

CelibacyCelibacy: someone who does not have sex,: someone who does not have sex, does not get married, especially because of does not get married, especially because of religious vows.religious vows.

ChastityChastity: waiting to have sex until marriage.: waiting to have sex until marriage.

Medical/Psychological DisorderMedical/Psychological Disorder (?) (?)

Why now?Why now?

Constraints of Constraints of Society/ConformitySociety/Conformity

Society exerts a coercive control over theSociety exerts a coercive control over thebehavior of individuals.behavior of individuals.

Material conditions limit our viable Material conditions limit our viable options.options.

UrbanizationUrbanization

Allows for the creation of sub-cultures, minorityAllows for the creation of sub-cultures, minority

communities.communities.

Social norms weaker/promotes exchange ofSocial norms weaker/promotes exchange of

ideas.ideas.

People can “vanish” in a urban environment.People can “vanish” in a urban environment.

Critical to maintaining GLBT community and Critical to maintaining GLBT community and forfor

later social movement.later social movement.

Advent of ScienceAdvent of Science

Power of the state and the market becomesPower of the state and the market becomes

greater than that of the church.greater than that of the church.

The Enlightenment: freedom from arbitraryThe Enlightenment: freedom from arbitrary

authority.authority.

Movement toward democracy, freedom of theMovement toward democracy, freedom of the

press, freedom of speech.press, freedom of speech.

Assumption Everyone is Assumption Everyone is SexualSexual

Informally there has been Informally there has been

an assumption of an assumption of

inherent sexuality.inherent sexuality.

Evolutionary theory/Evolutionary theory/

Natural Selection.Natural Selection.

ResearchResearch

Alfred Kinsey: sexuality spectrum,Alfred Kinsey: sexuality spectrum,

contradiction between behavior and contradiction between behavior and identity,identity,

category “X.”category “X.”

Masters & Johnson: Masters & Johnson:

sexual response sexual response

cycle.cycle.

Sexual RevolutionSexual Revolution

Contraceptives more available, effective,Contraceptives more available, effective,acceptable acceptable sex becomes divorced from sex becomes divorced fromreproduction.reproduction.

Hypersexuality has become the Hypersexuality has become the expected, accepted norm.expected, accepted norm.

The InternetThe Internet

Anonymity.Anonymity.

Minimally regulated.Minimally regulated.

Easy to find information.Easy to find information.

Social networking sites: blogs/forums.Social networking sites: blogs/forums.

AVENAVENAsexual Visibility and Education NetworkAsexual Visibility and Education Network

(AVEN). (AVEN).

Founded in 2001 by David Jay.Founded in 2001 by David Jay.

~17,646 registered members as of: ~17,646 registered members as of:

3/25/2009…and counting.3/25/2009…and counting.

DavidDavid Jay JayExposure to different identities via Exposure to different identities via classmatesclassmates

““coming out.”coming out.”

Used word asexual to describe Used word asexual to describe

himself.himself.

AnytownAnytown

Founded AVEN in 2001—Founded AVEN in 2001—

inspired by finding a story online.inspired by finding a story online.

Goals of AVENGoals of AVEN

Create visibility.Create visibility.

Facilitate exchange of ideas, Facilitate exchange of ideas, provideprovide

support, create an asexualsupport, create an asexual

scene/community.scene/community.

So why do asexuals need So why do asexuals need visibility?visibility?

People don’t know that asexuality exists!People don’t know that asexuality exists!

People think if they aren’t sexual something is wrongPeople think if they aren’t sexual something is wrong

with them and/or other people think something iswith them and/or other people think something is

wrong with them.wrong with them.

Minority groups tend to be subject to discrimination,Minority groups tend to be subject to discrimination,

prejudice and stereotyping.prejudice and stereotyping.

You may meet someone, or be in a relationship withYou may meet someone, or be in a relationship with

someone who is asexual…someone who is asexual…

A little about A little about me…me…

My StoryMy Story

Elementary School: Sexuality not on Elementary School: Sexuality not on radar.radar.

