Live R Perfect Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 I think this is the article written using the Media Team stories that I sent off a couple of weeks back. Article here And for those who can't be bothered to register: Asexuals just not interestedBy Richard Hebbourn Published: Tuesday, November 2, 2004 About one per cent of adults report that they have absolutely no sexual feelings toward either sex, according to a new study conducted by Anthony Bogaert, Health Sciences Professor and human sexuality expert at Brock University. The study analyzed the results of a 1994 survey conducted in Britain where 18,000 participants were asked, "Who are you sexually attracted to?" They were instructed to rate their sexual attraction on a scale of one to five, one being men and five being women. There was a second option that stated, "I have never felt sexually attracted to anyone at all." One per cent of the participants chose this option. Some of these people classify themselves as asexuals: people who are not sexually attracted to members of either sex. Bogaert's study was published in New Scientist, which he said caused a great deal of media attention. "As a result of the publication," said Bogaert, "I have recently done five BBC radio shows, a national radio show in Britain, and a national radio show in the States. The media attention has created a growing awareness of the asexual community." Bogaert plans to do follow-up studies on these findings, and hopes to identify biological and psychosocial factors associated with asexuality in humans. For instance, he found that thirty per cent more women reported to be asexual than men. There is some evidence of certain growth related factors and biological makeup that could lead to a lack of sexual feelings. "There is no real evidence of mental health problems in asexuals, but many live their lives feeling pressured to conform to Western norms, and this often causes them psychological strain," he said. Bogaert noted that the one per cent is not definitive, but represents a time and geographically specific sample of the population. "It also depends on the way the question is worded. Many people are not comfortable talking about their sexual practices, and therefore may not respond truthfully. There definitely needs to be a lot more research done," said Bogaert. Despite the controversy of this study, there is a growing asexual community. New Scientist says, "if asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation, perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' pride starts attracting more attention." The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) is a website which promotes "A" pride, where asexuals exchange personal thoughts and experiences, and actively organize for the recognition and acceptance of asexuality. They even have an online store that sells T-shirts displaying slogans such as, "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas anymore." Nancy, a member of the asexual community, agreed to share her story. She said that she grew up in the midst of the baby boom generation, where sexual liberation was just beginning. In her teens, Nancy realized that she felt no sexual urges towards either sex, and as a result never formed strong relationships with anyone. When she decided that she was doomed to live a life of isolation, she met a man who "wasn't terribly concerned with sex." Now she is a happily married asexual, and a member of AVEN. Bogaert said that it is not uncommon for asexuals to get married. "Some are married and even have sex in order to please their partner. They still may function biologically, but gain no sexual pleasure out of the act." Many asexuals view marriage as a kind of hyper-friendship, and gain happiness and intimacy through emotional attachment rather than sex. If you'd like to learn more about asexuality, visit AVEN's Web site at www.aven.org for some intillectual stimulation. OMG! They got the URL wrong! :roll: Link to post Share on other sites
Silly Green Monkey Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 So they'll go to the Audio Visual Education Network? Link to post Share on other sites
Live R Perfect Posted November 3, 2004 Author Share Posted November 3, 2004 Apparently so... :roll: Link to post Share on other sites
yam Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 if anyone knows contact info, we could ask them to print a retraction... Link to post Share on other sites
Live R Perfect Posted November 3, 2004 Author Share Posted November 3, 2004 I've just sent a message to the editor asking them to correct the address. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.