Asexuality: Real or Fiction?

Asexuality: Real or Fiction?

Kayson Carlin

Bowling Green State University

 

 

Abstract

A look into asexuality through eight different articles, debating the validity of asexuality as a sexual orientation. Alternate theories and explanations are provided to argue against the legitimacy of asexuals, along with documented support in favor.

Keywords: asexuality, LGBT, orientation, sex, inquiry

 

 

Asexuality: Real or Fiction?

In the study of human sexuality, a new term has been presented to describe someone who lacks sexual attraction: asexual. Unlike other sexual orientation, the main component of asexuality is the lack of desire and/or sexual attraction to others. As discussed in previous papers, there is currently a debate regarding asexuality as a valid orientation or whether it is the result of some disorder. From this debate comes research that both supports and argues against asexuality as real.

For those who identify as asexual, the experience is very real. They do not feel sexual attraction or desire, which is greatly different from those who are celibate or chaste. “Celibacy and chastity describe acts and choices, whereas asexuality describes desire or, rather, indifference” (Keleman, 2007 p.103). This difference is made distinct in nearly every scholarly article, which is important to remember as it is an observed and documented difference that should not be easily confused.

Asexuality is not limited to humans, as observed by Anthony Bogaert in “Asexuality: What it is and why it matters.” For example, rams were observed displaying non-heterosexual behavior including asexual tendencies (Bogaert, 2015 p.363). Although a minority, the fact is that it still exists which suggests more needs to be studied in regards to this phenomenon occuring in multiple species. The presence of asexual behavior in animals, suggests similarity to human sexuality. However the difficulty of research lies in the definition of asexuality, since the experienced is described in a wide variety of ways by many different people. As stated by scientists in Sex Health Rep, “asexuality is not currently a well-defined construct, at least not from a standpoint of scientific rigor, and definitions vary” (Brotto, Gorzalka, & Yule, 2017 p.51). Due to this fact, asexuals are often met with confusion, uncertainty, and resistence from not just the outside world but within themselves. ‘The emergence of the asexual community, combined with a lack of empirical data on asexuality, has led to much discussion and speculation, both within academic and non-academic communities, on how asexuality should be conceptualized” (Brotto, Gorzalka, & Yule, 2017 p.51). This contributes to the topic of the legitimacy of this as an orientation.

An argument often presented by those who do not consider asexuality as real, is that there is some sort of disorder that “makes” one asexual. These range from mental disorders, to sexual disorders, and hormonal disorders. Observations and studies have included these possibilities and explored them to account for such a phenomenon. One such study observed that those who self-identify as asexual “found small but statistically significant higher rates of depression and self esteem problems among the asexuals compared to the other sexual orientation groups” (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.620). Furthermore, researchers found “that asexual individuals were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, and to endorse more symptoms of suicidality compared to sexual participants” (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.620). These findings suggest that there is a correlation between mental illnesses and sexuality, specifically the lack of sexual attraction. In addition, the continuation of that study revealed that asexuals display more characteristics of autism and aspergers, than any other sexual group (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.621). Likewise, people with autism or aspergers tend to identify as asexual as opposed to other sexual orientations (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.621). Using this information, there is a possible correlation between abnormalities in the brain and lack of sexual attraction.

Another related aspect is the possibility of a sexual dysfunction which contributes to someone’s identity as asexual. To explore this, Lori Brotto, a researcher of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, conducted an experiment in which women were exposed to erotic videos and their bodily response was recorded. “Although the asexual

women self-reported no increase in desire for sex after viewing the erotic films, their genital response, as measured with a vaginal photoplethysmograph, did not significantly differ from the other sexual orientation groups” (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.622). In other words, the physical response of the asexual women did not lead researchers to believe there was a sexual dysfunction that attributed to lack of sexual desire.

Conversely, Steven Cranney argues that while asexuality does occur, the supposed “cause” is unlike other sexual orientations. “The latter orientations [homosexuality/heterosexuality] never arise out of unhealthy conditions, whereas lack of sex drive can be a characteristic that accompanies clearly unhealthy conditions, even if no personal distress is caused by the lack of sexual desire in itself” (Cranney, 2017 p.638). He claims that while asexuality exists, it may not be considered part of a healthy individual.

Asexuality, like other phenomenon, don’t exist soley in a vaccuum. A variety of factors contribute to the overall identity of an individual such as state of mind and past lived experiences. “However, these categories are not mutually exclusive, and even if asexuality were best placed within a sexual orientation classification, this does not exclude the possibility that it can also overlap with the other categories” (Brotto & Yule, 2015 p.625).

