fonsfaq sub

[ex_pippin880]

Hey guys! I'm doing asexuality/aromanticism for the Frequently (or Not So Frequently) Asked Questions project and I've been asked something that I can't answer. Would anyone like to take it?

The question is:
What's your favourite and least favourite thing to read about asexuality in fiction?

And I... can't think of a single example of or reference to (textual/canon) asexuality in books/fiction I've read. :|

Comments

[boundbooks]

Dunno if it counts, but as I mentioned in my question, it's canon in Mercedes Lackey's Vows & Honor series that one of her main characters doesn't feel sexual desire. It's textual that she's aromantic.

The character in question, Tarma, had her ability to feel sexual desire removed as part of a magical religious pact with her goddess. Kind of like joining the priesthood, I guess, but as part of the ceremony the goddess seals off the ability to feel sexual desire. This applies to everyone who undergoes this particular ceremony, so this applies to any character one meets in this universe who is 'Swordsworn.' Said characters are also portrayed as highly respected professionals who have happy, fulfilled lives with friends, relatives, colleagues, and in general Making A Difference for their people.

So, I don't know if it would count as textual/canon asexuality, but Tarma's definitely a character who feels neither sexual desire nor romantic inclinations.

[ex_pippin880]

had her ability to feel sexual desire removed as part of a magical religious pact with her goddess

That is... rather incredibly problematic from an asexual POV. :/

[boundbooks]

That's the part I wasn't sure about. It's why, on reflection, I was rather hesitant to call her explicitly asexual. It's definitely a 'magical origin/outside interference' scenario. =/

[pyrofennec]

Okay how did you miss that it'd be problematic. Her sexuality is removed. That's not asexuality.

[boundbooks]

I missed that it would be problematic because I didn't think through all the implications. Basically, I messed up.

[pyrofennec]

because I didn't think

You don't say.

[boundbooks]

Also, my sincere apologies for bringing up something that seems like it's Textbook Total Fail. I'm totally new at articulating concepts about this, so I'm sure I'm going to be accidentally fail-y in the process. My apologies! >_