Asexuality facts for kids
Asexuality is a way some people feel about attraction. People who are asexual, often called "aces," don't feel a special kind of strong pull or desire towards others that leads to physical relationships. It's not about who they choose to be friends with or who they find interesting.
Being asexual is different from celibacy. Celibacy is when someone chooses not to have physical relationships, often because of personal beliefs, social reasons, or religious reasons. Asexuality, however, is not a choice; it's how a person is naturally wired.
Contents
Understanding Asexuality
Asexuality is a type of sexual orientation, just like being straight or gay. The main difference is that asexual people don't experience a specific kind of attraction that others might feel. This doesn't mean they can't have happy lives, friendships, or even romantic relationships.
What Asexuality Is Not
It's important to know that asexuality:
- Is not a choice. People don't decide to be asexual.
- Is not a medical condition or something that needs to be "fixed."
- Is not the same as being shy or afraid of relationships.
- Does not mean someone is unable to feel love or form deep connections with others.
Other Types of Attraction
Even though asexual people don't feel a certain type of attraction, they can still experience other kinds of feelings towards people:
- Romantic attraction: This is when someone wants to be in a romantic relationship with another person, like having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner.
- Aesthetic attraction: This means finding someone beautiful or pleasing to look at, similar to appreciating a piece of art.
- Sensual attraction: This is the desire for non-sexual physical touch, like hugging, cuddling, or holding hands.
- Platonic attraction: This is the desire to be friends with someone.
Many asexual people experience these other types of attraction and can have fulfilling friendships and romantic partnerships. For example, an asexual person might be "aromantic," meaning they don't feel romantic attraction either, or they might be "romantic asexual," meaning they do feel romantic attraction and might want a romantic partner.
Asexual Community and Symbols
Many asexual people find comfort and understanding by connecting with others who are also asexual. There's a growing community online and in real life where aces can share experiences and support each other.
One common symbol for some asexual people is a black ring worn on the middle finger of their right hand. This ring can help them recognize each other and feel a sense of belonging.
Famous Examples
Sometimes, characters in books or movies are shown in a way that suggests they might be asexual, even if the word "asexual" isn't used. For example, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is often shown as someone who is very focused on his work and doesn't seem to have romantic or physical interests in others. Many people today see him as a character who could be described as asexual.
Images for kids
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Some members of the asexual community opt to wear a black ring on the middle finger of their right hand as a form of identification.
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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle intentionally portrayed his character Sherlock Holmes as what would today be classified as asexual.
See also
In Spanish: Asexualidad para niños
