Unthinking compulsory sexuality

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the sexual orientation of asexuality in the context of contemporary Western societies. Opening with an examination of a harmful representation of asexuality in mainstream media, the chapter continues with an analysis of compulsory sexuality as a set of discourses that suggest that to be “normal” one must have sexual attraction and practice sexual activities. Next, the chapter examines asexual or ace identities and vocabularies, including the importance of the asexual-sexual and aromantic-romantic continuums, arguing for the value of refraining from a singular asexual story or narrative. It considers the importance of understanding compulsory sexuality in dialogue with amatonormativity, heterosexuality, racialization, gender, and ability. Looking at how discrimination against asexual people takes place under compulsory sexuality, the chapter ends with a call to recognize the variability of sexual desire and attraction and the contributions of asexuality studies perspectives.