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Sarah22 · Feb 15, 2007, 09:48 pm

CNN.com - Study: One in 100 adults asexual - Oct 14, 2004

"LONDON, England (CNN) -- About one percent of adults have absolutely no interest in sex, according to a new study, and that distinction is becoming one of pride among many asexuals.
The new study was conducted by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist and human sexuality expert at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario.
It was published in the latest issue of The Journal of Sex Research and is the focus of a report in this Saturday's issue of New Scientist.
Bogaert's analysis looked at responses to another study in Britain, published in 1994. That study was based on interviews of 18,000 people about their sexual practices.
It offered respondent a list of options. One read: "I have never felt sexually attracted to anyone at all." One percent said they agreed with the statement.
That response level is close to the percentage of gay people in the population, which is around three percent, the New Scientist report says.
New Scientist says such studies offer insights into sexuality, but the results remain controversial.
"The closest we have got to understanding human asexuals comes from studies -- mostly surveys - of people who report not having sex," it says.
A 1994 survey, published by The University of Chicago Press, found that 13 percent of 3,500 respondents had no sex in the past year. Forty percent of those people said they were extremely happy or very happy with their lives.
"If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation, perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' pride starts attracting more attention," New Scientist says.
Activists have already started campaigning to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality, it reports.
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network has an online store that sell items promoting awareness and acceptance on asexuality.
Among the items is a T-shirt with the slogan, "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas anymore."

Scribbler1 · Feb 15, 2007, 10:41 pm

Too bad we can't make them all priests. That might crowd out the current priests who are a little TOO sexual.

Osborn F Enready · Feb 15, 2007, 10:54 pm

Man, I can't even IMAGINE not being "turned on"....

That must suck.

**Jack** · Feb 15, 2007, 11:10 pm

I have periods of no sexual interest, sometimes lasting for days. But since it's not a permanent state, I'm not too worried yet. And I had enough fun when I was younger to think back on. I guess I'm just a part-time asexual. But that's limited to behavior, not desire.

shawmutt · Feb 16, 2007, 12:10 am

My wife had a friend like that in college. He wasn't disgusted by it, and he wasn't ugly or a loser or anything, he just had absolutely no interest in sex. Despite many girl's best efforts, he remained a virgin throughout college.

gallo · Feb 16, 2007, 12:45 am

How sad. I can't imagine it. I can't recall any time since puberty that I wasn't interested in sex. Even after sex, although sated, I am still interested in sex. Neither my brain nor my eyes have been shut down. In fact, the "interest" can go on for some hours after the act, in the living room, the kitchen, or wherever.

Actually, maybe I was not interested in sex after my surgeries. I guess I lied.

Scribbler1 · Feb 16, 2007, 08:40 am

Quote:

Quote by: Osborn F Enready

Man, I can't even IMAGINE not being "turned on"....

That must suck.

I guess it's something like asking Stevie Wonder if he misses seeing a sunrise.

If you don't have/use it, you don't miss it.

Sarah22 · Feb 16, 2007, 10:55 am

Quote:

Quote by: Scribbler1

I guess it's something like asking Stevie Wonder if he misses seeing a sunrise.

If you don't have/use it, you don't miss it.

Maybe they don't miss it, but they're missing out.

RickSp · Feb 16, 2007, 02:05 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Osborn F Enready

Man, I can't even IMAGINE not being "turned on"....

That must suck.

My guess is that sucking plays no part of it.

Osborn F Enready · Feb 16, 2007, 03:42 pm

LOL

Probably true.

Scribbler1 · Feb 16, 2007, 06:46 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Sarah22

Maybe they don't miss it, but they're missing out.

Do you mean sex or sight?

Never mind, they're missing out, big-time either way.

Eschguy · Feb 18, 2007, 02:28 pm

The Stevie Wonder reference made a good point. If they can't remember using it, then there should be no real longing for it. However it's odd that they NEVER got "the urge" since it's in human nature to procreate.

Scribbler1 · Feb 18, 2007, 02:39 pm

I think that can be because we don't allow our urges to work on us like the other animals. Where a dog might not even know it, he feels he HAS to mate while we might feel the same urge but dismiss it as it doesn't seem necessary.

Our ability to reason might not even allow us to know what to DO with certain ancient urges. Dogs don't wonder WHY they feel the need to do it.

