Haven for the Human Amoeba

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

Space Explorer,

Thank you for posting your introductory message so soon after joining.

At this time, asexuality is just now being brought out of the closet. There is just not a lot of information available for those interested in learning more. I believe that even if there was a lot of information available about asexuality, it would still be a very private matter and would apply to different people in different ways depending on their life experiences and circumstances.

It is always good to be in contact with other like-minded people, especially when dealing with such sensitive issues as this. We are all here to offer support, encouragement, information and share our experiences dealing with asexuality. There is a lot to be learned when comparing our experiences with others. Other's asexual experiences may be the same as yours or they could possibly be almost the opposite of yours. It is always good to have information from as many sources as possible, because it allows for a more detailed and diverse definition and description of what it really means to be asexual.

While some asexuals are turned off by sexual behavior, other asexuals desire intimate encounters, but not sexual intercourse. There are already many different levels of asexuality that have been identified in other online communities.

We here have the opportunity to be in the defining stages of asexuality that will be presented to the general public. Many asexual communities here online are being quoted in the news and in magazines. These communities consist of members just like the members here. These community members are very active in sharing their asexual life experiences and are very open to the asexual life experiences of other members, even if they are completely different from their own.

It is my hope that this community on Yahoo will also become a resource (through shared life asexual experiences of the members) for those who may be searching for more information about asexuality either as a way to identify (and learn about) themselves, family members, friends or acquaintances.

Staci

This is my first post here. I just wanted to say that I'm just starting to think that I maybe asexual. I have gone to the asexual.org web site and I have learned a lot from them. But I'm still looking for more information on and about asexuality. I still have some sexual feelings and fantasies. But now I feel I don't have any sexual feeling towards men or women when I see them in person. I also get nervous and uncomfortable when people touch me. I'm also very very shy around people I really don't know.

:)

Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! – Try it today!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Shyi,

Welcome to this group.

You will find that celibacy and asexuality are not the same thing in that:

Celibacy = Choosing to refrain from sexual intercourse.

Asexuality = Having no physical desire to engage in sexual intercourse.

I hope this group will be a place where you can feel comfortable posting about either celibacy and or asexual issues that may crop up in your life.

Staci

Heeeeey! Everyone I am in another yahoo group, a celibate group for a few years now. Well they just sent an email to my account of a member disturbed which seemed like of this site....I couldn't make heads or tales of it. So I copied and paste and hear I am. I was glad to see what I saw upon the site homepage so I joined. I have a adequate yahoo profile and I am asexual.

Thanks! Shahida(Shyi) http://members.blackplanet.com/Shahida http://members.blackplanet.com/0Shyi

Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! – Get yours free!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think that the person doing the approving of posts is a bit behind the eightball. There seems to be an automatic no acceptance timeout. I got a bunch of no approval in my e-mail last week. Suddenly, today, the 20th of November, I am getting posts written on the 13th. I don't know if I will continue on this board.

My post got lost also. Plus no one has posted in a couple of weeks here. Something up? Good for you Charlotte, to live free of sex. I have no desires either. I could take hormones, viagra, or whatever, but that would just be stupid as far as I am concerned. My main loss of desire is due to the failure to feel the earth move during the act.

I actually "cross the street" to avoid any circumstance that might tempt me.....as I remember what that feels like. Delicious, but very time consuming and annoying.

Funny !!!! How true!

Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/havenforthehumanamoeba/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected]

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I must admit, that I also missed this website while searching for asexual groups here on Yahoo, so don't feel so bad about that.

Welcome to the group and thank you so much for the wonderful introduction.

Sorry to hear about your negative experiences with telling others you are A. It is indeed painful to be on the outside of relationships looking in. Knowing that you desire to be like most others, but don't have that ability is indeed a painful and lonely place to be.

I have found that it is the hope of many asexuals to either develop a few very close friendships or even to be in an intimate relationship without having to contend with the sexual component that is so prevalent in today's sex-filled/obsessed society.

It is my hope also that sexuals will stop seeing asexuals in a "poor thing" light. I think our asexuality should be celebrated by us in a manner that allows sexuals to see that we are indeed content and happy with our sexual orientation.

