Is Asexuality a Trauma Response?

The lack of sexual attraction is thought to be the main definition of asexuality, which is an orientation that by itself does not really account for a response to trauma, or any number of trauma-like experiences. For asexual persons, little to no sexual attraction is felt for other people. Asexuality is a normal and natural variant of human sexuality. There is, however, a small percentage of people who might have asexuality due to trauma such as emotional abuse or sexual abuse, but that does not in any way suggest that asexuality arose as a result of trauma for many others-for some, indeed, trauma may appear as an utter disconnection from the sense of sexuality altogether, though that does not mean that they will classify themselves as asexual. Asexuality, therefore, stays a valid orientation by itself and does exist without any reference to trauma. In this case, distinguishing between a personal sexual orientation (here, asexuality) and one of the modes of coping that may emerge in the process of healing from trauma will help. Asexuality can potentially shape some aspects of a person’s identity, and this should be respected and honored. The stigma against asexuality as a trauma response also fails to acknowledge the asexual identity-based spectrum because each individual’s experience can greatly differ.