Asexuality: The Nonsexual Orientation

Asexuality is often equated with celibacy, especially since some people find it hard to believe that there exist other people who have little or no innate interest in sexual activity. Yet unlike asexuals, celibate people may have strong sexual desires; they have chosen to abstain from sex for their own reasons.

Involuntary celibacy
Asexuals may only be celibate incidentally; since engaging in sexual behavior is of little importance to them, they may not seek relationships in which sex is expected to play a part, so it would not be difficult for them to avoid it altogether. On the other hand, there are involuntarily celibate people who may think of themselves as asexual, having confused their lack of (or awkwardness in) past sexual experiences with a lack of sexual desire in general, despite actually being interested in a sexual relationship.

Asexual is not always unsexual
But asexuals are not necessarily against sexual activity, either. Although it may not be natural for them to seek sexual intimacy, and while some eschew even nonsexual touching, others are not necessarily repulsed by sexual behaviour, nor are they necessarily incapable of being sexually aroused. Some people who think of themselves as asexual have a romantic or even erotic sensibility, and it is not unheard of that an asexual person may have a committed loving relationship with a sexual person, which may involve physical intimacy or even sexual intercourse. In such a relationship, an asexual might even enjoy sex, although some engage in the activity only out of some sense of duty; as in a willingness to procreate, or to benefit their beloved partner.