An Overview of Asexuality and Aromanticism

We should embrace the many ways that people form relationships and experience sexuality and romance. That includes the experiences of asexual and aromantic people.

In this article, sociologist Hannah Tessler addresses the challenges that asexual and aromantic people face, and provides an overview of recent scholarship on asexuality and aromanticism.

Asexual people are those who have little to no sexual attraction. Aromantic people are those who have little to no romantic attraction. People may experience sexual attraction but no romantic attraction or vice versa. People may also have neither sexual nor romantic attraction.

Asexual and aromantic people who choose to remain single may face negative perspectives and tropes. This is because society often prioritizes heterosexual marriage. This conflates sexual and romantic relationships and ignores the varying ways that people may experience sexuality and romance. It also overlooks the important role that other types of relationships can play in our lives. Familial relationships and friendships can provide love, support, and care.

Yet many people still dismiss the possibility that someone may not experience sexual and romantic attraction. Single individuals are questioned about how they know they are not attracted to anyone—or they are assured that they “just haven’t met the right person yet.” These responses undermine and erase the lived realities of people with asexual and aromantic identities.

SOURCE: Public Seminar Publishing Initiative at The New School • AUTHOR: Hannah Tessler • LAST UPDATED: November 8, 2023