“Sex” and the Ace Spectrum: Definitions of Sex, Behavioral Histories, and Future Interest for Individuals Who Identify as Asexual, Graysexual, or Demisexual

ABSTRACT

This paper explores how people (n = 1,093) who identify as asexual or on the ace spectrum (i.e., graysexual, demisexual) define sex behaviorally using a list of 22 specific behaviors and assesses their lifetime behavioral histories and interest in future engagement in these activities. Lifetime behavioral history was also compared to each individual’s personal definition of sex. Asexual, demisexual, and graysexual groups defined sex similarly. Although there were significant group differences in behavioral histories, almost all had engaged in behaviors included in their personal definition of sex. There was little interest in engaging in “sex” in the future (~4% asexual and graysexual groups, ~12% demisexuals, p < .004). Reasons for or against engaging in these behaviors in the future were explored qualitatively. The most common reasons were classified as “Emotional connection,” “Partner interest,” and “Disinterest-Disgust,” with significant group differences noted. Disinterest-Disgust was the most frequently cited reason for the asexual group (43%). Emotional Connection was the most frequent reason for the graysexual (40%) and demisexual (69.3%) groups. Findings highlight the heterogeneity of the ace community with regard to history of and interest in sexual behaviors and the importance of distinguishing between wanting and being willing to engage in sexual behaviors across the ace spectrum.

Notes

¹ Race was assessed using categories similar to those used by the National Institutes of Health in the United States. Respondents were able to select all applicable categories, and an “Other” category with a write-in option was provided.

² Participants reported residing in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tunisia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.