Asexuality and Asexual Characters in Books & Comics - a Collection

[Homer]

The launch of Ela Przybylo's book Asexual Erotics features a reading of a different chapter of the book which looks at asexuality. Will take place in Chicago, Illinois on Feb 7 (source)

[Sandra B]

On 2/1/2020 at 11:31 PM, Homer said:

The launch of Ela Przybylo's book Asexual Erotics features a reading of a different chapter of the book which looks at asexuality. Will take place in Chicago, Illinois on Feb 7 (source)

Interesting. Is this a non-fiction book?

 

I write non-fiction books for Asexuals. My first one was published in 2017 , and still helps lots of asexuals, especially those who are new to asexuality. It's called Asexual Perspectives 47 Asexual Stories, Love, Life And Sex, ACElebration Of Asexuality. And shows what asexuality is, rather than just give text book definitions of it, through the 47 real life asexuals stories in the book, that are from across the asexual spectrum and around the globe. With a focus on answering most questions newbies to asexuality have about asexuality, in regard to love, life and sex. Including the differences between sexual attraction, sexual desire, arousal, and includes questions about masturbation, BDSM, porn, and kinks. As well as how to survive in this highly sexualised world we live in.

 

I am currently working on my second book for Asexuals which is called "Asexual Guide To Sex" and again will feature real life asexual (sex) stories. It will be published later this year and a number of people from this site have taken part in being interviewed for the book. Which is predominantly for any asexual thinking about trying sex for the first time ever, to help them to make an informed choice or decision about whether sex would be a good thing for them to try or not. Presenting the good, the bad, and the ugly, about sex. Told from asexuals who have had sex before. It answers pretty much any question an asexual in this position would likely want to know about sex; how to prepare for it emotionally, mentally and physically.  It's super insightful into the difference between how an asexual mind works, and how asexuals think and feel about sex, in comparison to sexuals. Some of my interviewees have been working with me back and forth on their stories, for about 6 months, to make sure their help, advice and guidance, into how best to go about having sex, if you are asexual, is in the most easy to understand format for the finished book. My heart goes out to all of the interviewees, who have tirelessly worked to help save others from some of the painful experiences they have had. And in some cases, to point them in the right direction for how sex can be a good experience for asexuals. This book I believe, will help asexuality to get more recognised as a sexual orientation throughout the globe, so that no asexuals have to live in fear of ridicule ever again - which is my mission. Because I think also sexuals will find it an invaluable and insightful read too and therefore will accept asexuality more as a result. When you read the book, it's like a 'first person' perspective immersive experience like no other. I will let you know when it's out. I already have asexuals wanting the valuable information in this book. It's the book I wish I had when I was 16 years old and being asked (or rather pressurised) into having sex for the first time. 

[.Kat.]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I just read Loveless by Alice Oseman. It's a fiction book about a college freshman figuring out her sexuality (spoilers - she's aro and ace), and I thought it discussed ace-related issues and struggles in a really open, easy-to-grasp way. Totally recommend for anyone looking for a quick read (it's only about 350 pages)!

[allieakat]

Alice Oseman is one of the subjects of an asexulity article in The Times Saturday Magazine published yesterday.  I'll try to scan it and start a new thread.

[Diana DeLuna]

Today at work I'm ordering a new nonfiction work on Asexuality! It's called "Ace: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex" by Angela Chen.  The coolest thing of all is, it wasn't me!! Some other library patron discovered this book and wishes for us to pre-order it. 

 

Amazon Link for the U.S.:

https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Asexuality-Reveals-Identity-Meaning/dp/080701379X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ace+what+asexuality+reveals+about+desire+by+angela+chen&qid=1597065406&sr=8-1

 

Sorry if someone already called out this book elsewhere: I did a board search and didn't come up with anything, but I'm no wiz with AVEN's search feature.

[Caliway]

On 8/7/2020 at 9:21 PM, .Kat. said:

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I just read Loveless by Alice Oseman. It's a fiction book about a college freshman figuring out her sexuality (spoilers - she's aro and ace), and I thought it discussed ace-related issues and struggles in a really open, easy-to-grasp way. Totally recommend for anyone looking for a quick read (it's only about 350 pages)!

