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Asexual Consent In Intimate Relationships
Presenter(s)
Julia Kinney
Abstract or Description
According to MedicalNewsToday, experts predict the percentage of people identifying on the asexual spectrum is higher than the estimated 1%. However, many people may not even know about asexuality, or may feel that they aren’t allowed to be that way because of outside opinions. Sometimes when people who identify as asexual, or more commonly known as ace, are in relationships, they can feel coerced into giving their consent. As asexuality is on a spectrum, it is not the same for everyone who identifies as ace, but many can feel as if they are wrong for not wanting to have sex with their partner. This can lead to verbally given consent by the ace partner when they actually do not want to be having sex.
In this presentation, I will discuss the ace spectrum and how many ace individuals can feel forced to give consent to their partner. I will first discuss the spectrum on which asexuality lies. Next, I will discuss how not every relationship has to follow normalized guidelines of sex and romance, and how it can be difficult for ace people to open up about their feelings when they’re told it isn’t normal. With the use of Sexual Consent by Milena Popova, I will also explain the concept of compulsory sexuality. Then, I will go further into how even though consent may be given, it is not enthusiastic consent, and therefore is not freely given consent. I will conclude with the discussion of how individuals on the ace spectrum are not shown in media, especially not in relationships, which can make those also on the spectrum have no way of understanding that they’re not alone in what and how they feel.
Mentor
Dr. Michele Meek
Comments
Marisa Mejia3 years ago
I found this topic very interesting and enlightening cause I never took into consideration whether consent would be different for asexual people or other sexualities in general.
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Cloee Cambra3 years ago
Julia,
Your presentation sheds light on the Ace community in a way that truly feels understanding and compassionate while still presenting a factual basis. Your slide on the spectrum of Asexuality is especially interesting to me, as I feel like we very rarely see any of these identities represented, both in the media and studies. Going forward, as a society, I agree that there needs to be concrete understanding on the spectrum of asexuality, as the intricacies that follow sexual consent in relationships with asexual member(s) are better understood and respected by educated individuals.
Your presentation sheds light on the Ace community in a way that truly feels understanding and compassionate while still presenting a factual basis. Your slide on the spectrum of Asexuality is especially interesting to me, as I feel like we very rarely see any of these identities represented, both in the media and studies. Going forward, as a society, I agree that there needs to be concrete understanding on the spectrum of asexuality, as the intricacies that follow sexual consent in relationships with asexual member(s) are better understood and respected by educated individuals.
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