Lamia, thanks for bringing all these issues up in your post and thanks for sharing your experiences with us, hopefully your message will encourage other members to share their asexual life experiences and we will all be able to learn more about ourselves.

Staci

hello to everyone. I wonder how, after years of being a and knowing that I am a, I did not discover this website. I am happy to find that we have a large and diverse gathering here as well! First, a little about myself: I am 23/f and am a phd student in NC/USA; I fear to disclose the name of the university-just in case! As you can imagine, I also have faced issues about coming out-although Ihave experimented with telling people outright that I am a in the past, things have not turned out so well. Usually people concluded that I just had not found the "right one" or that I lacked attraction potential. grrr. Anyhow, I'd always known that something was a bit off about me (besides my taste in music, my love of the black and gloomy, not to mention vampires:)); around the age of 18, I concluded that I did indeed lack attraction potential. I later developed this notion into positing that I can neither attract nor be attracted. Then, at the age of 20, I chanced upon the word "asexual" in the most unlikely place possible: in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. I had gotten the concept right in my head but had been searching for the correct term, so to speak.

I've identified myself as an asexual since the age of 20. I've been a member of another asexuality site for about 2 years; on that site further distinctions are made: ie whether you are hetero oriented a or gay oriented a. In terms of that, I am the former-for better or worse:) A further distinction is in terms of types-whether one is able to be attracted in an asexual but aesthetic/intellectual sort of way. Unfortunately, I would say that I am able to be attracted in that fashion-a situation which results in continual heartache and disappointment. No one can contest that it is painful to see friends and colleagues involved with their significant others while you know in your heart that you are helpless in solitude.

Not to get too dramatic on you folks but the gist of the matter is this: I lament the fact that society places primary emphasis on relationships with significant others. Often, friends ditch me in favor of their bfs or gfs; that is the most frustrating experience ever. My biggest hope is to form one or several meaningful committed friendships without the constraints of conventional romantic relationship attached to them.

anyhow, that's been a long post-I fear to bore you all. In addition, as I've specified in my profile, I am also probably the one and only representative from my country (so I am glad to add to the diversity of our group but I fear to be overly presumptious in assuming that I am the only one!). Speaking of, I would love to meet anyone else from home-Turkey. is there anyone out there?? though, I sincerely doubt it. Unfortunately, folks back home-including friends and family-were not in the least convinced that I am a; I could not even make much headway in assuring them that such a category exists in the first place!! I did have a couple of friends whom I predicted would turn out to be a but alas, they turned out to be very much non-a!!lol Anyhow, as a last word, in terms of coming out, I've usually encountered derisive comments with an underlying sentiment of pity-all hinting at my physical deficiencies. Sorry, folks, but I don't see myself that way. All in all, I am glad that this yahoo site exists and I am looking forward to sharing experiences with you guys and meeting likeminded ppl online and (hopefully) in real life in the years to come.

best, betterunborn

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Katarina,

Asexuality is such a newly recognized as a legitimate sexual orientation, I am sure it will be many years before any type of neurological/biological tests are forthcoming. It is not even known if there are such differences between sexuals and asexuals.

I believe asexuality can be caused by traumatic experiences, but I do not believe that is the only way others come to identify as asexual. There is just not enough information available at this time to make/justify such assumptions.

While I do enjoy being touched affectionately, I detest being touched affectionately when I am sleeping. You are not alone in your aversion to affection. There are definitely asexuals that detest the thought of affectionate behavior especially when it is directed at them, so please don't feel like you are a freak, you have a large number of people who are representative of how you feel in this regard.

Welcome to the group and thanks for posting this informative message for us to learn from. We look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Staci

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Charlotte,

Please don't leave the group. The issue of the slow approval times for messages has been addressed and should not be a problem in the future.

Sorry for the level of frustration this must have caused you and other members here. Please hang around for a few weeks more and see if things improve to an acceptable level.

In the meantime, I hope communications will take off here now that asexuality is being brought out of the closet by the mainstream media.

Staci

I think that the person doing the approving of posts is a bit behind the eightball. There seems to be an automatic no acceptance timeout. I got a bunch of no approval in my e-mail last week. Suddenly, today, the 20th of November, I am getting posts written on the 13th. I don't know if I will continue on this board.

Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! – Get yours free!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I usually delete messages like this, but your message I can't just let go of. Your condition can't possibly be as simple a thing as having no desire for sex. I am no expert but it sounds to me like there has been some kind of trauma, possibly even before birth, that has done you some damage. Actually, a LOT of damage. Even pets need love and affection. I guess I can understand your personal aversion to being touched, but to become really angry at seeing affection and love being displayed by others is very abnormal, even eventually dangerous. I suggest you get some heavy counselling and a scan of your head. Don't wait too long.

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/havenforthehumanamoeba/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected]

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Since many members here have posted and are still being moderated, I am in the process of approving posting privileges for all current members. Thank you for your continued future patience in this matter.

Please note that unacceptable posts made by members to this group will result in having your message and your membership deleted.

Unacceptable posts would of course include any type of spam which includes, but is not limited to sexual enhancement and/or enlargement products.

More posting rules will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Staci

Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! – Try it today!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sounds wonderful Charlotte.

you: "I not only don't have the urge to look, I actually "cross the street" to avoid > any circumstance that might tempt me.....as I remember what that

feels like. Delicious, but very time consuming and annoying." Yes - annoying and time consuming. Singledom is definitely delicious! :-)

Craig

Hi Charlotte. Sounds like you found the right place. I am a guy who also has no interest in a sexual relationship. There are lots of us out there.

I was real happy to find this group, joined it several days ago,

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You guys just all popped up out of nowhere all of a sudden X3

Anyway I'm an asexual female aged 19 (20 in 7 days *weep*) in the UK and although I can and do get turned on, sex and being touched by other people repulses me and unless it's a nice chaste hug or kiss. Though me and my friends have a strange way of showing affection as we tend to hit and gently bite each other on the arms. Steve Irwin wouldn't want to be at one of our parties :S But nothing sexual, none of us has slept with anyone else and I'm the only one left to still hold the proud Ace of Virgins card. They're all perfectly heterosexual and homosexual and good on them. We're a nice mix of different sexualities or rather non-sexuality in my case.

Hi, my name is Becky, a 21 female asexual. I live in the northeast US, split between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. College is a real joy about that :-)

I came to this group through the AVEN website. Erm...really can't think of anything else to say, except that I find the name of the group to be one of the best names _ever_.

Justina,

Welcome to the group and thanks for that friendly, informative introduction.

Sounds like you have a wonderful, understanding group of friends there in the UK. We look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Staci

You guys just all popped up out of nowhere all of a sudden X3

Anyway I'm an asexual female aged 19 (20 in 7 days *weep*) in the UK and although I can and do get turned on, sex and being touched by other people repulses me and unless it's a nice chaste hug or kiss. Though me and my friends have a strange way of showing affection as we tend to hit and gently bite each other on the arms. Steve Irwin wouldn't want to be at one of our parties :S But nothing sexual, none of us has slept with anyone else and I'm the only one left to still hold the proud Ace of Virgins card. They're all perfectly heterosexual and homosexual and good on them. We're a nice mix of different sexualities or rather non-sexuality in my case.

Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/havenforthehumanamoeba/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected]

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! – Get yours free!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank you for the responses and for not deleting my post (am I to understand that others have attempted post messages like mine?). I am sincerely interested in obtaining information on these matters.

I would *love* to participate in some type of brain-imaging study, if there are any going on.

I look forward to getting to know the other asexuals out there, although at the moment I have a great deal of work and probably shouldn't spend much time chatting...

k. procell

I usually delete messages like this, but your message I can't just let go of. Your condition can't possibly be as simple a thing as having no desire for sex. I am no expert but it sounds to me like there has been some kind of trauma, possibly even before birth, that has done you some damage. Actually, a LOT of damage. Even pets need love and affection. I guess I can understand your personal aversion to being touched, but to become really angry at seeing affection and love being displayed by others is very abnormal, even eventually dangerous. I suggest you get some heavy counselling and a scan of your head. Don't wait too long.

katarina procell said:

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT

---

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/havenforthehumanamoeba/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected]

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Becky,

Welcome to the Haven. Thanks for the quick introduction. There are new changes happening in this group and it is my hope that you will feel at home here among other asexuals.