I also just finished it and I really liked it. There were many things I could relate to my own experiences and even the things the main character did that haven’t, those experiences felt real. It did make me cry at parts, mostly in the later half or so. I read it in about three sittings and it would’ve been less if I didn’t need to sleep. I would recommend especially since aro ace rep is very small.

[.Kat.]

6 hours ago, Caliway said:

I also just finished it and I really liked it. There were many things I could relate to my own experiences and even the things the main character did that haven’t, those experiences felt real. It did make me cry at parts, mostly in the later half or so. I read it in about three sittings and it would’ve been less if I didn’t need to sleep. I would recommend especially since aro ace rep is very small.

Definitely! It wasn't my favorite book of all time, but there were parts that made me feel incredibly seen, and incredibly represented. I also cried a couple times in the second half, but then again I stayed up late at night to read it in one go, so there were multiple factors at play there

[aroura]

hello everyone! I just wanted to pop in to say that the booktuber* Bowties and Books just dropped a video called “Bi, Trans, & Queer Book Recs!” that has a section on asexual books. The ones mentioned are new and mainly upper YA from what I can tell. 
 

Bi, Trans, & Queer Book Recs! [cc]

 

 

*booktuber = YouTuber who talks about books 

[Divide By Zero]

On 8/10/2020 at 6:21 AM, Diana DeLuna said:

Today at work I'm ordering a new nonfiction work on Asexuality! It's called "Ace: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex" by Angela Chen.  The coolest thing of all is, it wasn't me!! Some other library patron discovered this book and wishes for us to pre-order it. 

 

Amazon Link for the U.S.:

https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Asexuality-Reveals-Identity-Meaning/dp/080701379X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ace+what+asexuality+reveals+about+desire+by+angela+chen&qid=1597065406&sr=8-1

 

Sorry if someone already called out this book elsewhere: I did a board search and didn't come up with anything, but I'm no wiz with AVEN's search feature.

I just made a purchase request to my local library for this book. 

 

I checked the catalogue and it looks like the only ace book they have is the Invisible Orientation. Hopefully they'll buy this book so they have another ace book.

[Janus the Fox]

A Thread was updated here with a useful Citation

Gochros, H. L., & Gochros, J. S. (1977). The sexually oppressed. Association Press. https://www.worldcat.org/title/sexually-oppressed/oclc/2543043

 

Props to @tontonguetonks for finding it.  This book looks like it long pre-dates the Asexuality and erasure name, though the while may describe details of such orientation.

[Squeep]

Hi all, and happy Ace Week! I have a new book roundup that might be of interest, especially since one of the books was recently listed in this thread:
https://medium.com/anomalyblog/3-more-books-to-cheer-on-ace-week-8569744d377a

Always looking for more ace-writer suggestions

[Janus the Fox]

@Jordan... Forwarding a book found here.

 

How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual By Rebecca Burgess

ISBN-10 - 1787752151

ISBN-13 978-1787752153

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

 

184 Pages

 

Description

 

"When I was in school, everyone got to a certain age where they became interested in talking about only one thing: boys, girls and sex. Me though? I was only interested in comics."

Growing up, Rebecca assumes sex is just a scary new thing they will 'grow into' as they get older, but when they leave school, start working and do grow up, they start to wonder why they don't want to have sex with other people.

In this brave, hilarious and empowering graphic memoir, we follow Rebecca as they navigate a culture obsessed with sex - from being bullied at school and trying to fit in with friends, to forcing themself into relationships and experiencing anxiety and OCD - before coming to understand and embrace their asexual identity.

Giving unparalleled insight into asexuality and asexual relationships, How To Be Ace shows the importance of learning to be happy and proud of who you are.

[Aiv]

I've heard the protagonist of the Protector Of The Small series by Tamora Pierce is asexual. I've yet to start them, but having read other books by her, I'm sure they're very good. 

[Beow]

I don't know if it's already been mentioned in the thread (doesn't seem so if they update the OP with suggestions?). 

I recently read 'The Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata (English translation)

It's a quirky, funny and quick read. I would even recommend it to people who don't like reading, if I thought the story/character/quirkiness would interest them. I'm actually going to give a copy to a friend as a gift.
The central character also appears to be aro and ace.

