Sexual interest directed toward a particular person; ace people experience little, none or ace-spectrum patterns.
Back to the glossaryIdentity & diversity
Asexual
An orientation generally describing little or no sexual attraction. Asexual, often shortened to ace, is also an umbrella for varied ace-spectrum experiences.
Identity & diversity
In brief
An orientation defined by attraction, with diverse bodies, choices and relationships.
Asexuality concerns attraction, not a required level of libido, arousal, behaviour, celibacy or relationship interest. An ace person may experience romantic attraction, masturbate, have sex, enjoy kink, form partnerships or prefer none of these. The label belongs to the person using it and is not a diagnosis to be cured.
General sexual drive or bodily urge, which may be present or absent independently of attraction.
A choice not to engage in sex; it is behaviour rather than an orientation.
Little or no romantic attraction, which may occur with any sexual orientation including asexuality.
Ace-spectrum diversity
Some people experience no sexual attraction, while greysexual and demisexual people describe rare, conditional or bond-dependent attraction. Individuals choose which umbrella or specific term fits.
Romantic orientation can be described separately, such as biromantic asexual or aromantic asexual. Not everyone uses the split-attraction model.
Behaviour and relationships
Sexual behaviour does not invalidate an ace identity. Reasons may include pleasure, curiosity, intimacy, conception or a negotiated relationship, while other ace people are sex-averse or uninterested.
Relationships may be romantic, queerplatonic, sexual, non-sexual, monogamous, non-monogamous or absent. No arrangement is inherently more authentic.
Clinical distinctions
Asexuality is not the same as a distressing loss of desire or a sexual-interest disorder. Clinicians should distinguish a stable identity from an unwanted change, pain, medicine effect or health condition.
Distress caused by stigma or relationship pressure should not be reframed as evidence that the orientation itself is pathological.
Consent and inclusion
Ace people can consent to or decline any activity; identity does not supply consent in advance. Partners should not use sex as a test of love or demand attempts to change orientation.
Inclusive services ask about actual anatomy, activity and needs rather than assuming no contraception, STI screening or relationship support is relevant.
Non-graphic examples
What the umbrella may include
- Being asexual and romantically attracted to more than one gender.
- Having libido without attraction to another person.
- Choosing consensual sex while identifying as ace.
- Preferring a queerplatonic partnership.
- Seeking care for a new painful symptom without having identity questioned.
Reviewed 30 August 2026
Keep exploring.
This detailed field note uses the best available evidence without treating one community sample as universal. Evidence limits and UK context are stated where relevant.
Prepared by The UK Kink Guide editorial team. Read the evidence and review methodology.
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