Middle School: What the hell!?Middle School: What the hell!?

Late High School: Confusion.Late High School: Confusion.

College: More Confusion/Exploration College: More Confusion/Exploration

Asexual (?) Asexual (?) Acceptance. Acceptance.

Who are Who are asexuals?asexuals?

Quick note about the pollsQuick note about the polls

Not scientific.Not scientific.

Voluntary.Voluntary.

Certain amount of self-selection.Certain amount of self-selection.

Polls reflect the active members on AVEN.Polls reflect the active members on AVEN.

It has to be assumed people are telling the It has to be assumed people are telling the truth.truth.

n = number of people who responded.n = number of people who responded.

Polls on AVEN: Sex 2007 Polls on AVEN: Sex 2007

Male: 32.99%Male: 32.99%

Female: 62.32%Female: 62.32%

Intersex: 1.63%Intersex: 1.63%

Transsexual (M to F): 1.22%Transsexual (M to F): 1.22%

Transsexual (F to M): 1.83% Transsexual (F to M): 1.83% n = 491n = 491

Why more women?Why more women?

Women tend to be more open/less insecureWomen tend to be more open/less insecure

about their sexuality.about their sexuality.

Men have more difficulty: accepting, Men have more difficulty: accepting, identifyingidentifying

as asexual because of expectations.as asexual because of expectations.

Masculinity is tied up with sexual Masculinity is tied up with sexual performance,performance,

dominance and being heterosexual.dominance and being heterosexual.

Age Poll 2007Age Poll 2007

13-20: 42.74%13-20: 42.74% 21-30: 42.95% 21-30: 42.95%

31-40: 7.26% 41-50: 3.85%31-40: 7.26% 41-50: 3.85%

51-60: 2.56%51-60: 2.56% 61-70: 0.43% 61-70: 0.43%

Over 70 (71+): 0.21%Over 70 (71+): 0.21%

n = 468n = 468

Why so many young Why so many young people?people?

Younger people more tech savy.Younger people more tech savy.

Access—not everyone can easily get online.Access—not everyone can easily get online.

If older figuring out sexuality may not be as If older figuring out sexuality may not be as

important because of not being as big a important because of not being as big a part part

of their life.of their life.

Poll Romantic/Relational Poll Romantic/Relational AttractionAttraction

Hetero-asexual: 42.47%Hetero-asexual: 42.47%

Homo-asexual: 11.17%Homo-asexual: 11.17%

Bi-asexual: 23.10%Bi-asexual: 23.10%

Asexual-asexual: 15.06%Asexual-asexual: 15.06%

Other (changing attraction, etc…): 8.21%Other (changing attraction, etc…): 8.21%

n = 1182n = 1182

What else do we know…?What else do we know…?

……not much.not much.

The research is limited both by the The research is limited both by the number number

of studies done and there depth.of studies done and there depth.

Poll Have you been mistaken Poll Have you been mistaken as…as…

……homosexual: 53.42%homosexual: 53.42%

……bisexual: 12.33%bisexual: 12.33%

……heterosexual: 31.51%heterosexual: 31.51%

Always known to be asexual: 2.74%Always known to be asexual: 2.74%

n = 52n = 52 -What are the implications of -What are the implications of this?this?

Asexuals are at risk of experiencing the sameAsexuals are at risk of experiencing the sameviolence and hate directed toward homo-/bi-violence and hate directed toward homo-/bi-sexuals.sexuals.

Conventional “gaydar” doesn’t work. Why?Conventional “gaydar” doesn’t work. Why? 1) People don’t know asexuality 1) People don’t know asexuality exists.exists.

2) Asexuals can “pass” as homo-/bi- 2) Asexuals can “pass” as homo-/bi- /hetero- by being in a relationship /hetero- by being in a relationship w/another person.w/another person.

