Asexuality is within, and a part of, the LGBT+ acronym.
Being described as a spectrum of identities, asexuality is the word to describe someone who does not feel sexual attraction. Asexuality is often compared to aromanticism, which means that people do not feel romantic connections to other people.
On the 6 April every year, International Asexuality Day takes place. The monumental day is put in place to recognise, reflect and celebrate asexual communities all over the world.
Read More: 'Homophobic threats still haunt LGBT+ people in Wales every day'
Commonly, these traits and sexuality identities are grouped as 'ace' or/and 'A-spec' identities. Asexual individuals are a part of the LGBT+ community, as they don't feel attraction to other genders.
Many asexual individuals fall into sub categories. As people are all different, asexual people's experiences differ. For example, asexual people may identify as 'grey-asexual', which means that they experience sexual attraction but it is extremely rare that this occurs for them.
Research shows that ace people face prejudice and discrimination throughout the UK. In the Government’s National LGBT Survey asexual respondents had one of the lowest life satisfaction scores (5.9 out of 10) and nearly 9 in 10 (89 per cent) had had also avoided being open about their sexual orientation. These statistics show that today, in the UK, many ace people still experience significant barriers to living their lives freely.
While many are aware of some of the challenges that asexual people face, there is a concerning absence of research on their experiences – often due to a historic lack of engagement with ace communities. Despite estimates showing that between 0.44-1 per cent (295,768 to 672,200) of the UK population is asexual, the needs of this significant community have long been ignored in the fight for broader LGBT+ rights.
Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall, said: "Ace communities have always played an integral role in the fight for LGBT+ rights but their needs and experiences have too-often been ignored. We know that ace people face dehumanisation and prejudice from across society, including in our own community.
"‘This ground-breaking project will directly engage with the concerns and experiences of ace people, and create a plan of action based on their needs. Our community has always been stronger when we fight for each other and today’s announcement is a step forwarding in helping more ace people feel safe and free."
The project is being championed by asexual model Yasmin Benoit. Yasmin started the #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike movement, and has since gone on to be a vocal activist.
"I'm incredibly proud to be partnering with Stonewall on such a monumental project and using my experience, platform and research background to drive ace rights forward," she said.
"Having worked as an asexual activist for the past four years, it has been continuously brought to my attention that there are ace people in UK who don't feel protected by the current Equality Act. There is a void in research when it comes to asexuality and acephobia and this will help to fill it.”
