Asexual History: A Brief Timeline
Want to know more about the history of asexuality? Here’s a very brief timeline of asexual history, taken from various online sources. For a much more complete one, I’d recommend checking out Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex by Sherronda J. Brown, which features a timeline of asexuality in the back of the book!
19th Century
1886: Richard von Krafft-Ebing describes "asexualia" in his book "Psychopathia Sexualis," categorizing it as a pathological condition.
20th Century
1948: Alfred Kinsey's research included data on individuals with low levels of sexual attraction, contributing to a broader understanding of human sexuality.
1970s: Early discussions of asexuality emerge within feminist and queer communities, often linked to ideas of sexual liberation and challenging societal norms.
1980s: The term "asexual" begins to be used more widely to describe individuals who lack sexual attraction, gaining recognition within certain social groups.
1990s: Online communities and forums dedicated to asexuality start to appear, providing a space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and learn about asexuality.
21st Century
2001: The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) is founded, becoming a major organization for asexual individuals, offering resources, support, and advocacy.
2003: New York passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, which explicitly included asexuality as a protected sexual orientation. This was a groundbreaking moment and, for a time, considered the only piece of legislation in the world to specifically name and protect asexual individuals.
2010: The first asexual pride flag is designed, symbolizing asexuality and fostering community pride.
2010s: Asexual representation in popular culture increases, with characters like Asexual Aromantic Network (AAN) on the show "BoJack Horseman" helping to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes.
2020s: Continued Growth and Advocacy
The 2020s have marked a period of significant growth and advocacy for asexual rights and visibility. Ongoing efforts to address discrimination and promote inclusivity for asexual individuals continue, with increasing focus on intersectionality and addressing the unique experiences of asexual people from marginalized groups. Key developments include:
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased online engagement and community building among asexual individuals, as many events and social gatherings moved to virtual platforms.
2021: International Asexuality Day is established on April 6, celebrating asexuality and promoting understanding.
2023: The world's first in-person Asexual Pride Parade is held in Budapest, Hungary, on April 15, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the visibility and acceptance of asexuality.
2023: Tasmania became the first Australian state to officially recognize asexual people, along with aromantic and agender individuals, by adding the "A" to their official acronym, LGBTIQA+. This represents a significant step towards their inclusion in policy decisions and services.
2025: AforAce gains status as Illinois’ first nonprofit focusing on asexual advocacy and education on Friday the 13th, during Pride Month.
The 2020s have witnessed a significant shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of asexuality. As the movement continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more progress in the years to come.
