What asexual means
An asexual person experiences little or no sexual attraction to other people. It is a sexual orientation, like being gay, straight or pansexual, not a medical problem and not something that needs fixing.
Around 1% of people are thought to be asexual, though many more sit somewhere on the wider asexual spectrum.
Asexual is not the same as celibate
Celibacy is a choice not to have sex. Asexuality is about attraction: an asexual person may have sex, for example to please a partner or to have children, and may still enjoy closeness, touch and romance. Some ace people have no interest in sex at all; others are happy with some.
Libido and attraction are different things too. Some asexual people have a sex drive but do not feel it is directed at anyone in particular.
The asexual spectrum
Many people use related words. Grey-asexual (grey-ace) means feeling sexual attraction rarely or weakly. Demisexual means only feeling sexual attraction after a strong emotional bond. Aromantic is separate: it means little or no romantic attraction, and a person can be asexual but romantic, or the other way round.
None of these labels is compulsory. They exist to help people describe themselves, and they can change over time.
Relationships and support
Asexual people have happy relationships with ace and non-ace partners alike. What matters is honest talk about what each person wants, without pressure, as in any healthy relationship; our guide to consent and boundaries covers the basics.
If someone comes out to you as asexual, believe them, do not suggest they have not met the right person, and ask how they would like you to support them.
Your questions, answered
What does asexual mean?
Feeling little or no sexual attraction to other people. It is a sexual orientation.
Can asexual people have sex or relationships?
Yes. Many have romantic relationships, and some have sex. Asexuality is about attraction, not about what someone chooses to do.
What is the difference between asexual and aromantic?
Asexual means little or no sexual attraction; aromantic means little or no romantic attraction. A person can be one, both or neither.
