Asexuality and celibacy

Asexuality

Asexuality, the absence of desire to engage in sexual activity, has only recently been recognised as a sexual orientation.

Until recently, the terms "asexual" and "asexuality" have been associated with organisms that reproduce without sex, for example a cell that splits into two identical cells, or a plant that produces spores, reproductive cells that don't require fertilisation.

But since Anthony Bogaert's study of the prevalence of asexuality in Britain, there has been a spate of articles on the topic. Bogaert used data gathered in an earlier study which included a question on sexual attraction and, unusually, gave respondents the option "I have never felt sexual attraction to anyone at all". Around 1% chose that description.

Bogaert was able to derive further information about the respondents who identified as asexual: they were most likely to be women, be religious, be shorter, have less education, have a lower socio-economic status, and suffer health problems.

Most of the asexuals in Bogaert's study had some sexual experience with a partner, although they tended to start later, had fewer sexual partners, and less frequent sexual activity. This demonstrates the difference between sexual behaviour and sexual orientation commonly found in models of sexuality.

Conversely, not everyone who is celibate is asexual.  Some who would not identify as asexual in the sense of the absence of sexual attraction choose celibacy or a period of abstinence.  A period of celibacy may be a rewarding period, a time of renewal.  Alternatively it may be the result of a life-long religious commitment.

AVEN

The Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) was established by David Jay in 2001 to promote the recognition and acceptance of asexuality, and to provide a safe space for asexuals to share their experiences. David Jay was interviewed in the October 2004 New Scientist article on asexuality. AVEN remains the top information resource on asexuality on the internet.

Asexuality and people with disabilities

While AVEN is actively promoting the idea of asexuality, many people with disabilities have had to contend with denial and silence around their sexuality. Harilyn Rousso has written an excellent analysis of stereotypes about sexuality and disability.

References

Anthony Bogaert's report of his study is not available online except through subscription, but can be accessed at many university libraries: Anthony F Bogaert (2004) 'Asexuality: Prevalence and Associated Factors in a National Probability Sample,' The Journal of Sex Research 41(3): 279-87.

The New Scientist article on asexuality is available on the internet: Sylvia Pagan Westphal (2004) 'Glad to be Asexual: If you absolutely, positively, have no desire to have sex, you're not alone,' New Scientist 184(2469): 38.

Boston Marriages: Romantic but Asexual Relationships Among Contemporary Lesbians by Esther D. Rothblum and Kathleen A. Brehony

Rothblum and Brehony explore uncharted territory in this book, committed romantic relationships that are not sexual. This kind of relationship challenges the usual categories of friend versus lover. Read more.

Lily White by Susan Isaacs

This detective fiction novel portrays a nonsexual relationship between a gay man and a straight woman. It was recommended on the AVEN discussion board. Read more.

Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart by Alice Walker

In this novel, successful author Kate decides at the age of 57 that she wishes to give up her sexual life and reclaim the life of a virgin. The story follows her spiritual journey. Read more.

A History of Celibacy: From Athena to Elizabeth I, Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, and Cher by Elizabeth Abbott

A fascinating and lively history of 3,000 years of celibacy.  Elizabeth Abbott dispels the myths that celibacy is only a religious phenomenon.  The book covers celibacy in the ancient world and in the major religions, the desire to conserve semen, the impact of celibacy on gender and of gender on celibacy, abstinence as contraception, the involuntary celibacy of widows and castrati, celibacy in response to shameful sexuality, celibacy caused by physical incapacity, celibacy in literature, and celibacy in the modern age as religious revival and response to sexually transmitted infections notably HIV/AIDS.  Read more.

Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship by Donna Marie Williams

Donna Marie Williams encourages women to look at a self-determined period of celibacy as an opportunity to find space for themselves.  From the back cover: "If you're ready to rethink your approach to relationships and reconnect with yourself, then let Sensual Celibacy guide you to a happier, healthier lifestyle."  Read more.

Confessions by Arthur Pekar

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