The Bacon Guy · Feb 18, 2007, 06:49 pm

Well, maybe sex is like ice cream: some like certain flavours, some like others, some don’t like it at all.

Personally, I could go without a romantic relationship for years, and frankly I prefer to do so, but I can’t imagine ever having no interest in sex. Still, I suppose it’s not much different from homosexuality or any other sexual orientation which prevents someone from spreading their genes. Just a different preference.

RickSp · Feb 18, 2007, 08:02 pm

I have lost interest in sex entirely for extended periods.

Minutes, even.

phoenix_fire · Feb 19, 2007, 12:54 am

Well, I had never been attracted to anyone until I got to college. Then I fell fast and hard. Too bad it was the totally wrong guy. Word of warning, friends: beware of a nerd who gains power. But I haven't been attracted to anyone since either.

Eschguy · Feb 19, 2007, 01:54 am

Quote:

Quote by: The Bacon Guy

Still, I suppose it’s not much different from homosexuality or any other sexual orientation which prevents someone from spreading their genes. Just a different preference.

But I think not wanting it and wanting it with somebody of the same gender are two separate things. Even if you were a homosexual, the desire is still there. We're talking no wanting of sex, period.

Sarah22 · Feb 19, 2007, 09:20 am

Quote:

Quote by: Eschguy

...I think not wanting it and wanting it with somebody of the same gender are two separate things.

I think technically they are the same thing- their orientation.

Eschguy · Feb 19, 2007, 10:39 am

But if you're getting it, doesn't that mean it's satisfying the desire, no matter how...or who you're getting it from?

Sarah22 · Feb 19, 2007, 11:18 am

Here's some information for this thread that I found at Asexual Visibility and Education Network - About Asexuality

Quote:

Many asexual people experience attraction, but we feel no need to act out that attraction sexually. Instead we feel a desire to get to know someone, to get close to them in whatever way works best for us. Asexual people who experience attraction will often be attracted to a particular gender, and will identify as gay, bi, or straight.

Quote:

...asexual people have a desire to form more intimate romantic relationships, and will date and seek long-term partnerships

Quote:

For some sexual arousal is a fairly regular occurrence, though it is not associated with a desire to find a sexual partner or partners. Some will occasionally masturbate, but feel no desire for partnered sexuality. Other asexual people experience little or no arousal. Because we don’t care about sex, asexual people generally do not see a lack of sexual arousal as a problem to be corrected, and focus their energy on enjoying other types of arousal and pleasure.

Feb 15, 2007, 09:48 pm	#1 (permalink) (top)
Sarah22 Asian Sensation Posts: 153	One in 100 Adults Asexual CNN.com - Study: One in 100 adults asexual - Oct 14, 2004 "LONDON, England (CNN) -- About one percent of adults have absolutely no interest in sex, according to a new study, and that distinction is becoming one of pride among many asexuals. The new study was conducted by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist and human sexuality expert at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario. It was published in the latest issue of The Journal of Sex Research and is the focus of a report in this Saturday's issue of New Scientist. Bogaert's analysis looked at responses to another study in Britain, published in 1994. That study was based on interviews of 18,000 people about their sexual practices. It offered respondent a list of options. One read: "I have never felt sexually attracted to anyone at all." One percent said they agreed with the statement. That response level is close to the percentage of gay people in the population, which is around three percent, the New Scientist report says. New Scientist says such studies offer insights into sexuality, but the results remain controversial. "The closest we have got to understanding human asexuals comes from studies -- mostly surveys - of people who report not having sex," it says. A 1994 survey, published by The University of Chicago Press, found that 13 percent of 3,500 respondents had no sex in the past year. Forty percent of those people said they were extremely happy or very happy with their lives. "If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation, perhaps it will not be long before the issue of 'A' pride starts attracting more attention," New Scientist says. Activists have already started campaigning to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality, it reports. The Asexual Visibility and Education Network has an online store that sell items promoting awareness and acceptance on asexuality. Among the items is a T-shirt with the slogan, "Asexuality: it's not just for amoebas anymore."

Feb 15, 2007, 10:41 pm	#2 (permalink) (top)
Scribbler1 Skeptical Patriot Posts: 7,746	Too bad we can't make them all priests. That might crowd out the current priests who are a little TOO sexual. Not a day goes by that I don't see something that reinforces my belief that people are idiots.

