Sexuality without Sex
It seems like a no-brainer: sexuality involves sex, period (no pun intended). Heterosexuality = sex with the opposite sex, Homosexuality = Sex with the same sex, Bisexuality = Sex with both sexes, etc. Obviously, that’s extremely simplified and ignores the fact that some people may identify as hetero-, homo- or whatever-sexual, but don’t actually have sex (temporarily or permanently, voluntarily or involuntarily). Their sexuality is, however, defined by their (albeit theoretical) sexual preferences.
Recently there’s been quite a few media reports about asexuality. Asexuality appears to be a contradiction in terms, because it’s a sexuality without sex. Asexuality doesn’t just mean living without sex, but actually living without any desire for sex, any need for sex and any inclination to think sex is fun. Asexuals have only been getting attention very recently and are now fighting respect and acceptance.
Reactions to asexuality tend to be pretty negative. After all, most people quite enjoy sex and can’t get their head around asexuals not being interested in sex at all. So the first instinct is to look for reasons – physical or psychological defects that might explain the lack of interest in sex.
Asexuals themselves don’t consider themselves sick and don’t see their sexual orientation as a problem. They tend to be pretty happy with their life without sex and don’t want to change a thing. They do experience love, affection and friendship, so why add to that a desire they aren’t even familiar with. As long as asexuals can find a partner happy to live without sex, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be perfectly happy without any sex at all in their lives.
