All posts tagged: Asexual

Asexual lizards, virgin births and clones – the all-female species of the animal kingdom

Asexual lizards, virgin births and clones – the all-female species of the animal kingdom

Published by skeptic

It may sound too bizarre to be true but the Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa), a fish that inhabits rivers, lakes and swamps in Mexico and Texas, exists over much of its range in populations that are 100% female. In 1932, the Amazon molly became the first known vertebrate to reproduce by cloning itself, producing all-female populations. A new genetic study has given scientists insights into the longstanding mystery about how and why this happens. The proportion of females in the human population is roughly 50%. A few countries such as Maldives (38% female) and Moldova (54% female) diverge from this, but these differences can largely be explained due to male immigration and emigration. However, much more dramatic sex ratios are found in the animal kingdom. Kentish plover bird populations, where males care for offspring, comprise only 14% female, and sea turtle populations, where sex is determined by temperature often exceed 75% female. Most animal species reproduce sexually. This involves the fusion of two gametes, the sperm and egg, that develops into an embryo. A process, …

Having a Partner Does Not Make Asexual People Less Lonely

Having a Partner Does Not Make Asexual People Less Lonely

Published by Jenni Sidey

Romantic relationships improve psychological well-being for most people—but do they for everyone? It has been shown in many scientific studies that high-quality romantic relationships with a loving partner have several psychological benefits, including increased psychological well-being and, crucially, a reduction of loneliness. However, it must be pointed out that these studies mostly focused on heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual people. One group that has largely been neglected in research on the psychological benefits of romantic relationships is asexual people. Asexual people are a sexual minority (up to 3% of people are asexual) which does not feel sexual attraction or desire to other people. Despite that fact, asexual people sometimes enter romantic relationships, but it is entirely unclear whether they experience the same benefits for psychological well-being and the same reduction of loneliness as other people from being in a relationship. A new study about the psychological effects of romantic relationships in asexual people A new study, just published in the academic journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, now focused on investigating the effects of being in …

Am I Bisexual? Am I Asexual? These Are the Wrong Questions

Am I Bisexual? Am I Asexual? These Are the Wrong Questions

Published by Jenni Sidey

“A client wonders if she’s bisexual. How do I help her decide?” “A patient thinks he’s asexual. How do I evaluate this?” I provide case consultations for many therapists each month, and questions like these are not unusual. Much to the surprise of my colleagues, I generally say that they—and their patients—are asking the wrong question. Many therapists say that labels such as “bisexual,” “asexual,” and “demisexual” give people permission to (finally) be who they are. But I say they’re an inefficient route to self-acceptance—and are ultimately more limiting than freeing. People don’t need an identity to justify their current preferences. And people don’t need an identity to accept that what they do or want is normal. I’d rather they decide that “normal” is irrelevant. That would be real growth. How do I discuss this with patients? I ask a lot of questions. I often tell them what I just told you. Generally, my goal is to validate people without reassuring them. IS ALYCE BI? Take Alyce, for example, wondering whether she’s bisexual. “She doesn’t …

Asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women

Asexual women tend to prioritize different traits in a partner compared to heterosexual women

Published by José Betancourt

New research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has found that asexual women seek emotionally close relationships but tend to prefer non-traditional setups like platonic companionships over traditional monogamy. The findings highlight how expectations for intimacy and partnerships follow distinct paths when sexual desire is not a primary factor. Asexuality is generally defined as experiencing little to no sexual attraction to others. Importantly, a lack of sexual attraction does not necessarily mean a lack of romantic attraction, as many asexual people still experience a strong desire for emotional intimacy. The authors of the new study sought to better understand how sexual attraction influences the way people envision an ideal partnership. By investigating the preferences of asexual individuals, researchers can examine how partner selection and relationship goals change when sexual attraction is reduced or absent. “Many people assume that everyone experiences sexual attraction and much prior research suggested sexual attraction as a major driving force behind partner and relationship preferences. But that leaves out asexual individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction,” explained study …