The experience of asexual-identifying individuals

Abstract

Asexuality is a sexual orientation which can be defined as not experiencing sexual attraction to any gender, and is estimated to make up 1% of the general population. There is a lack of awareness about asexuality to the point that some have called it ‘the invisible orientation’. Research on the topic is somewhat scarce and none has been carried out in Malta. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with four asexual-identifying individuals and the transcripts analysed using thematic analysis for themes associated with being an asexual. Three major themes were identified: invalidation, aloneness, and distress in relationships. A prominent finding was also the importance of increasing awareness about the subject, both to increase visibility of asexuality but also so that asexuals who are not yet aware that they are asexual can do so without fear or judgement.