The A Project

Asexuality is a broad term that people of diverse sexual needs and desires, or lack of, can identify with. It is strongly associated with not prioritizing sexual needs and desires in one’s life and relationships. While many find asexuality and lack of sexual desire in general or towards other people to be an intrinsic part of themselves, others may think of themselves as asexual for reasons beyond innate lack of desire. It is different from celibacy in the sense that it is not driven by an avoidance of sex due to particular beliefs and values, but rather by one’s relationship with desire and needs. Asexual people may not have sexual relationships with others, but still fulfill their sexual needs through masturbation and forms of self-pleasure. However, asexual people can still form meaningful relationships with others that may or may not include sex. They may desire to be on their own, or have more intimate romantic relationships with asexual or sexual people. Just like any other identity, it does not necessarily define one’s sexual behavior and practices, but rather how they view themselves and relate to others for as long as it makes sense to them.