Discussion paper: Humans don’t fit in boxes: Reconfiguring female (a)sexualities for the 21st century

Abstract

This paper seeks to reconfigure female (a)sexualities, beyond the current definition of asexuality as a ‘lack’ of sexual attraction, drawing on empirical work with five women, who experienced sexual fluidity in their trajectories. The paper has two parts. The first explores the constraining nature of sexual orientation labels. I draw on Diamond’s (2009) work on female sexual fluidity and the accounts of two queer/asexual-identified women, arguing that female (a)sexualities cannot be fitted neatly into a box. The second examines the accounts of three other women, who asserted that there is a need for a new term to hold a broader range of female subjectivities. I draw on Braidotti’s (2006) theory of nomadic subjectivity to work towards a conception, which goes beyond the commodification of female desire under capitalism. Ultimately, the aim is to begin thinking beyond labels, which are themselves products of patriarchy and capitalism, to create a more ethical society for all.