In the hopes of encouraging conversation exchanges, I will be posting current event articles about asexuality as they appear in the media.

Feel free to jump right in and share experiences about your life as an asexual. We look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Staci

Hi, my name is Becky, a 21 female asexual. I live in the northeast US, split between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. College is a real joy about that :-)

I came to this group through the AVEN website. Erm...really can't think of anything else to say, except that I find the name of the group to be one of the best names _ever_.

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Katarina,

Thanks for hanging in there with us while waiting for your post to be approved. This issue should not come up again as steps are being taken to allow more members the ability to post directly to the group.

It is my hope that such actions will help increase the asexual communication exchanges among the members of this group. We certainly look forward to hearing more from you in the future when you are not quite so busy.

Staci

Thank you for the responses and for not deleting my post (am I to understand that others have attempted post messages like mine?). I am sincerely interested in obtaining information on these matters.

I would *love* to participate in some type of brain-imaging study, if there are any going on.

I look forward to getting to know the other asexuals out there, although at the moment I have a great deal of work and probably shouldn't spend much time chatting...

k. procell

I usually delete messages like this, but your message I can't just let go of. Your condition can't possibly be as simple a thing as having no desire for sex. I am no expert but it sounds to me like there has been some kind of trauma, possibly even before birth, that has done you some damage. Actually, a LOT of damage. Even pets need love and affection. I guess I can understand your personal aversion to being touched, but to become really angry at seeing affection and love being displayed by others is very abnormal, even eventually dangerous. I suggest you get some heavy counselling and a scan of your head. Don't wait too long.

katarina procell said:

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! – Get yours free!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Parting Glances: All pee, no passion

By Charles Alexander Originally printed (Issue 1247 )

There's been a bland addition to the soup. (Or is it stew?) The label on the can now reads LGBTA. The LGBT stands for the usual spicy noodles and meatballs; the A stands for asexual, as in "An asexual is someone who leaves the room and nobody gives a damn one way or the other."

Frankly, I've never encountered anyone who wouldn't dare or care for a diddle, but I once met a guy who said that until age 30 he hadn't wanked alone, with a partner, or in the happy-go-lucky company of a circle jerk. (He traveled exclusively in square, knee-jerk circles.)

I have no idea who tumbled him down the slippery slope of fun and games, and it wasn't me who escorted him hand-in-hand (or whatever) picking cherries along life's sunny rimrose path. But I do recall hearing about another 25-year-old bloke who had no libido, period. Zilch.

Turns out his problem was organic. He had a tumor pressing on that part of the brain responsible for getting it on and off. Once an operation was performed, a whole new world of libidinous adventure opened: courtship, marriage, children, divorce, alimony, child support, burnout, and overcompensatory total exhaustion . . . .

Poor guy. He shudda stayed in bed with his socks on.

According to a Brock University (St. Catherines, Ont.) study this newly outed asexual breed of homo-sapiens (emphasis on syllable three) makes up one percent of the population. Findings are detailed in The Journal of Sex Research (I have a lifetime subscription with coupon-clipping privileges) and New Scientist.

According to New Scientist, "The response level is close to the percentage of gay people . . . which is around three percent." (I don't mean to quibble but a two percent difference when it involves millions of people is quite a difference. But don't get me wrong. I'm not putting asexuals down. I just don't want one to hit on me.)

New Scientist admits the results are controversial and offers a caveat: "The closest we have come to understanding human asexuals comes from studies -- mostly surveys -- of people who report not having sex." (And do they cheat on their income taxes?)

Having not had sex myself lately, I suppose I qualify by default. It's reassuring to feel not wanted, er, wanted, er, whatever.

New Scientist coyly adds (Motor City Pride 2005 and Ann Arbor WRAP Outfest take note): "If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation [Aside: Is starvation a form of eating?], perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' Pride starts attracting more attention. Activists have already started campaigning to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality." (P'town nursing homes.)

Lest anyone think yours truly made any of this up, let me hasten to assure you that the flat champagne has indeed already been uncorked. An Asexual Visibility Education Network exists, with online store. AVEN sells T-shirts: "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas." (Earthworms or Michael J)

As expected, the fundies and Focus on the Family are having fits of righteous dysentery. Ex-Asexual Ministries (Amoebas for Jesus) are being activated in "strongholds" like Boston, Hell MI, and the Greater Zug Island Bar & Grill.

