Words by Teddy Bingham
As we mark Asexual Awareness Week, a new report has revealed the violence, discrimination and lack of legal protections facing asexual people around the world.
Activist and campaigner Yasmin Benoit has partnered with international LGBTQIA+ human rights organisation Outright International to publish a new report examining the systemic barriers facing asexual people across the world.
The report is a first of its kind. It looks at the experiences of asexual people in more than 30 countries, including conversion practices, discrimination, legal challenges and healthcare, in an attempt to push the conversation further than visibility.
Speaking about the newly published report Yasmin Benoit said: “I’m constantly asked about how asexual people are discriminated against. Here’s the answer. Now, we have a report that explains just how extensive the issue is.
“Asexual discrimination isn’t just a problem in the UK or the US; it’s happening all over the world. It’s never been more important to stand up for the asexual community and for our LGBTQIA+ organisations to be asexual-inclusive.”
One prominent asexual group mentioned in the report defines asexuality as: “Unlike celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who we are, just like other sexual orientations.”
The report finds that asexual people experience widespread abuse and violence. An international online survey cited in the report found that 32% of respondents had experienced verbal harassment. Across the countries examined, discrimination is described as an everyday reality.
Ace people can be treated as though they have a health disorder that needs treatment.
A key challenge is that asexuality is still often pathologised. Ace people can be treated as though they have a health disorder that needs treatment. In practice, this can mean harmful exposure to conversion practices, unwanted medical examinations and psychosexual therapy intended to change their sexual orientation.
The report also outlines how the law can fail to protect the asexual community. Nine out of ten UN member states define sexual orientation in their non-discrimination laws in a way which excludes asexual people.
The report also highlights the need for the LGBTQIA+ community to take steps towards greater inclusion and challenge acephobia within the movement itself.
Venus Aves, research and programme associate at Outright International, said: “States must respond to these human rights violations with asexual-inclusive policy and legislation.
“At the same time, universal human rights protections and laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation should be understood to include asexual people.”
Benoit has become one of the world’s leading asexual activists, advancing visibility and now rights for ace people. In September she took her activism to the UN, pressing officials to recognise asexual people and the discrimination they face.
You can find out more about Ace Week here, and visit Stonewall’s UK Ace Hub.
