Asexuality refers to the lack of sexual attraction to others, regardless of gender. It is considered one of the least understood and most overlooked sexual orientations in society. However, it is a natural orientation within the human sexual spectrum, allowing individuals to build strong emotional relationships based on love and respect, even in the absence of sexual attraction. Despite this, recognition of this identity remains limited, both in mainstream society and within human rights movements. According to the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), asexuality is an inherent part of sexual diversity, not a temporary condition or a medical pathology. A 2024 study published in Nature Reviews Urology described asexuality as an “invisible identity” in medical and social discourses, leading to the spread of misconceptions that treat it as a “defect” needing to be fixed.
Asexuality in Mainstream Society
In general society, asexual individuals face frequent social stigma, often viewed as “frigid” or sexually dysfunctional. They are subjected to societal pressure to marry and procreate as a primary measure of an individual’s worth. This pressure doubles in conservative societies that link human status to the ability to form a traditional family. Furthermore, asexuality is almost entirely absent from public policy and media representation. This was confirmed by a 2023 study in Springer, which indicated that bias against asexuals remains a “social taboo” that weakens their integration and increases their sense of isolation.
Pressures within the LGBTQIA+ Community
The challenges do not stop at the borders of mainstream society; they extend into the LGBTQIA+ community itself. Although this community is supposed to be an inclusive umbrella for diversity, asexual individuals face additional pressures within it. They are sometimes misunderstood as “non-practicing homosexuals” or “unintegrated,” placing them in a position of constant self-defense. Some circles link “queer identity” strictly to sexual practice, which leaves asexuals vulnerable to marginalization. Campaigns and events often focus on homosexuality and gender transition, while asexuality is ignored or mentioned only marginally. As noted in resources regarding Acephobia and Asexual Erasure, asexual individuals are sometimes excluded from LGBTQIA+ spaces or considered “not queer enough,” deepening their sense of double alienation.
The repercussions of this marginalization are clear: asexual individuals feel they are neither accepted by mainstream society nor fully embraced within the LGBTQIA+ community. They endure additional psychological pressure due to the constant need to justify their identity. The absence of initiatives focusing on asexuality makes it difficult to find support networks within rights movements, weakening their opportunities for participation and representation.
Towards a More Inclusive Discourse
International Asexuality Day serves as an opportunity to rethink the meaning of diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. If this community seeks justice and recognition, it must move beyond the most visible orientations to include those that are underrepresented. Asexuality is not an exception; it is a part of the sexual spectrum that must be recognized and defended. As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated: “If we fail to achieve equality for some, we fail to achieve it for all.”
Asexuality is a reminder that human value is not measured by sexual desire, but by the capacity for love, respect, and the building of a society that accommodates everyone. On International Asexuality Day, we call for a more inclusive human rights discourse within the LGBTQIA+ community—a discourse that recognizes asexuality as a complete identity and ensures that every individual finds a safe and recognized space.
Sami Al-Aghbashi – Syrian Queer Activist