A4J Founder Rev. Pat Freeloader says, "We want to save these anemics who won't procreate or have the decency as good Americans to even try to have an abortion. The next thing you know they'll want to marry each other, form Straight-Asexual Alliances, and serve in the military and seduce our troops."

Asexuals of America, UNITE! (Divide and conquer.)

© 2003,2004 Pride Source, Inc http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=10273

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

News of the weird

Compiled by Chuck Shepherd

Weird science: New Scientist magazine reported in October that psychologists seem to be reclassifying people who are permanently uninterested in sex, from the old notion that such behavior was a disorder to the emerging position that it is merely a sexual preference of ''none of the above.'' (Asexuals profess no sexual attraction at all, encompassing loners reluctant to associate with people and gregarious, caring people whose natural inclination is to relate to others nonsexually.) Recent research estimated that 1 percent of the population is asexual, and in previous research, 40 percent of asexuals described themselves as ''extremely'' or ''very'' happy. An asexuality support group (AVEN) touts its best-selling T-shirt, ''Asexuality: It's not just for amoebas anymore.''

© Copyright 2004, The Salt Lake Tribune.

http://www.sltrib.com/nationworld/ci_2464254

Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi, Staci. I think I had misread one of the previous posts about a member deleting messages from her *email*. After looking at some of the other "abstinence" groups here, I know what an essential thing message-approval is!

kp

Katarina,

Thanks for hanging in there with us while waiting for your post to be approved. This issue should not come up again as steps are being taken to allow more members the ability to post directly to the group.

It is my hope that such actions will help increase the asexual communication exchanges among the members of this group. We certainly look forward to hearing more from you in the future when you are not quite so busy.

Staci

---

# katarina procell said:

Thank you for the responses and for not deleting my post (am I to understand that others have attempted post messages like mine?). I am sincerely interested in obtaining information on these matters.

I would *love* to participate in some type of brain-imaging study, if there are any going on.

I look forward to getting to know the other asexuals out there, although at the moment I have a great deal of work and probably shouldn't spend much time chatting...

k. procell

Charlotte Dustin Leffler said:

I usually delete messages like this, but your message I can't just let go of. Your condition can't possibly be as simple a thing as having no desire for sex. I am no expert but it sounds to me like there has been some kind of trauma, possibly even before birth, that has done you some damage. Actually, a LOT of damage. Even pets need love and affection. I guess I can understand your personal aversion to being touched, but to become really angry at seeing affection and love being displayed by others is very abnormal, even eventually dangerous. I suggest you get some heavy counselling and a scan of your head. Don't wait too long.

katarina procell said:

Hello, all. I haven't a lot of time to write at this moment, but I am interested in learning about the neurological/biological causes of asexuality. I my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex. Everything I have come across about sexual aversion "disorder" attributes the condition to trauma resultant from prior sexual experience. I know that this is not the case for me.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times. Does anyone have experience with this condition, or has anyone come upon this in the psychology literature?

Thanks -

k. procell

---

Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! – Get yours free!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm not sure how much of that can be taken as true, but it is an interesting article. Hopefully more serious scientific studies of asexuality are not far in the future . . .

kp

Parting Glances: All pee, no passion

By Charles Alexander Originally printed (Issue 1247 )

There's been a bland addition to the soup. (Or is it stew?) The label on the can now reads LGBTA. The LGBT stands for the usual spicy noodles and meatballs; the A stands for asexual, as in "An asexual is someone who leaves the room and nobody gives a damn one way or the other."

Frankly, I've never encountered anyone who wouldn't dare or care for a diddle, but I once met a guy who said that until age 30 he hadn't wanked alone, with a partner, or in the happy-go-lucky company of a circle jerk. (He traveled exclusively in square, knee-jerk circles.)

I have no idea who tumbled him down the slippery slope of fun and games, and it wasn't me who escorted him hand-in-hand (or whatever) picking cherries along life's sunny rimrose path. But I do recall hearing about another 25-year-old bloke who had no libido, period. Zilch.