[foxtails]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned this, but "Vinny Gets a Life" is my absolute favourite fiction focussed around an asexual character. Taylor, the author, is incredible at writing about queer experiences and has a fantastic way of expressing unique character voice. This series is part of a broader universe about queer hockey players (all fictional including a fictional NHL universe too). I would absolutely give this a go 😊

[Twy]

Gender queer, a memoir by Maia Kobabe 

 

It's a comic book that is an autobiography of the author in their journey to understand themselves as non-binary and asexual. 

 

 

 

[TeddyMiller]

The fantasy novel The Midnight Bargain, by C.L.Polk, is set in a world reminiscent of Regency England but with magic.  One major character, Ysbeta Lavan, is likely asexual and/or aromantic; she says "No man or woman has ever turned my head.  I know beauty when I see it, but my heart has never ached for anyone."

[evigmidnatt]

Its not cannon. but Grishaverse characters Kaz and Inej are always refered to as ace or grey so would this count?
https://observer.com/2021/05/shadow-and-bone-asexuality-representation/?fbclid=IwAR2eOCVb0eplaupXTyR3MtsyA-aRVJrjc7UJ4kQkXHwhugMCFoCiJJrGSeo

[Acebdolon]

My supernatural YA novel, From the Nightly Shore, features an asexual main character, Corbin White, and is a #ownvoices work. (It's on kindle unlimited and in print on amazon). The main plot isn't about his asexuality but it is one of the subplots and he's still trying understand what he is and what he wants and figuring out a potential relationship. 

 

Here is the book description if anyone is interested:

 

No one has ever gotten close enough to discover the secrets of Corbin White's troubling past. Not until he finds a group of other teens hiding supernatural abilities. They teach him how to see and manipulate the Rudin, the uncharted world of unseen energy, and how to fend off the terrifying beings that live there.

But they don't have the answers he's seeking. What they do have, is a deadly secret of their own.

Now Corbin must confront the living nightmares of his past, survive the betrayal of the friends he trusted, and face his role in the earth-shattering events of the future.

Any hero can save the world but Corbin is the only one destined to destroy it.

Edited July 5, 2021 by Quasar.w
removed Amazon link

[wordforger]

Ok, warning for sexual content, rape, trauma, and tragedy before I mention this one.  NSFW and 18+ definitely applies here.

 

There's a webtoon out there called Ouroboros where the main lead is on the asexual spectrum, and very possibly aromantic.  It's made clear that this was his default before his trauma put him in a nasty spiral of trying to pretend he's alright and sinking into debauchery to either dull the pain or punish himself for hurting the people around him.  At no point is his asexuality treated as something that needed fixing, at least by the author.  In fact, they did a pretty good job of depicting what life for an asexual who doesn't know about asexuality can be like with people putting their expectations on you.  His confusion about his feelings and his relationships with others pre and post trauma fuels the drama at the center of the story. 

[Tunhope]

I've been out of AVEN for a couple of months dealing with some domestic stuff, but I've just returned and it gladdens my heart to read of more ace rep! I've just published my own latest ace-related story. It's the seventh in my gay mystery series, County Durham Quad, and this one is called A Right To Know. It sprang from my dismay at receiving the results of an ancestry test. My ace character is Nick Seabrooke. I introduced NIck in the third of the books and have developed his relationship with Mike, one of the Quad, in the subsequent ones. At first, I was very scared of trying to portray an ace character - I mean, we are all so different - but now I'm far more confident. Can't include the Amazon link, of course, but I think I'm allowed the Goodreads one. I'm sure the mods will tell me if I'm not!

https:///www.goodreads.com/book/show/58679615-a-right-to-know

 

[Forest Spirit]

22 hours ago, Tunhope said:

I've been out of AVEN for a couple of months dealing with some domestic stuff, but I've just returned and it gladdens my heart to read of more ace rep! I've just published my own latest ace-related story. It's the seventh in my gay mystery series, County Durham Quad, and this one is called A Right To Know. It sprang from my dismay at receiving the results of an ancestry test. My ace character is Nick Seabrooke. I introduced NIck in the third of the books and have developed his relationship with Mike, one of the Quad, in the subsequent ones. At first, I was very scared of trying to portray an ace character - I mean, we are all so different - but now I'm far more confident. Can't include the Amazon link, of course, but I think I'm allowed the Goodreads one. I'm sure the mods will tell me if I'm not!

https:///www.goodreads.com/book/show/58679615-a-right-to-know

 

Adding to the list and 2021 index☺️ and yes, Goodreads link is fine! Thank you for sharing

[Tunhope]

My pleasure @Quasar.w. Should point out that Nick isn't the main character in the tales, but from book 3 onward, I've explored his relationship with Mike, one of the Quad and, perhaps more to the point, his understanding of himself.

