Asexuality and Conversion Therapy: A Historical Overview
Conversion therapy, also known as sexual orientation change efforts, is a pseudoscientific practice aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This harmful practice has been used for centuries, often rooted in religious and cultural beliefs that homosexuality and other sexual orientations are sinful or abnormal.
In the early 20th century, conversion therapy often involved medical interventions such as hormone treatments, electroshock therapy, or even surgical procedures. As the medical community began to recognize the harmful and ineffective nature of these practices, the focus shifted toward psychological therapies, such as aversion therapy and psychoanalysis.
Asexuality and Conversion Therapy
While conversion therapy has primarily targeted LGBTQ+ individuals, it's essential to recognize that asexual individuals have also been subjected to similar forms of discrimination and attempts at "normalization." Historically, asexuality has been misunderstood and often dismissed as a mental illness or a phase. As a result, some asexual individuals may have faced pressure to conform to societal expectations of sexuality and may have been subjected to harmful conversion therapy practices.
Fortunately, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote acceptance of asexuality. Organizations like AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) have played a crucial role in raising awareness and providing support for asexual individuals.
It's important to note that major medical and psychological organizations have widely condemned conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws banning conversion therapy, particularly for minors.
Conversion Therapy & the DSM
In earlier editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a lack of sexual desire was often categorized as a disorder, such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). This misdiagnosis led to the belief that asexuality was a problem that needed to be "fixed." As a result, many asexual individuals were subjected to harmful conversion therapies, often to increase their sexual desire.
Fortunately, with increased understanding and acceptance of asexuality, the DSM-5 no longer classifies asexuality as a disorder. However, the legacy of past misdiagnosis continues to impact the lives of many asexual individuals.
Asexuality and Sexual Assault: A Hidden Crisis
Asexual individuals who experience little to no sexual attraction are often overlooked in discussions about sexual violence. However, research suggests that they are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault and harassment.
Key Findings:
High Rates of Sexual Assault: Studies indicate that a significant portion of asexual individuals have experienced unwanted sexual contact, including sexual assault. Nearly 25% of asexual college students reported being raped through coercion or physical force, and over 70% reported experiencing unwanted non-contact sexual experiences.
Coercive Tactics: Asexual survivors often report experiencing verbal coercion as a primary tactic used by perpetrators in sexual assault situations. Perpetrators may assume that everyone desires sexual activity, leading to a disregard for the survivor's boundaries.
Underreporting: Societal misconceptions about asexuality can lead to underreporting of sexual assault among asexual individuals. Victims may face disbelief, shame, or blame, making it difficult to come forward.
Coercive Rape and Asexuality
Coercive rape involves using emotional manipulation, threats, or pressure to force someone into sexual activity. Asexual individuals may be particularly vulnerable to coercive rape because they may be less likely to resist or report the assault due to societal expectations and misconceptions about sexuality.
The Intersection of Asexuality and Other Identities
It's important to consider the intersection of asexuality with other marginalized identities, such as gender, race, and disability. These intersecting identities can further increase an individual's vulnerability to sexual violence.
The Need for Greater Awareness and Support
To address this issue, it's crucial to:
Promote Asexuality Awareness: Educate the public about asexuality and challenge harmful stereotypes.
Provide Supportive Services: Offer specialized support services for asexual survivors of sexual assault.
Advocate for Legal and Policy Changes: Support policies that protect the rights of asexual individuals and address issues of sexual violence.
By raising awareness and challenging societal misconceptions, we can help create a safer and more inclusive world for asexual individuals.