Turns out his problem was organic. He had a tumor pressing on that part of the brain responsible for getting it on and off. Once an operation was performed, a whole new world of libidinous adventure opened: courtship, marriage, children, divorce, alimony, child support, burnout, and overcompensatory total exhaustion . . . .

Poor guy. He shudda stayed in bed with his socks on.

According to a Brock University (St. Catherines, Ont.) study this newly outed asexual breed of homo-sapiens (emphasis on syllable three) makes up one percent of the population. Findings are detailed in The Journal of Sex Research (I have a lifetime subscription with coupon-clipping privileges) and New Scientist.

According to New Scientist, "The response level is close to the percentage of gay people . . . which is around three percent." (I don't mean to quibble but a two percent difference when it involves millions of people is quite a difference. But don't get me wrong. I'm not putting asexuals down. I just don't want one to hit on me.)

New Scientist admits the results are controversial and offers a caveat: "The closest we have come to understanding human asexuals comes from studies -- mostly surveys -- of people who report not having sex." (And do they cheat on their income taxes?)

Having not had sex myself lately, I suppose I qualify by default. It's reassuring to feel not wanted, er, wanted, er, whatever.

New Scientist coyly adds (Motor City Pride 2005 and Ann Arbor WRAP Outfest take note): "If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation [Aside: Is starvation a form of eating?], perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' Pride starts attracting more attention. Activists have already started campaigning to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality." (P'town nursing homes.)

Lest anyone think yours truly made any of this up, let me hasten to assure you that the flat champagne has indeed already been uncorked. An Asexual Visibility Education Network exists, with online store. AVEN sells T-shirts: "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas." (Earthworms or Michael J)

As expected, the fundies and Focus on the Family are having fits of righteous dysentery. Ex-Asexual Ministries (Amoebas for Jesus) are being activated in "strongholds" like Boston, Hell MI, and the Greater Zug Island Bar & Grill.

A4J Founder Rev. Pat Freeloader says, "We want to save these anemics who won't procreate or have the decency as good Americans to even try to have an abortion. The next thing you know they'll want to marry each other, form Straight-Asexual Alliances, and serve in the military and seduce our troops."

Asexuals of America, UNITE! (Divide and conquer.)

© 2003,2004 Pride Source, Inc http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=10273

---

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that's new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I hesitated to send this article to the group, because of the sarcasm that it contained throughout the piece, but I think it is important for us to keep abreast of what and how the media reports about us.

Staci

I'm not sure how much of that can be taken as true, but it is an interesting article. Hopefully more serious scientific studies of asexuality are not far in the future . . .

kp

Parting Glances: All pee, no passion

By Charles Alexander Originally printed (Issue 1247 )

There's been a bland addition to the soup. (Or is it stew?) The label on the can now reads LGBTA. The LGBT stands for the usual spicy noodles and meatballs; the A stands for asexual, as in "An asexual is someone who leaves the room and nobody gives a damn one way or the other."

Frankly, I've never encountered anyone who wouldn't dare or care for a diddle, but I once met a guy who said that until age 30 he hadn't wanked alone, with a partner, or in the happy-go-lucky company of a circle jerk. (He traveled exclusively in square, knee-jerk circles.)

I have no idea who tumbled him down the slippery slope of fun and games, and it wasn't me who escorted him hand-in-hand (or whatever) picking cherries along life's sunny rimrose path. But I do recall hearing about another 25-year-old bloke who had no libido, period. Zilch.

Turns out his problem was organic. He had a tumor pressing on that part of the brain responsible for getting it on and off. Once an operation was performed, a whole new world of libidinous adventure opened: courtship, marriage, children, divorce, alimony, child support, burnout, and overcompensatory total exhaustion . . . .

Poor guy. He shudda stayed in bed with his socks on.

According to a Brock University (St. Catherines, Ont.) study this newly outed asexual breed of homo-sapiens (emphasis on syllable three) makes up one percent of the population. Findings are detailed in The Journal of Sex Research (I have a lifetime subscription with coupon-clipping privileges) and New Scientist.

According to New Scientist, "The response level is close to the percentage of gay people . . . which is around three percent." (I don't mean to quibble but a two percent difference when it involves millions of people is quite a difference. But don't get me wrong. I'm not putting asexuals down. I just don't want one to hit on me.)

