There are broad ranges of colours & spectrums in the LGBTQIA+ rainbow. The A in the LGBTQIA+ stands for asexuality. Meaning, the lack of sexual attractionWhen a person finds another person, of whatever gender, sexu... More to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. It’s symbolized by a flag which at its top has Black, which stands for Asexuality; followed by Grey, which is for Grey-Asexuality; followed by White, which represents Non-asexual partners & allies; & lastly, Purple, which represents Community.
AsexualA sexuality that involves little to no sexual desire for or ... More people, who might use the term “ace” or “aces”, typically don’t experience sexual attraction nor do they want to pursue sexual relationships with other people. The term is pretty wide, as it can mean different things to different individuals, for instance, a demisexualA sexual orientation in which a person most often only exper... More (also comes under the umbrella of asexuality) experiences sexual attraction only when they experience a deep connection. To simply put it, they might only feel sexually attracted to people in the context of a loving romantic relationship. Some individuals might not experience any sexual attraction and still choose to have a sexual relationship. There’s no right or wrong way to do things, but only what feels right and comfortable is what matters the most.
While not all asexuals indulge in sexual relationships, they can hold romantic relationships or be involved romantically with a partner or multiple partners from the same gender or different gender. Apart from romantic attractions, asexuals may also experience:
- Aesthetic attraction: Being attracted to someone based on their looks/aesthetics.
- Sensual or physical attraction: The need or want to touch, hold, or cuddle someone.
- Platonic attraction: The desire to be friends with someone.
- Emotional attraction: Seeking an emotional connection with someone.
Asexual individuals can experience all these forms of attraction, plus plenty of others.
What is essential to understand here is that sexualityA person’s identity in relation to their sexual desires an... More is a spectrum, it isn’t a label that once claimed by an individual cannot be changed, it’s ever-changing and ever-growing. Nothing is set in stone, your feelings and emotions can change over time and that would still be completely normal. It more or less depends on your life experiences and your own growth as an individual. Our sexuality is an intricate part of who we are and as an individual, we’re always growing, learning, & unlearning. Hence, even our sexual preferences change over time with our changing life experiences and it’s completely fine and absolutely normal! Our identities are fluid, over time an individual’s capacity for desire & attraction may change and evolve or it may stay the same, but what’s important to understand here is that it’s up to that person’s sole discretion as to what their likes, preferences, desires, or dislikes are, and nobody else can tell them otherwise!
The blog is written by Nikhil Malla.