Feb 15, 2007, 10:54 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
Osborn F Enready Principled Observer Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 13,873	Man, I can't even IMAGINE not being "turned on".... That must suck. Petition of Redress of Grievances: http://www.givemeliberty.org/default.htm Canadian Lawsuit Against Their National Banks: http://www.freewebs.com/classaction/ Osborn F. Enready

Feb 15, 2007, 11:10 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
Jack formerly Isherwood Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 13,741	I have periods of no sexual interest, sometimes lasting for days. But since it's not a permanent state, I'm not too worried yet. And I had enough fun when I was younger to think back on. I guess I'm just a part-time asexual. But that's limited to behavior, not desire. The Forum Rules Radical Atheist Heathen Queer Let's agree to respect each others views, no matter how wrong yours may be. (Ashleigh Brilliant)

Feb 16, 2007, 12:10 am	#5 (permalink) (top)
shawmutt Slightly Dangerous Location: Greencastle, PA Posts: 1,130	My wife had a friend like that in college. He wasn't disgusted by it, and he wasn't ugly or a loser or anything, he just had absolutely no interest in sex. Despite many girl's best efforts, he remained a virgin throughout college. 78% of statistics are made up on the spot.

Feb 16, 2007, 12:45 am	#6 (permalink) (top)
gallo Homo sapiens Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,067	How sad. I can't imagine it. I can't recall any time since puberty that I wasn't interested in sex. Even after sex, although sated, I am still interested in sex. Neither my brain nor my eyes have been shut down. In fact, the "interest" can go on for some hours after the act, in the living room, the kitchen, or wherever. Actually, maybe I was not interested in sex after my surgeries. I guess I lied. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;... --From Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli passed unanimously by the Senate 1797

Feb 16, 2007, 03:42 pm	#10 (permalink) (top)
Osborn F Enready Principled Observer Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 13,873	LOL Probably true. Petition of Redress of Grievances: http://www.givemeliberty.org/default.htm Canadian Lawsuit Against Their National Banks: http://www.freewebs.com/classaction/ Osborn F. Enready

Feb 18, 2007, 02:28 pm	#12 (permalink) (top)
Eschguy Sedimentary Rock Posts: 5	The Stevie Wonder reference made a good point. If they can't remember using it, then there should be no real longing for it. However it's odd that they NEVER got "the urge" since it's in human nature to procreate.

Feb 18, 2007, 02:39 pm	#13 (permalink) (top)
Scribbler1 Skeptical Patriot Posts: 7,746	I think that can be because we don't allow our urges to work on us like the other animals. Where a dog might not even know it, he feels he HAS to mate while we might feel the same urge but dismiss it as it doesn't seem necessary. Our ability to reason might not even allow us to know what to DO with certain ancient urges. Dogs don't wonder WHY they feel the need to do it. Not a day goes by that I don't see something that reinforces my belief that people are idiots.

Feb 18, 2007, 06:49 pm	#14 (permalink) (top)
The Bacon Guy Away Location: Scotland, Central Lowlands Posts: 3,189	Well, maybe sex is like ice cream: some like certain flavours, some like others, some don’t like it at all. Personally, I could go without a romantic relationship for years, and frankly I prefer to do so, but I can’t imagine ever having no interest in sex. Still, I suppose it’s not much different from homosexuality or any other sexual orientation which prevents someone from spreading their genes. Just a different preference.

Feb 18, 2007, 08:02 pm	#15 (permalink) (top)
RickSp Volcanic Erupter Posts: 9,589	I have lost interest in sex entirely for extended periods. Minutes, even. Rick "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis

Feb 19, 2007, 12:54 am	#16 (permalink) (top)
phoenix_fire Paladin Location: Narnia Posts: 4,277	Well, I had never been attracted to anyone until I got to college. Then I fell fast and hard. Too bad it was the totally wrong guy. Word of warning, friends: beware of a nerd who gains power. But I haven't been attracted to anyone since either. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. -- Song 8:6

Feb 19, 2007, 10:39 am	#19 (permalink) (top)
Eschguy Sedimentary Rock Posts: 5	But if you're getting it, doesn't that mean it's satisfying the desire, no matter how...or who you're getting it from?