Asexuality: Five myths that need to be busted

Everybody loves talking about sex and imagining what goes on behind closed bedroom doors. When those bedroom doors belong to an asexual person, the wacky myths seem to be piling up like condoms in a 40-year-old virgin’s wallet. Asexual Stephen Broughton, co-creater of asexual movement maaple, has had it with myths about asexuals, that he says are ridiculous and hurtful. These five are at the top of his list.

Asexuals are broken

We may be different to many others, but we are not broken or damaged. Abuse hasn’t made us asexual or forced us into asexuality, and there is nothing medically wrong with us.

Asexuals don’t think about sex

Some regard the asexual community as a non-sexual place, and others regards asexuality as a lack of sexual desire or lust for other people. Some think about sex, others don’t.

Asexuals can’t get aroused

Of course we can! I am a perfect storm of lack of sexual desire and sexual attraction, and high libido. I have needs and I can address those myself. What asexual people fantasise about when masturbating has no bearing on their sexual orientation.

Asexuals don’t think about sex

I don’t feel a sexual spark in a relationship but I am capable of loving someone. I’ve been in a relationship with another asexual, and many asexuals have relationships with sexual people where they find arrangements that work for them. But at the moment I am not in a relationship because I feel it is unfair to them to experiment with their emotions.

Asexuals are just seeking attention

Identifying as asexual in a sexualised world opens us up to abuse, and since we’re not protected by the 2010 Equality Act, coming out is scary. It’s not worth doing just for the attention.

#asexuality #StephenBroughton #Maaple