Earlier this month, Bojack Horseman’s Todd came out as asexual. Understandably, people reacted emotionally to their sexuality being shown on such a prominent, award-winning show. But what exactly is asexuality? Well, it’s simple…
According to Stonewall, an asexual person (or ace) is defined as someone who does not experience sexual attraction. However, there is a large amount of diversity among the asexual community, as there is among all LGBT+ communities, and, indeed, the straight community.
Each asexual person experiences things like relationships, attraction and arousal differently. And, like all other terms, it’s a word that asexual people use to help identify and describe themselves. A lack of information about asexuality means there are lots of misconceptions about it. For one, asexuality is not the same as celibacy.
AVEN (Asexuality Visibility and Education Network) explains: “Unlike celibacy, which is a choice, asexuality is a sexual orientation.
“Asexual people have the same emotional needs as everybody else and are just as capable of forming intimate relationships.”
Earlier this year, Steve Winter and his husband-to-be Thom Gray opened up about their three-year relationship as asexual, homoromatic men, echoing AVEN. Steve said: “Celibacy is a choice. Asexuality, like being gay, straight, bi, trans, etc., is how you are wired. Read more via Pink News