On Writing Asexuality6/16/2021 Asexuality is probably not a word you are used to hearing often. Asexual characters are often ignored in the media and often neglected in real life. Doing a quick google search, only eight characters come up. From my own knowledge of the media there are not any that come to mind. The Wikipedia page lists a little over 63 total characters that either canonically identify as asexual or that the creator has stated after the fact. The actual definition of asexuality is one who does not experience sexual attraction. This does not mean they do not like sex or do not want a relationship. There are many different types of aces out there. Sex-positive and sex-repulsed, relationship positive and relationship repulsed, and even polyamorous aces all exist within the community. I personally am sex-repulsed, so that is what I will be focusing on, but just because aces do not experience this type of attraction does not mean they have negative views on relationships of any nature. Some common myths are that it is a lifestyle choice, but that is abstinence. People do not choose what arouses them. It is a form of identity that one cannot change. The same goes for the myth that they just “haven’t found the right person.” Sexuality may be fluid but that does not mean the label cannot describe them. Social media, even though it tries to be inclusive, is riddled with stereotypes. Often, one will see that because of a lack of sexual attraction aces have niche interests to replace the fact that they do not get aroused by people. Some may joke about that to deflect unwanted questions, but most do not. They just do not spend their time thinking about sex, leaving room for other things like dragons or cake (common ones on social media). What makes an asexual character, you may ask? The key with any character that is not cis nor straight or both, is to ensure they are well rounded. Sure, discovering their sexuality can be a major turning point of the story, but that should not be the entire plot and the basis of their personality. Aces are just as well-rounded as everyone else. One thing I have done, personally, in my own writing allowed the character into a relationship but giving them strictly romantic feelings. These being the classic butterflies-in-stomach, caught breath, or even trouble getting words out and a want to be around them often. Another possibility is to keep them out of a romantic relationship and rely on friendships for depth. Both are rather simple, and it is incredibly strange to me as to why people refuse to write aces into their stories. However, this does not mean they should only be defined by their sexuality, as I have stated before. Give them a bubbly personality that lights up every room they walk in. Make them a hopeless romantic that watches nothing but romantic comedies. Make them a warrior that has a soft spot for plants. No one is the same so there should not be one way to write asexual characters. I am no expert. Other people have different stories so talk to people that identify as ace or aromantic (we tend to have similar experiences). Not everyone experiences asexuality the same way. I, personally, love romantic comedies and want a romantic relationship, but I also love theatre and I am a feminist and adore plants and writing. I do not know anyone who is exactly the same as me, so why should all characters be written the same way? Olivia Lindquist is a rising junior in high school, working every day towards getting her works published. When they aren't busy writing or editing, they can be found rehearsing for auditions or shows.
1 Comment
Grayson
6/17/2021 07:48:22 pm
great article Olivia!
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