Asexuality

[Page 95]Asexuality is defined as an enduring lack of sexual attraction to others. Asexuality is more prevalent in women and nonbinary individuals (i.e., those who do not identify as either men or women), and it is important to the field of psychology as it is underresearched and is still sometimes conflated with sexual arousal disorders, which can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. Asexuality has likely remained invisible to the general populace and even to many mental health professionals because of the lack of overt socio-sexual activities, fewer legal repercussions, and less public scrutiny than for sexual minorities with same-gender attractions. As society becomes more accepting and open about sex and sexual attraction, however, people who do not experience sexual attraction can start to feel ...