Asexuality: A Brief Look at an Uncommon Sexual Preference

Most of us know the difference between heterosexual and homosexual. While there are many controversies over homosexuality and gay rights including the rights to marry, adopt children and join the military (to name a few), homosexuality is not the only unconventional form of sexuality out there.

Recently, I learned about another type of sexuality. It's called Asexuality and an asexual person is defined as someone who does not experience sexual attraction. Unlike celibacy which is a choice one makes to not have sexual relations, asexuals have an inborn aversion to sex. It isn't just a case of the 40-Year Old Virgin either. Many asexuals attest to having sexual relationships in the past that have never been fulfilling. These people are perfectly capable of having sex but feel no urge or desire to do so.

The idea that someone would not have any desire for sex is incredibly odd to the rest of us. In a sex-driven society where everything from clothes to music, television to advertising and well... almost anything you can think of all harbor sexually suggestive themes it is difficult to understand how an asexual person can even exist.

Asexual people have the same needs as everyone else. They all have intimate relationships with others filled with happiness, trust, love, support and fun. The only thing separating them from the majority of the world is their complete lack of sexual relations. Some asexual people prefer to be alone, others like to hang out in groups and others enjoy the same relationships most have just without sex.

As far as being sexually aroused and attracted to others is concerned asexuals are not so different. Some asexual folks do experience arousal but have no desire to act on it with a partner. Other asexuals rarely ever feel aroused and some never at all. Just the same, some asexuals are attracted to others but without feeling like they need to validate their attraction through sexual encounters. Others feel no attraction at all.