Narratives of Asexuality

Abstract

In this paper, I utilize the lens of narrative power to argue that stories of asexuality have been employed to pathologize and separate people from heteronormative societies but can (and are) amplified to connect and mobilize people to resist dominant narratives and norms regarding sexuality. I apply this lens to two case studies. The historical and modern pathologizing of asexuality and the creation of online communities for asexual people and experiences. By exploring the power and hierarchy of narratives, I expose more people to non-normative sexualities and thus reduce the isolation and marginalization of asexual peoples and stories.