New Scientist admits the results are controversial and offers a caveat: "The closest we have come to understanding human asexuals comes from studies -- mostly surveys -- of people who report not having sex." (And do they cheat on their income taxes?)

Having not had sex myself lately, I suppose I qualify by default. It's reassuring to feel not wanted, er, wanted, er, whatever.

New Scientist coyly adds (Motor City Pride 2005 and Ann Arbor WRAP Outfest take note): "If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation [Aside: Is starvation a form of eating?], perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' Pride starts attracting more attention. Activists have already started campaigning to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality." (P'town nursing homes.)

Lest anyone think yours truly made any of this up, let me hasten to assure you that the flat champagne has indeed already been uncorked. An Asexual Visibility Education Network exists, with online store. AVEN sells T-shirts: "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas." (Earthworms or Michael J)

As expected, the fundies and Focus on the Family are having fits of righteous dysentery. Ex-Asexual Ministries (Amoebas for Jesus) are being activated in "strongholds" like Boston, Hell MI, and the Greater Zug Island Bar & Grill.

A4J Founder Rev. Pat Freeloader says, "We want to save these anemics who won't procreate or have the decency as good Americans to even try to have an abortion. The next thing you know they'll want to marry each other, form Straight-Asexual Alliances, and serve in the military and seduce our troops."

Asexuals of America, UNITE! (Divide and conquer.)

© 2003,2004 Pride Source, Inc http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=10273

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

AsexualityFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.(Redirected from Asexual)

This article is about human asexuality; asexual reproduction is a separate topic.

Asexuality is a designation or self-designation for people who lack sexual attraction. There is debate as to whether this is actually a form of sexual orientation, or a sexual dysfunction. It can also be viewed as a gender identification by those who perceive their lack of sexual attraction as placing them outside of the standard definitions of gender. There has been little research done on asexuality, but those studies that have been done suggest that, if it is a sexual orientation, it is the least commonly occurring one. Contents// [showhide] 1 Debate

2 Variations

3 Religious Views of Asexuality

4 See also

5 External links

[edit]

Debate There is disagreement over whether or not asexuality is a legitimate orientation. Some attribute it to things such as sexual abuse, repressed homosexuality (or sexual repression in general), or lack of proper hormones. There is almost no research on this subject, and thus little evidence on either side. A large number of self-identified asexuals state that those things do not apply to them, but these claims are, by and large, only anecdotal. At the same time, none of the few studies that have been done provide evidence that asexuality is caused by hormonal or psychological problems, leaving such ideas solidly in the realm of the theoretical.

A study done on rams found that about 2% to 3% of those being studied had no apparent interest in either sex; this would point towards asexuality (at least in rams) not being the result of abuse or repression, but says nothing about hormones. There was also a study done on rats and gerbils, in which up to 12% of the males showed no interest in mating with females. Their interactions with other males were not measured, however, so the study is of limited use when it comes to asexuality.

A UK survey of sexuality included a question on sexual attraction, and 1% of respondents replied that they had "never felt sexually attracted to anyone at all"; this says nothing about the possible causes of this lack of attraction, only that it exists. A small Kinsey Institute survey on the topic concluded that "asexuals appear to be better characterized by low sexual desire and sexual excitation than by low levels of sexual behavior or high sexual inhibition." The definition of asexual used by the researchers was somewhat fuzzy, however: they mentioned four differing definitions of "asexual" in the literature, and stated that it was unclear whether those identifying as asexual were referring to an actual orientation. [edit]

Variations As with those of any other sexual orientation, there are differences among people that identify as asexual. For example, many experience romantic attraction towards one or both genders, although often they do not want any resulting romantic relationships (which can range from casual liaisons to marriage) to include sexual activities. Some of these asexuals describe themselves as gay, bisexual, or straight asexuals, based on their romantic orientation, an idea that fits in with the concept of affectional orientation. Others have a sex drive, which can be weak, strong, or anywhere in between, although it is not directed at anyone. Some experience sexual feelings but have no desire to act on them.