Sexuality like gender is something peopleSexuality like gender is something people

““perform.”perform.”

3) Asexuals can “pass” as 3) Asexuals can “pass” as homo-/hetero-/bi-homo-/hetero-/bi-

sexual in the same way some gays, sexual in the same way some gays, lesbianslesbians

& bisexuals can pass as heterosexual.& bisexuals can pass as heterosexual.

Poll have you been…Poll have you been…

……discriminated against, discriminated against, threatened or humiliated threatened or humiliated because of your because of your orientation?orientation?

40.64% answered, yes.40.64% answered, yes.

59.36% answered, no.59.36% answered, no.

n = 35n = 35

““Eh... we found a facebook Eh... we found a facebook group that seemed anti-A group that seemed anti-A (apparently the guy got (apparently the guy got turned down by an asexual turned down by an asexual and, in anger, made that and, in anger, made that group about how he's sick group about how he's sick of asexuals). It was pretty of asexuals). It was pretty much dead for at least a much dead for at least a year, no admin, so we year, no admin, so we decided to take over it and turn it into a pro-decided to take over it and turn it into a pro-Ace group. Then we got started decorating. Ace group. Then we got started decorating.

” ”

Facebook group:Facebook group:

People who are People who are

fed up with fed up with

AsexualsAsexuals

Poll: have you been…Poll: have you been…

……patronized, laughed at, pitied, or patronized, laughed at, pitied, or treatedtreated

differently because of your asexuality?differently because of your asexuality?

59.38% answered, yes.59.38% answered, yes.

40.62% answered, no.40.62% answered, no.

n = 35n = 35

Asexuality Top 10Asexuality Top 10

1) You just gotten out of a bad relationship.1) You just gotten out of a bad relationship.

2) Haven’t met the right guy.2) Haven’t met the right guy.

3) You’re really just a closeted lesbian.3) You’re really just a closeted lesbian.

4) Were you sexually abused?4) Were you sexually abused?

5) You’re afraid of relationships.5) You’re afraid of relationships.

6) You’re asexual because you have never 6) You’re asexual because you have never hadhad

ME in bed.ME in bed.

7) Too busy/overly involved.7) Too busy/overly involved.

8) You have a hormone problem.8) You have a hormone problem.

9) You can’t get a man.9) You can’t get a man.10) You must hate men.10) You must hate men.

Honorable MentionHonorable Mention

You’re into animals?You’re into animals?You’re just saving yourself.You’re just saving yourself.

The purpose of life is to reproduce.The purpose of life is to reproduce.You were made to think sex is evil.You were made to think sex is evil.

You’re just trying to be weird.You’re just trying to be weird.You must lead an empty life no wonder You must lead an empty life no wonder

you’re you’re so bitter…so bitter…

OtherOther

Asexuals are an urban legend.Asexuals are an urban legend.

You mean like Godzilla…?You mean like Godzilla…?

An asexual is really a transsexual.An asexual is really a transsexual.

You’re just a late bloomer.You’re just a late bloomer.

You have a low self-esteem.You have a low self-esteem.

You’re just not mature to enough to You’re just not mature to enough to handlehandle

relationships.relationships.

What do theWhat do the

““experts” haveexperts” have

to say?to say?

““To me, to say that someone is ‘asexual’ isTo me, to say that someone is ‘asexual’ is

tantamount to saying that they’re not a humantantamount to saying that they’re not a human

being,” […] “I would be profoundly critical of the ideabeing,” […] “I would be profoundly critical of the idea

that ‘asexuality’ is an ‘orientation’ or that it’s that ‘asexuality’ is an ‘orientation’ or that it’s somehowsomehow

the inevitable way that some people are born. Thethe inevitable way that some people are born. The

basic building blocks of sexual patterning are there inbasic building blocks of sexual patterning are there in

everyone. The real question about what you’reeveryone. The real question about what you’re

describing as ‘asexual’ is: What sort of history coulddescribing as ‘asexual’ is: What sort of history could

make someone wind up being that closed down?”make someone wind up being that closed down?”

