Asexuality
has only become scientifically researched as a sexual orientation in recent years.
For those who are not familiar with the term, it refers to people who
intrinsically have never had any interest in sex or sexual attraction to
others. Several biological markers of asexuality have been determined through
an Internet research study investigating the relationship between self-identification as asexual and
specific biological markers. This study is important because it is one of the
first studies to test and provide preliminary empirical support for an
underlying neurodevelopmental basis to account for the lack of sexual
attraction characteristic of asexuality.
A
total of 325 asexuals (60 men and 265 women), 690 heterosexuals (190 men and
500 women), and 268 non-heterosexuals (homosexual and bisexual; 64 men and 204
women) completed online questionnaires with these results:
1)
Asexual men and women were 2.4 and 2.5 times more likely to be
non-right-handed than their heterosexual counterparts.
2)
Asexual and non-heterosexual men were more likely to be later-born than
heterosexual men.
3)
Asexual women were more likely to be earlier-born than non-heterosexual
women.
Regarding older adult
asexuals, the media focus is predominantly on younger asexuals. These older
adults have a more difficult time finding support and resources they need. They
have unique issues adjusting to a predominantly heterosexual sex-oriented
society. Some have the need to “come out of the closet” and explain their
identity in order for others to understand them better. Others may feel
ashamed, isolated, or confused because they are different from what society
conveys as normal sexuality. They are a diverse community with people
experiencing relationships in various ways. For example, some may experience
close relationships with sexual or asexual partners, although the asexual
partners have no sexual attraction. Emotional or romantic attraction is not the
same as sexual attraction.
Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) hosts
the world's largest online asexual community and a large archive of resources
on asexuality. This video features
asexuals sharing their experiences:
Frances
Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer
in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
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