Tobias Hunter, Veterinary Student
It’s Asexual Visibility Day!
A day sorely needed as even in 2021, the asexual people identity still lacks representation in the media, and those identifying with the label are often faced with confusion and ignorance when they come out.
In a society obsessed with sex, asexual people face a lot of isolation. From the very first ‘talk’ when they reach puberty, to sex ed at schools, to plotlines of books, films, and TV shows all sex-related, there is often the assumption of it’s not ‘if’ you have sex but ‘when’.
We grow up thinking we’re broken, that there must be something wrong with us, for us to not feel that sexual attraction like everybody else. Any storylines featuring asexuality focus on ‘curing’ it with the right person or using it as a joke where only non-human beings can be asexual.
The more we can make asexual people visible in the media and in our own communities, the more we can ensure that the next generation of ace kids don’t experience those same feelings.
They need to know that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are valid, just like everyone else.