-Barnaby Barratt-Barnaby Barratt

““She said if you don’t think it’s a problem,She said if you don’t think it’s a problem,

it’s not a problem—but if you wrote a bookit’s not a problem—but if you wrote a book

about it, no one would buy it.”about it, no one would buy it.”

-Jay recounting his consultation with a -Jay recounting his consultation with a doctor concerning his sexual orientation doctor concerning his sexual orientation (asexual).(asexual).

““If people decide not to be sexual, that’s theirIf people decide not to be sexual, that’s their

problem,” […] “But from my point of view as aproblem,” […] “But from my point of view as a

physician, as a therapist with a long experience, I feelphysician, as a therapist with a long experience, I feel

that these people have some personal problem thatthat these people have some personal problem that

led to that because remember, sexuality is a part ofled to that because remember, sexuality is a part of

normal life.”normal life.”

““Why do these people decide to be asexual, to goWhy do these people decide to be asexual, to go

against something that is very natural for everybody,against something that is very natural for everybody,

and most people enjoy?”and most people enjoy?”

-Alex Alterescu-Alex Alterescu

““For the most part, they [asexuals] were notFor the most part, they [asexuals] were not

repulsed or afraid of sex,” […] “They couldrepulsed or afraid of sex,” […] “They could

take it or leave it and they wanted to leave it.take it or leave it and they wanted to leave it.

It isn’t something they experienced problemsIt isn’t something they experienced problems

with; that’s not why they came to identify aswith; that’s not why they came to identify as

asexual. They just did not have any desire toasexual. They just did not have any desire to

go for it.”go for it.”

-Cynthia Graham-Cynthia Graham

““The short list includes endocrine imbalances, historyThe short list includes endocrine imbalances, historyof trauma or abuse, subconscious negative attitudesof trauma or abuse, subconscious negative attitudesabout sex, fear of being swept up or losing control,about sex, fear of being swept up or losing control,depression, anxiety, and the effects of undiagnoseddepression, anxiety, and the effects of undiagnosedmedical conditions. Some people might even just likemedical conditions. Some people might even just likefeeling “special” or “unusual.” In fact, there are sofeeling “special” or “unusual.” In fact, there are somany convoluted possibilities that many convoluted possibilities that only a trained person can help you only a trained person can help you sort them out.”sort them out.”

––Joy Davidson on the factors that Joy Davidson on the factors that could contribute to an asexual could contribute to an asexual orientation.orientation.

Brotto was working in a sexual dysfunction clinicBrotto was working in a sexual dysfunction clinicwhen she noticed a common occurrence: women andwhen she noticed a common occurrence: women andmen who had no interest in sex. “It led us to wondermen who had no interest in sex. “It led us to wonderif this was more than just low desire, if this was aif this was more than just low desire, if this was acompletely separate phenomenon. Was this reallycompletely separate phenomenon. Was this reallyasexuality?”asexuality?”

““There’s a distinction between loss of sexual desireThere’s a distinction between loss of sexual desireand asexuality as an orientation, on the basis of ourand asexuality as an orientation, on the basis of ourresearch.”research.”

-Lori Brotto-Lori Brotto

““Becoming a sexual human being is a long and subtle processBecoming a sexual human being is a long and subtle processand many things must go right in one’s family of origin for theand many things must go right in one’s family of origin for thechild to connect sexuality and love,” […] “I have had severalchild to connect sexuality and love,” […] “I have had severalpatients who came into treatment asexual, completelypatients who came into treatment asexual, completelyconfused, because they came from ‘good’ families. But onconfused, because they came from ‘good’ families. But oncloser examination, it turned out that certain necessarycloser examination, it turned out that certain necessaryingredients were missing: these patients got good care iningredients were missing: these patients got good care inpractical ways—they were fed, clothed, sent to school—butpractical ways—they were fed, clothed, sent to school—butthey were not touched lovingly by their parents at all. Theythey were not touched lovingly by their parents at all. Theysimply had never experienced physical pleasure in their simply had never experienced physical pleasure in their

bodiesbodiesthat they linked to the emotional pleasure of being in a that they linked to the emotional pleasure of being in a relationship.”relationship.”

