Asexuality and Disability: Strange but Compatible Bedfellows

Abstract

While the disability sexuality movement has long tried to distance itself from the usually incorrect assumption that people with disabilities are asexual, the growing asexuality visibility and education movement argues for recognition of asexuality—the lifelong, non-distressing absence of sexual attraction to people of any sex or gender—as a legitimate and non-pathological sexual orientation. Despite these seemly contradictory goals, however, both movements are representative of the movements of historically marginalized and medicalized groups towards greater acceptance and understanding. Accordingly, this article will begin with a brief discussion of theories and terminology related to asexuality in the general population. The remainder of the article will discuss (1) the history of asexuality as a forced assumption of people with disabilities; (2) intersectionality as it relates to asexuality and disability; and (3) the similarities between the asexuality and disability sexuality movements. Suggestions for future research are also provided.