 

 

 

References

Bogaert, A. F. (2015). Asexuality: What it is and Why it matters. Journal of Sex Research, 52(4), 362-379. doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1015713

Brotto, Gorzalka, & Yule. (2017). Human Sexuality: What do we know about a lack of sexual attraction. Sexual Health Rep, 50-56. doi:10.1007/s11930-017-0100-y

Brotto, L. A., & Yule, M. (2015, June). Asexuality: Sexual Orientation, Paraphilia, Sexual Dysfunction, or None of the Above. Archive of Sexual Behaviors, 619-627. doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0802-7

Carrigan, M., Gupta, K., & Morrison, T. G. (2013, December). Asexuality Theme. Psychology & Sexuality, 4(2), 111-120. doi:10.1080/19419899.2013.774160

Cranney, S. (2017). Does Asexuality Meet the Stability Criterion for a Sexual Orientation. Archive of Sexual Behaviors, 46(3), 637-638. doi:doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0887-z

DeLuzio Chasin, C. (2011). Theoretical Issues in the Study of Asexuality. Archive of Sexual Behaviors, 40, 713-723. doi:10.1007/s10508-011-9757-x

MacInnis, C. C., & Hodson, G. (2012, February 23). Asexuality bias. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 15(6), 725-743. doi:10.1177/1368430212442419

Van Houdenhove, E., Gijs, L., T’Sjoen, G., & Enzlin, P. (2014, May 1). Asexuality: Few Facts, Many Questions. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 40(3), 175-192. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2012.751073

 

 

Bogaert, A. F. (2015). Asexuality: What it is and why it matters. Journal of Sex Research, 52(4),  362-379. doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1015713

Anthony Bogaert, a researcher at Brock University, inquires what the term “asexuality” means in social context, along with examining its validity, and issues that have arisen. Research was collected using the author’s past studies and papers, along with experiments conducted by scientists. Also included are very brief anecdotes from individual’s experience as an asexual. The conclusion was that despite being an underreported sexual minority, asexuality provided insight into the broad spectrum of human sexuality.

This sources uses a solid foundation of ethos, pathos and logos to get its point across, which was focused on earlier. It is most reliant on logos, or logic, to connect certain studies to asexuality. The author establishes a line of reasoning using past scientific observations to make conclusions as well. There is little room for an emotional argument however inclusion of more first-hand experience would help strengthen the article. The information in this source helps provide a foundation for asexuality as a concept, as well as prove its validity using experiments, both of which are needed in my thesis.

Brotto, Gorzalka, & Yule. (2017). Human Sexuality: What do we know about a lack of sexual      attraction. Sexual Health Rep, 50-56. doi:10.1007/s11930-017-0100-y

Three researchers from the University of British Columbia, Brotto, Gorzalka, and Yule, review recent literature on the topic of asexuality in humans. They investigate if asexuality is a possible physiological disorder, drawing upon previously published papers in the fields of gynecology, and psychiatry. It also explores the relation of community and self- identity in development. In conclusion, they stated that asexuality was best described as a normal variant of human sexuality.

This source relies on solid scientific observations in multiple fields such as gynecology and psychiatry to synthesize their ideas. By combining information from different expert perspectives, the conclusions are strengthened. The data also demonstrates differences between biological processes and internal identity, an advantage over papers that rely solely on self-reported experiences. This is relevant in my thesis to help disprove common misconceptions about asexuality in terms of a physiological malfunctions. While this source in similar to others in addressing the science behind sexuality, it goes into more detail via observational data.

Brotto, L. A., & Yule, M. (2015, June). Asexuality: Sexual Orientation, Paraphilia, Sexual           Dysfunction, or None of the Above. Archive of Sexual Behaviors, 619-627.         doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0802-7

Brotto, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia, and Yule, from the Department of Psychology, inquire if the phenomenon of asexuality is a mental disorder, sexual dysfunction, paraphilia, community trend, or sexual orientation. Through genital sexual response testing in groups who consider themselves heterosexuals versus those who consider themselves asexual, conclusions were formed based on physiological data that was observed. The results showed that both groups had similar physical responses, however the asexual group reported no increased desire for sex. Asexuals also reported little to no distress in their daily lives over the lack of sex or attraction. It was concluded that asexuality, as a heterogeneous group, can be considered a sexual orientation.

This text addresses the two main issues surrounding asexuality in a scientific and non-biased approach. By using data to present their findings, ideas and statements are strongly supported. Also addressed are two social issues of asexuality, which adds to the well-roundedness of the paper. The findings of their observational studies support asexuality as a sexual orientation, contributing fact to my thesis. Previous sources seem to agree with these results, confirming it as a legitimate orientation.