-Aline Zoldbrod-Aline Zoldbrod

““By virtue of researching the topic and using thatBy virtue of researching the topic and using thatlanguage (‘asexual’) we are contributing to shapinglanguage (‘asexual’) we are contributing to shapingthe use of language in this area. Also, our researchthe use of language in this area. Also, our researchdoes not support the contention that asexuality is adoes not support the contention that asexuality is adisorder. Few individuals who identify as asexual [indisorder. Few individuals who identify as asexual [inthe study] were personally distressed and/or the study] were personally distressed and/or

desiringdesiringto seek counseling. Predominantly, concerns aboutto seek counseling. Predominantly, concerns abouttheir own asexuality were surrounding socialtheir own asexuality were surrounding socialacceptance of the identity rather than personalacceptance of the identity rather than personaldistress about the identity itself…Our data do notdistress about the identity itself…Our data do notsupport a need to pathologize asexuals.”support a need to pathologize asexuals.”

-Nicole Prause-Nicole Prause

The The ResearchResearch

Purported “causes” of asexuality:Purported “causes” of asexuality:

Hormone Imbalance.Hormone Imbalance.

Psychological disorder.Psychological disorder.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder.Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Sexually abused.Sexually abused.

Religious/negative attitude toward sex.Religious/negative attitude toward sex.

Problems/LimitationsProblems/Limitations

Sample size.Sample size.

Sexual desire is not equal to sexual attraction.Sexual desire is not equal to sexual attraction.

Do not distinguish between experiencing lowDo not distinguish between experiencing lowsexual desire and no sexual desire.sexual desire and no sexual desire.

Ambiguous TerminologyAmbiguous Terminology

Some aspects pertaining to sexuality andSome aspects pertaining to sexuality andsexual orientation we have limited knowledge.sexual orientation we have limited knowledge.

Hormone Imbalance/ChangeHormone Imbalance/Change

Research has primarily focused on women.Research has primarily focused on women.

Lower hormones generally = decreased Lower hormones generally = decreased sexualsexual

function/desire.function/desire.

Testosterone/Estrogen Testosterone/Estrogen increase sexual increase sexual desire the same desire the same as a sugar pill.as a sugar pill.

HypothyroidHypothyroid

Hypothyroidism: underactive Hypothyroidism: underactive thyroid.thyroid.

~1 in 10 Americans have ~1 in 10 Americans have thyroid disorder.thyroid disorder.

Loss/decrease in sex drive Loss/decrease in sex drive unclear how common a symptom.unclear how common a symptom.

It is a treatable and manageable condition.It is a treatable and manageable condition.

HyperthyroidHyperthyroid

Hyperthyroid: overactive thyroid.Hyperthyroid: overactive thyroid.

Graves’ Disease is the most common cause ofGraves’ Disease is the most common cause ofhyperthyroidism.hyperthyroidism.

Estimated 3 million people in U.S. suffer from Estimated 3 million people in U.S. suffer from hyperthyroidism. U.S. population = ~300 hyperthyroidism. U.S. population = ~300 million means 1/100 affected.million means 1/100 affected.

How common is loss/diminished sexual desireHow common is loss/diminished sexual desirecommon?common?

HyperprolactinemiaHyperprolactinemia

Disorder characterized by elevated level of Disorder characterized by elevated level of prolactin.prolactin.

Present in up to 9-55% of women with reproductivePresent in up to 9-55% of women with reproductivedisorders and 60-80% all cases of pituitary glanddisorders and 60-80% all cases of pituitary glandtumors.tumors.

