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{{cleanup|add the flags and symbols + stuff on asexual discrimination and exclusion}}
{{Orientation|image1=[[File:Asexual.png]]|type=[[Amative]], [[Aspec]], [[Acespec|Ace-spec]]|exclusivity=|coined_by=|coining_date=}}
'''Asexual''' (often shortened to '''Ace''') is a sexual orientation defined by a lack of [[Sexual Attraction|sexual attraction]], or a lack of desire for sex. Asexual experiences may also include: not wanting to have sex, not being interested in sex, not experiencing a sex drive/libido, or being repulsed by sex. Sexual attraction is defined as the desire to have sex with, or otherwise perform sexual acts with, another specific person. For non-Asexual people ([[Allosexual|Allosexuals]]), sexual attraction is involuntary, and even occurs when someone doesn't know the other person (though one might not act on it). Asexual people do not have an innate desire to have sex with anyone. They might also feel disconnected from the idea of sex.
Being Asexual does not mean that one is unable to experience [[Romantic Attraction|romantic attraction]]. An Asexual person can have any romantic orientation and some Asexuals identify with a [[Romantic Orientation|romantic orientation]] to specify who they're interested in romantically, if anyone. They often use prefixes like hetero-, homo-, bi-, pan-, etc. in front of the word romantic to describe who they experience romantic attraction to. For example, a person who is Asexual [[Heteroromantic]] is romantically attracted to people of a different gender, but is not sexually attracted to them. For those who are [[Alloromantic]] and Asexual, they may identify as [[Alloace]]. Some Asexuals are also [[Aromantic]], meaning that they also do not feel romantic attraction. People who are both Asexual and Aromantic may identify as [[Aroace]].
Sexual dispositions among Asexual people can vary. Some Asexuals may still have a sex drive despite not feeling sexual attraction to anyone. They may still masturbate, watch porn, or participate in sexual activities. Other Asexuals lack a sex drive, and some may be repulsed by the concept of sex. [[File:Ace Symbol.png|thumb|196x196px|An ace symbol/flag created by user RavenFire803 on June 14 2021|link=Special:FilePath/Ace_Symbol.png]]
Terms like [[Sex-Repulsed]], [[Sex-Averse]], [[Sex-Indifferent]], [[Sex-Favorable]], or [[Sex-Ambivalent]] are commonly used to describe these feelings.<ref>[https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2018/09/15/asexuality-as-a-hard-limit-or-the-cat-is-dead/ Asexuality as a hard limit]</ref><ref>[https://asexualagenda.wordpress.com/2016/06/13/20-narratives-of-aces-who-like-sex/ 20 narratives of aces who like sex]</ref>
==Etymology==
The term "Asexual" uses the Latin prefix "''a-"'' which means "not" or "a lack of."
==History==
In 2013, the DSM-5 was published. Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder and Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder remain listed as disorders, but their criteria exclude individuals who self-identify as Asexual.<ref>[http://www.asexualityarchive.com/asexuality-in-the-dsm-5/ Asexuality in the DSM-5]
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==Related Terms==
===Subsets===
*[[Alloace]]
*[[Aroace]]
*[[Non-SAM Ace]]
*[[Acemid]]
===Terminology===
*[[Acespec|Asexual Spectrum]]
*[[Sex-Favorable]]
*[[Sex-Indifferent]]
*[[Sex-Ambivalent]]
*[[Sex-Averse]]
*[[Sex-Repulsed]]
*[[Sexual Attraction]]
*[[Tertiary Attraction]]
*[[Split Attraction Model (SAM)]]
==Gallery==
FANDOM user RemyWest123 created another alternate Asexual flag on March 23, 2021. It's based off the original and the first alternate. The black circle represents not being sexually attracted to anyone, and so does the spade.
Another alternative flag/symbol for Asexuality was created by Fanom user RavenFire803 on June 14, 2021. The design's colors were directly taken from the flag. The purple represents lack of sexual desire, the white represents purity and kindness, the gray represents the in-between area on the spectrum, and the varying shades of each color represents the wide variety of identities asexuality supports. The spade is for Asexuality in general, and the plant designs represents the fact that Asexuals are not "broken", but a natural and beautiful part of life.
===Symbols===
<references />
[[Category:Orientation]]
[[Category:Sexual Orientation]]
[[Category:Aspec]]
[[Category:Acespec]]