Carrigan, M., Gupta, K., & Morrison, T. G. (2013, December). Asexuality Theme. Psychology & Sexuality, 4(2), 111-120. doi:10.1080/19419899.2013.774160

This text explores possible themes of asexuality and asexual identifying persons, to determine if this phenomenon is homogenous or heterogenous in nature. Information was collected via online surveys of 174 self-identified asexuals, and interviews of eight asexuals. While some aspects and experiences were reoccurring, there was insufficient data to link asexuality to religion, abuse, or health. The one significant find was that there was an increased correlation between people who reported having little to no sexual attraction and Aspergers.

Personal accounts of experiences concerning sexuality are useful but the authors rely a bit too much on this. Unlike previous sources, this one does not contribute its own experiments or observational data, making it a weakness. First-hand accounts do contribute though to my thesis in a social aspect, if not strictly scientific.

Cranny, S. (2017). Does Asexuality Meet the Stability Criterion for a Sexual Orientation. Archive of Sexual Behaviors, 46(3), 637-638. doi:10.1007/s10508-016-0887-z

Steven Cranney, a professor in the Department of Sociology at Baylor University discusses criteria that categorizes certain sexual attractions and behavior as an orientation. Asexuality is compared and contrasted against a “stability criteria” of verified sexual orientations in order to judge its legitimacy. Cranney concludes that some facets of asexuality or lack of sexual attraction do meet general criteria, however individual circumstances must be considered before making a definitive statement.

This text is only two pages which is extremely short compared to other previous sources. This can be considered both good and bad. The brevity makes it easier to read and digest but it’s also possible that there could be potential content missing that may have added to some ideas. Cranney provides counter-arguments to asexuality claims, pointing out potential fallacies which in turn help my thesis by addressing those issues. It is different in the tone of the text compared to other sources, as it almost seems like the author is against asexuality being considered a valid sexual orientation.

DeLuzio Chasin, C. (2011). Theoretical Issues in the Study of Asexuality. Archive of Sexual        Behaviors, 40, 713-723. doi:10.1007/s10508-011-9757-x

This article, published by CJ DeLuzio Chasin from the Department of Psychology at the University of Winsor, explores potential issues in the study of asexuality such as the inconsistencies reported among the self-identified. It also questions sexuality in relation to romantic attraction and gender. The author looks at a variety of past papers and articles to compile information and point out strengths and weaknesses and the overall consensus of scholars. In the conclusion, it was stated that self-identified asexuals display a spectrum of romantic attraction and gender identities that need to be taken seriously to investigate further. The author ends with a list of potential questions to help solidify future research.

This article does a good job at recognizing the diversity within the asexual community, including ideas of gender and romantic diversity. It acknowledges that while sexuality, romantic attraction, and gender are separate, they can and do often overlap and influence each other. The list of questions is helpful because they provide a step in the right direction moving forward and contributing to future studies. My thesis benefits from the inclusion of romantic/gender diversity and how it plays a part in sexuality or lack there-of. It includes those aspects which my other sources do not put much emphasis on.

MacInnis, C. C., & Hodson, G. (2012, February 23). Asexuality bias. Group Processes and          Intergroup Relations, 15(6), 725-743. doi:10.1177/1368430212442419

MacInnis and Hodson, two researchers from Brock University, question if asexuals experience bias from heterosexuals, akin to homosexuals. The authors look at surveys and observations from two different studies, ruling out confounding variables. In the end, it was discovered that asexuals face similar prejudice as homosexuals, being viewed in a negative light as “inhuman, cold, and less valuable”.

Included in this paper are charts that demonstrate reactions to sexual minority groups, including asexuals, separated by attributes such as gender, religion, and political affiliation. This makes it easier to comprehend data. Also included is an anecdote from a popular television show which helps put bias into perspective for someone who is unfamiliar. The authors take a different view, using a social approach of the “sexual world” looking in, instead of the scientific world looking in like previous articles. This gives my thesis more validity by paralleling other sexual minority experiences to asexual experiences.

Van Houdenhove, E., Gijs, L., T’Sjoen, G., & Enzlin, P. (2014, May 1). Asexuality: Few Facts,    Many Questions. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 40(3), 175-192.        doi:10.1080/0092623X.2012.751073

Three scholars from two Belgium universities discuss the foundations of asexuality such as history, prevalence, and definition. Asexuality is compared to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) to examine the possibility that the two are the same. It also explores common characteristics in self-identifying asexuals. The authors then state that asexuality is distinct from a disorder and is a fascinating topic that warrants future research.

This source is similar to some of my other sources in that it covers the basics of asexuality. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a specific in depth research question. But it does corroborate previous published papers which solidifies the basic findings even more. It can be a little redundant, but overall adds more foundation to my thesis to help prove validity to asexuality.