General population prevalence ~0.4%.General population prevalence ~0.4%.

Compound: pathology, physiological function,Compound: pathology, physiological function,medication; external factors: stress, sleep,medication; external factors: stress, sleep,hypoglycemia, physical effort.hypoglycemia, physical effort.

DepressionDepression

Life Time PrevalenceLife Time Prevalence

Dysthymic Disorder: 6%Dysthymic Disorder: 6%

Bipolar I: 0.4-1.6%; II 0.5%Bipolar I: 0.4-1.6%; II 0.5%

Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder: 10-25%, women; 5-12%, men.10-25%, women; 5-12%, men.

1-year prevalence any mood 1-year prevalence any mood disorder: 7.1-11.1%disorder: 7.1-11.1%

What is the direction of the relationship?What is the direction of the relationship?

Anxiety/StressAnxiety/Stress

Lifetime prevalence anxiety disorders: 28.8%Lifetime prevalence anxiety disorders: 28.8%

1-year prevalence any anxiety disorder: 13.1-1-year prevalence any anxiety disorder: 13.1-18.7%18.7%

Anxiety can be both a cause Anxiety can be both a cause of decreased or increased of decreased or increased sexual desire.sexual desire.

Again…what is the direction Again…what is the direction of the relationship? of the relationship?

Autistic Spectrum DisorderAutistic Spectrum Disorder

Compound ASD/mental retardation.Compound ASD/mental retardation.

One study 17% of women had sexual One study 17% of women had sexual preference forpreference for

neither sex.neither sex.

Most exhibit sexual behavior, show at least Most exhibit sexual behavior, show at least

some interest in sex and want a relationship.some interest in sex and want a relationship.

Very heterogeneous group.Very heterogeneous group.

Sexual AbuseSexual Abuse

Depending on population & definition CSA Depending on population & definition CSA affects 2-affects 2-

62% of women and 3-16% of men.62% of women and 3-16% of men.

1/6 women have been victims of rape/attempted1/6 women have been victims of rape/attemptedrape.rape.

1/10 sexual assault victims are men.1/10 sexual assault victims are men.

SA better accounts for physical problems.SA better accounts for physical problems.

Over a period of time desire goes back up.Over a period of time desire goes back up.

Religion/Negative AttitudeReligion/Negative AttitudeOpenness about sex, sexuality varies greatly.Openness about sex, sexuality varies greatly.

How dogmatic is a particular How dogmatic is a particular

religious community?religious community?

To what degree have negative To what degree have negative

ideas been internalized?ideas been internalized?

Significant portion of the Significant portion of the

population is non-population is non-

religious/atheist/agnostic.religious/atheist/agnostic.

Things to Keep in MindThings to Keep in Mind

Cultural and historical context.Cultural and historical context.

Who is defining “normal/healthy” sexual Who is defining “normal/healthy” sexual desire?desire?

Proving a causal relationship.Proving a causal relationship.

What are the “ends” of the research?What are the “ends” of the research?

Research pertaining to the origins of a non-Research pertaining to the origins of a non-

heterosexual orientation are not definitive heterosexual orientation are not definitive and and

thus far are inconclusive. thus far are inconclusive.

• Animal studiesAnimal studies• Order of siblingsOrder of siblings• Gender rolesGender roles• ””Seduced into the life style”Seduced into the life style”• Aversion therapy/CounselingAversion therapy/Counseling• Genetics/Family HistoryGenetics/Family History• Hormones/Finger ratiosHormones/Finger ratios

In SummaryIn Summary

Available information is either: non-existent, Available information is either: non-existent, incomplete, not directly applicable, suffers incomplete, not directly applicable, suffers from sampling/methodological problems.from sampling/methodological problems.

Based on my review and interpretation of the Based on my review and interpretation of the medical literature there is no link between life medical literature there is no link between life long asexuality and a medical/psychological long asexuality and a medical/psychological condition.condition.

