7 facts about asexuality

Since "The Beauty and The Nerd" at the latest, a few more people in Germany are talking about an important topic again: asexuality. But what exactly is hidden behind this? What does it mean for those affected to be asexual? Do they come out? Do they suffer from it? How does the environment react?

Questions about questions, which to a large extent always depend on the individual situation. Nevertheless, there are some facts about asexuality that are pretty much always the same.

The following details deal with an important topic that is currently - fortunately - receiving more attention and focus than was the case a few years ago.

Fact #1: Asexuality is long-term

"I'm so not in the mood for sex right now!" - "Then maybe you're asexual?" - No! This is a prejudice. Because: asexuality is much more than just "I don't feel like it right now!". Asexual people are generally not sexually attracted to others. This is not a phase, but rather a permanent condition.

Fact No. 2: Asexual people feel early corresponding signs

Many asexual people who think back quickly realize that the first signs already appeared during puberty. While others were chatting about sex, boys, girls, dating and the like, they were often left out. Not because they were excluded, but because they simply had no interest in talking about these very topics.

Fact No. 3: Asexuality is considered little researched so far

And that's exactly why many within the community are working so hard to change just that. The goal should be, among other things, that people who are asexual do not feel alone. That's why the topic now also plays an important role at CSD events, among other things.

Fact No. 4: Asexuals often feel "not normal

This is due, among other things, to the fact that society repeatedly conveys that it is "normal" to feel sexy, to enjoy sex and to have erotic relationships. People who do not have these needs often wonder - especially at a younger age - if there is something wrong with them. This makes it all the more important to continue to raise awareness and thus show those affected that everything is fine.

Fact #5: Asexuality does not mean single at the same time

This is one of the most classic prejudices: "If you are asexual, you don't need a partner! Far from it! Just because a person has no desire for sex, this does not mean that he would not appreciate the closeness of another person, love and trust. Not every asexual person is single! The only important thing is that both partners are compatible. For example, a man who wants to have sex every day may well develop self-doubt with an asexual partner by his side. As is so often the case here: communication is everything!

Fact #6: Asexual people are not sick!

Sexual aversion can have different causes. But: if there is really a form of asexuality, it is not physically justifiable. This means: the affected persons are not ill (and incidentally also not psychologically traumatized).

But: especially in connection with temporary listlessness, the reasons may well be a "whirled-up hormone balance", stress, mental strain, etc. In case of doubt, it is important to consult a doctor to find out whether asexuality is indeed the reason for the lack of desire with regard to sex.

Fact #7: Many asexual people feel an outing as liberation

Asexual people can, but of course do not have to come out. However, many of them feel it as a liberation to say: "Yes, I am asexual!" after they have dealt with their sexual orientation for years. Whether or how to come out is, of course, up to each individual.

 

By the way, this is the Hate Speech 2021 study.