[JaiBee]

Award-winning YA fantasy novel Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger (2020) has an asexual main character, and it's a great book! 

 

Ellie can summon the ghosts of animals, a skill passed down through her Lipan Apache bloodline. Her family are caretakers of the stories shared from generation to generation, and when Ellie’s cousin is murdered, she draws upon this heritage to solve the case, uncovering a tangled web of greed and dark magic. Ellie —named for her six-great grandmother Elatsoe — is a wonderful protagonist, as is her best friend Jay, and I am always happy to see great boy/girl friendships that don’t need to be pushed over the line into romance. (Ellie also makes it very clear she's not interested in relationships, so I assume she's also aromantic although the author only uses the term asexual.)

 

 

[iff]

Breasts & Eggs by Mieko kawakami

 

In the first part, natsuko is visited by her sister and niece in Tokyo and it covers the three day trip. The second part (not Spoiler for first part as the two sections could work alone) natsuko is now a published author, trying to write a follow up but has feeling of wanting to become a mother but as she lacks sexual desire ("passion and sex were incompatible to me") , she has to look for other ways to become a parent. (and other reviews have commented on her being asexual, so satisfied it isn't just me transplanting my views to the character). There are various extracts in the second part that makes it clear to me that Natsuko is asexual. 

[AFE]

In the category Sci Fi / Fantasy I would like to recommand The case files of Henry Davenforth by Honor Raconteur. While it's not explicitly said, one of the two main characters appears asexual and demi-aro, I think. Also, while a romance does develop in the later books, it grows slowly and sex is not a topic.

[naturerhythms]

Many thanks for assembling and maintaining this comprehensive list. I have a recommendation for the non-fiction category.

 

Several years ago I published a self-help book for sexually motivated partners in sexless relationships with someone who may be asexual:

I Fell in Love with an Asexual: Navigating Needs Without Blame When You Like Sex, Your Partner Doesn't, & Asexuality is a Possibility.

 

It has received praise from a number of people, including a leading asexuality researcher, allosexuals, and a number of asexuals who said it helped them understand allosexuals better.

 

Here's some positive commentary on the book from the forums here:

"My book arrived and I am really loving it. It has a bit of a workbook feel, and my partner wants to go through it with me which is exciting. It tries really hard to have an inclusive narrative which I like (since we're an allo/ace homoromantic trans couple haha). It has a big section on creating healthy and satisfying intimate compromises, which uses neutral language . . . it covers a lot of topics I haven't seen discussed a lot before. It also has a really affirming narrative that avoids blaming anyone which I like."

Sources:

https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/174720-i-dont-know-where-to-go-ltr-blame-shame-sexuality-changes/

https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/174720-i-dont-know-where-to-go-ltr-blame-shame-sexuality-changes/?do=findComment&comment=1062931990

 

More info on the book is at https://www.davewheitner.com/books/i-fell-love-asexual/ and https://www.amazon.com/Fell-Love-Asexual-Navigating-Possibility-ebook/dp/B07B222CD8/

 

As you might know, the book's original subtitle generated social media speculation and one-star review attacks. In making it emotionally provocative to attract readers, I inadvertently led some to fear that the book was an attack on the asexual community. To correct for my misjudgment on how the book was initially packaged, I soon discontinued it and released a second edition. In light of that history, I'm happy to provide a free e-book to the current maintainer(s) of this list if needed, so you can confirm that it's up to your standards prior to inclusion. Just let me know.

 

Many thanks for your consideration.

[coolshades]

I didnt see it on the list, but the historical fiction YA novel The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath has a main character, Asta, who is asexual and in a QPR, as confirmed by the author in a notes section at the end of the book.

[StruggleSession]

The character of Dionysus in Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie's well-regarded comic series The Wicked + The Divine is ace, which is an interesting take on the god of sensuality, excess, etc. It's also a really fun series on the whole --- it's skewed a bit younger demographically, like to the "twentysomething" crowd, but I read it and enjoyed it in my 40s no problem.

[Need_more_books]

 

The gay b cs by M.L. Webb (board book)