There has been nothing conclusively linked to There has been nothing conclusively linked to causing a homo/bi –sexual orientation.causing a homo/bi –sexual orientation.

Conclusion

What Asexuals Want People to Know

We do not need to be “fixed” because we arenot “broken.”

-If it is not broken don’t fix it.

Just because we may not be in a relationship

does not mean we are miserable.

There are other ways to find fulfillment then

through relationships.

We have the same needs for friendship,

companionship and affection as everyone

else.

Asexuals are just like everyone else…except

we do not experience sexual attraction.

There exists more diversity within groups than

between groups.

Your sexual orientation does not determine

your character.

It’s complicated. We’re all different.

-All encompassing, 100% accurate theory on human sexuality according to an AVEN member.

For More Information…Forums: • Apositive.org • Asexual Lesbians • The A-Sylum • Ace Linkup• AVEN• Asexual Aotearoa New Zealand• The Frigidarium• Haven for the Human Amoeba

Blogs: • Ace of Hearts• Asexual Explorations• Asexy Beast• Edge of Everywhere• Glad to be A• Love from the Asexual Underground• Musings from outside normal boundaries • The Protean Avenger: Asexual Politics• Rainbow Amoeba’s Petri Dish• Shades of Gray

• The Venus of Willendork

Social Networking Sites: • Facebook • Myspace • Livejournal• Last.fm

Other sites to visit: • Asexual Pals• Affectionate Friends

• Acebook • Celibate Passions• Platonic Partners • Asexualific • Meanwhile Inside My Head… • eFeminate • Queers United

Studies/Articles on Asexuality: • Asexuality: Prevalence and Associated

Factors in a National Probability Sample by Anthony F. Bogaert, The Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 41, No. 3, 2004

• Patterns of Asexuality in the United States by Dudley L. Poston Jr. & Amanda K. Baumle

• Asexual and proud! By Lynn Harris, salon.com

• No sex, thanks by Jennifer Parks, edmontonjournal.com

• Asexuality Gets More Attention Contemporary Sexuality Vol. 39, No. 11 November 2005.

• Indifferent and proud by Charles Lewis, National Post, 2008.

• Storms, Michael D. (1980). "Theories of Sexual Orientation". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

• A Stranger to Sex, by: Jane Bao, The Varsity, 2008.

• Bell, Arthur "Asexuality: Everybody's Not Doing It." The Village Voice, January 23 1978. p. 1, 20, 21

• Hoppe, Arthur. "A New Sex Fad." The San Fransisco Chronicle. October 10, 1979. p. 57

• Hamilton M.A. & Strizhakova, Y. (2004). “Homosexuality and Homophobia: Toward a Causal Model of Asexuality.”

• Nicole Prause & Cynthia Graham. (2007). “Asexuality: Classification and Characterization.” Archives of Sexual Behavior Vol. 36, 341-356.

• Bitch magazine “Do Not Want” by KL Pereira Fall 2007 Issue no. 37.

• Paul Cox ‘We’re married, we just don’t have sex’ guardian.co.uk 2008

• “Asexuality, Not for Amoebas Anymore!” by Jennifer Tennent, She Sheet, 2007.

YouTube videos:• Asexuality Top 10• Letters to an Asexual• ABC The View (2006)• Montel Williams Show (2007)

• ABC Primetime 20/20 (2006)• MTV Young & Asexual• Fox News Dayside (2006)• CNN Showbiz Tonight (2006)• Sexual Secrets• The Sex Files: No Sex Please• MSNBC’s The Situation with Tucker Carlson

(2006)

Documentary:• Asexuality: The Making of a Movement

THANK YOUHave some :cake:

When and where possible I have cited my

sources of information, but for a complete

list check out the thread:

“Asexuality Presentation DVD” on AVEN.

Produced by: EGAD!

Copyright 2009

This is dedicated to asexuals everywhere and to furthering visibility, education and research.