{"id":2485,"date":"2025-01-27T17:09:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T08:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/?p=2485"},"modified":"2025-04-08T19:46:02","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T10:46:02","slug":"term-asexual-en","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Asexuality? What Does &#8220;Sexual Attraction&#8221; Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In recent years, the term &#8220;asexual&#8221; has gradually gained more recognition. Characters in dramas and movies are now more frequently illustrated as asexual. You may have even seen people identifying as &#8220;asexual&#8221; or &#8220;Ace&#8221; on their social media profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Palettalk, we often share information about asexuality through manga. This time, we want to take a moment to summarize the question: &#8220;What does it mean to be asexual?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_72 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u76ee\u6b21<\/div>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#Definition_of_Asexuality\" title=\"Definition of Asexuality\">Definition of Asexuality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#What_Is_%E2%80%9CSexual_Attraction%E2%80%9D_In_the_First_Place\" title=\"What Is &#8220;Sexual Attraction&#8221; In the First Place?\">What Is &#8220;Sexual Attraction&#8221; In the First Place?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#Misconceptions_and_Prejudices_About_Asexuality\" title=\"Misconceptions and Prejudices About Asexuality\">Misconceptions and Prejudices About Asexuality<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#%E2%80%9CAsexual_People_Dont_Feel_Romantic_Love%E2%80%9D\" title=\"&#8220;Asexual People Don&#8217;t Feel Romantic Love&#8221;\">&#8220;Asexual People Don&#8217;t Feel Romantic Love&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#%E2%80%9CAsexuality_Is_Caused_by_Trauma_or_Illness%E2%80%9D\" title=\"&#8220;Asexuality Is Caused by Trauma or Illness&#8221;\">&#8220;Asexuality Is Caused by Trauma or Illness&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#%E2%80%9CAsexual_People_Are_Immature_and_Will_Eventually_Change%E2%80%9D\" title=\"&#8220;Asexual People Are Immature and Will Eventually Change&#8221;\">&#8220;Asexual People Are Immature and Will Eventually Change&#8221;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/nocategory\/term-asexual-en\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definition_of_Asexuality\"><\/span>Definition of Asexuality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Asexuality refers to individuals who do not feel sexual attraction to anyone or only experience it in very limited situations. As the term includes \u201csexual,\u201d it is recognized as a type of sexual orientation and is part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, even though we use the term &#8220;asexual&#8221; as a single word, there are small differences and individual perspectives within it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each person who identifies as asexual interprets their experience of sexuality differently, and it exists like a spectrum. This spectrum, or gradation, allows for a variety of categories to exist based on where a person falls on it. Such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>(Narrow Definition of) Asexuality:<\/strong> People who do not experience sexual attraction or do not feel a fundamental desire to engage in sexual relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demisexual:<\/strong> Individuals who only feel sexual attraction or desire after forming a deep emotional connection with someone. (This is different from simply choosing to wait until certain conditions are met before engaging in sexual activity.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greysexual:<\/strong> People who fall between asexual and sexual (those who are not asexual). Examples include individuals who rarely experience sexual attraction, only feel it under specific circumstances, or place very little importance on sexual relationships in their lives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these variations within the asexual spectrum are collectively referred to as \u201cAce.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_%E2%80%9CSexual_Attraction%E2%80%9D_In_the_First_Place\"><\/span><strong>What Is &#8220;Sexual Attraction&#8221; In the First Place?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When discussing asexuality, an important concept is &#8220;sexual attraction.&#8221; In societies where sexual desire and romantic feelings are often seen as the norm, and where sexual relationships are considered a natural extension of romantic relationships, people may not often pause to analyze what &#8220;sexual attraction&#8221; actually means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sexual attraction refers to the desire to have a sexual relationship with someone or to share sexual intimacy. Asexuality is defined as not experiencing this type of attraction toward others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, sexual attraction is often understood in connection with romantic attraction, but in reality, many people view these as separate experiences. The experience of &#8220;being attracted to someone&#8221; can take many forms beyond sexual attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aesthetic Attraction:<\/strong> Feeling drawn to someone&#8217;s appearance, without necessarily experiencing romantic or sexual attraction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Romantic Attraction:<\/strong> Wanting to form a romantic relationship or feeling strong romantic emotions toward someone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sensual Attraction:<\/strong> Desiring non-sexual physical affection, such as cuddling, hugging, or kissing, that does not necessarily lead to sexual intimacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you are reading this article and do not identify as asexual, you might find that your experiences with attraction fall on a spectrum, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve never experienced aesthetic attraction.&#8221;<br>&#8220;I tend to feel certain types of attraction very strongly.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Misconceptions_and_Prejudices_About_Asexuality\"><\/span><strong>Misconceptions and Prejudices About Asexuality<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although asexuality has gained more visibility in recent years, including through representation as characters such as in dramas, it is still not widely understood. As a result, many misconceptions and biases still remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CAsexual_People_Dont_Feel_Romantic_Love%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>&#8220;Asexual People Don&#8217;t Feel Romantic Love&#8221;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some asexual individuals do not experience romantic attraction, but this is not true for all. Many asexual people enjoy forming romantic relationships and experience romantic feelings. Those who do not feel romantic attraction are referred to as <strong>aromantic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CAsexuality_Is_Caused_by_Trauma_or_Illness%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>&#8220;Asexuality Is Caused by Trauma or Illness&#8221;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a common prejudice linking asexuality to mental health issues or past trauma. However, asexuality is a natural sexual orientation, not a result of illness or abnormality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CAsexual_People_Are_Immature_and_Will_Eventually_Change%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>&#8220;Asexual People Are Immature and Will Eventually Change&#8221;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another misconception is that not feeling sexual attraction is a &#8220;temporary phase&#8221; that will pass with time. This is incorrect. Asexuality is a valid sexual orientation, not a momentary state tied to age or experience. While a person\u2019s understanding of their own sexuality may evolve over time, it is important to respect how they identify in the present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In our society, there remains a strong emphasis on sexual relationships, and sexual and romantic attraction are often treated as inseparable. This can lead to misunderstandings or prejudiced remarks toward asexual individuals, as well as feelings of self-doubt\u2014wondering if something is \u201cwrong\u201d with them. However, a person\u2019s worth is not determined by whether or not they experience sexual attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By spreading accurate knowledge about asexuality, which is still not widely recognized, we can work toward a society where everyone can live authentically and comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Palettalk, we welcome stories and experiences from asexual individuals. Please feel free to share yours via this form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References<\/strong><br>Miyake Daijiro, Imatoku Haruka, Kanbayashi Mai, Nakamura Ken, <em>The Easiest Guide to Aromantic and Asexual<\/em> (Akashi Shoten, 2024)<br><a href=\"https:\/\/glaad.org\/reference\/terms\/\">https:\/\/glaad.org\/reference\/terms\/<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.asexuality.org\/?q=general.html\">https:\/\/www.asexuality.org\/?q=general.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Translation: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jennys_english_qlass\">Jennifer Martin<\/a>)<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In recent years, the term &#8220;asexual&#8221; has gradually gained more recognition. Characters in dramas and movies are now more frequently illustrated as asexual. You may have even seen people identifying as &#8220;asexual&#8221; or &#8220;Ace&#8221; on their social media profiles. At Palettalk, we often share information about asexuality through manga. This time, we want to take [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3756,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[130,136],"class_list":["post-2485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-asexual-en","tag-lgbtq-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2485"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2485"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2485\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3105,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2485\/revisions\/3105"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/palettalk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}