Some asexuals use a classification system developed (and then retired) by the founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (http://www.asexuality.org/), one of the major online asexual communities (abbreviated as AVEN). In this system, asexuals are divided into types A through D: a Type A asexual has a sex drive ("sex drive" refers to the desire for sexual stimulation or release) but no romantic attraction, a Type B experiences romantic attraction but no sex drive, a Type C experiences both, and a Type D neither. The categories are not meant to be entirely discrete or set in stone; one's type can change, or one can be on the border between two types. Note that AVEN itself no longer uses this system, on the basis that it is too exclusive, but many asexuals still feel it is a useful tool for explaining their orientation.

Those asexuals who want romantic relationships are in a difficult position, as the majority of people are not asexual. Asexuals able to tolerate sex would be able to pair up with non-asexuals, but even then their lack of attraction can be psychologically distressing to their partner, making a long-term romance difficult. Asexuals who cannot tolerate sex must either compromise with their partners and have a certain amount anyway, have sexless relationships with those few who are willing, only date asexuals, or decide to stay single.

Note that asexuality is not the same as celibacy, which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity; many asexuals do have sex, and most celibates are not asexual. [edit]

Religious Views of Asexuality Several religions or religious sects believe that asexuality is a spiritually superior condition, and some asexuals believe that their lack of "base desires" allows them to feel a deeper spirituality, although other asexuals consider that an elitist attitude. In other creeds, children are considered a gift from God that should not be refused, or a means of spreading religion, or both; it should be noted, though, that some asexuals do have children, and so avoid the potential stigma of childlessness. Furthermore, according to some religious beliefs, sexuality itself is sacred or a divine gift; certain varieties of Tantra involve sex, for instance, and some types of neopaganism include the concept of sacred sexuality.

Currently, unlike homosexuals, asexuals are not a target of conservative religious groups, but they could be subject to criticism from these groups in the future for challenging the belief that heterosexuality is the only normal sexual orientation. [edit]

See also Sexual orientation Celibacy List of asexuals Affectional orientation [edit]

External links Asexual Visibility and Education Network (http://www.asexuality.org/) Kinsey Survey on Asexuality (http://www.asexuality.org/docs/SSSS_2003.ppt) (Power Point File) Guardian article on asexuality (http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/science/story/0,12996,1326893,00.html) CNN article on asexuality (http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/10/14/asexual.study/index.html) New Scientist article on asexuality (14 October 04) (http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996533)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asexual

Do you Yahoo!? Discover all that’s new in My Yahoo!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Finally, the dam broke in this interest group, and the moderator is allowing messages to flow. Hallelujah !!!

I hope that nobody gets too hung up on which pigeon hole of sexuality that each of us belongs. I think it is best to recognize that: ---The lives of *most* humans are apparently incomplete without having somebody for genital gratifaction in a manner known as "missionary style". Let us call them Missionary Men & Women. ---There are a significant number of humans (SUCH AS US!!!)who can have a complete existence without genital gratifaction in some manner with another person. ---Those who fit in the Missionary Men & Women mode *expect* everybody to be exactly like them, and oftentimes demand conformity. Those who do not fit in the Missionary Men & Women mode have lots of variations and differences, but the common tie is: no need for Missionary style gratification!

I repeat: There is a wide variety among we who are not Missionary Men & Women.

In my case, I not only lack sexual desire but am utterly repelled by sex.

I pretty much fit that category too.

Also, I cannot stand to be touched affectionately and feel a sort of visceral rage whenever I see other people (strangers, relatives, people on television--it doesn't matter) displaying affection through touch, voice, gaze, etc. A very deep rage, almost violent at times.

We "asexuals" are constantly reminded by others that we are supposed to be either bonking with somebody, or trying to find somebody to bonk with. This causes a "visceral rage" with me too. I can't say that it makes me violent. But it is disconcerting that we are viewed as pathologically skewed just because we don't want to connect our genitals to somebody else.

If you, katarina, are allowed to be recognized by people without regard to your capacity to provide sexual pleasure to others, then your rage will likely subside. You might then enjoy affectionate hugs too. SMILE

Yeah, I try not to think of anybody based on their gender or sexuality or race and everyone is just a person to me with their own quirks and thoughts and I hate to "group" people based on one attribute they have. Having said that - I love being IN groups ^o^ but as Karl Marx said, "I wouldn't want to belong to any group that accepted me as a member." Heehee.