I just know that Asexuals, simply because they don't desire sex are not considered identified with the LGBTQ Community because we are not considered a persecuted sexuality. (This is from what I've read around the Web so far.)
The thing is, we ARE a sexuality... there's no denying it. It has to do with sexual attraction or lack thereof, and as a result ACES (the term used for Asexuals) are in fact being persecuted by manner of being ignored and pushed aside. We, to many people, don't count, it seems.
For the record, Aces vary in 'attractions'. Some don't even desire romance, some do. Some desire specific connections, others don't... there's a vast number of levels regarding Asexuality it appears. I, for one, am heteroromantic. I do not desire sex, but I wouldn't mind a romantic relationship with another Asexual heteroromantic man.
There are those that desire romance with either sex. The list goes on and on and on and labels are being attached everyday to other sexualities. I just learned a new term the other day I had no idea existed: Abrosexual. One who fluidly moves from one gender attraction to another as the moment strikes. (I hope I'm getting that definition right.)
ACES are very much pro LGBTQ (and so on), we seek to recognize ALL sexualities, even heterosexuality. But, because we don't desire sex, and many of us don't desire relationships, we are considered not qualified to be part of their community. We are, after all, not being persecuted by others to the extent they are. I can see their argument, but what ACES, at least as far as I can tell, ARE trying to do is be seen and understood. Too many of those pushing against ACES are in fact exercising their own form of persecution against another 'sexuality'. Instead of seeing us as a specific form of sexuality, many see us as simply abnormal. (Is that not a type of persecution?) I've heard of Asexuals being raped to 'fix the problem.' Harrassed; "Oh, I can fix that for you. You just haven't found the right person." Or simply waved off--"You're just suffering from Post Abuse trauma, you just need to get over it and deal." "It's just a phase, you'll get over it in time." And other brush-off responses.
As I said, I only recently learned I'm Asexual and so the territory is new, the terminology is new, the stigma associated with this orientation is new. I'm still learning, but what I don't get is how many feel because we don't desire sex, or that if ACES desire relationships with members of the opposite gender, we as heteroromantic ACES are truly 'straight'. I saw a blog piece where so many terms were used it had my head spinning. This piece was to argue AGAINST ACES being part of the LGBTQ Community. Because many of us are, in their eyes, considered 'Straight', or we haven't received the type of persecution they've received, being put down by religion, politics, etc. I can see their point, but only to a point.
I don't get it all, yet. I'm discovering terms I've never stumbled across before. I'm still researching and it's causing headaches. I mean it's literally making me wonder what is the fuss about? If there is even ONE sexual orientation that experiences persecution because they're different, no matter the level of persecution, should we not all ban together to support each other? Why must there be a specific form or level of persecution reached in order to be considered part of a community? As though we have to earn merit badges to become a member of an 'In' Club?
This in no way means I'm disavowing any form of persecution the Gay and Transgender Community experiences, I support them in their right to be who they are 100%, and would run to intervene in any bashing going on in front of me, but prejudice seems to run rampant in ALL groups. And that, to me, is not helping any situation get any better.
Just my thoughts for now. As I said, I'm still learning about this new area of my life. I just hate to see this situation even being a situation at all.
Hugs and love,
-Janalyn
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