Originally published July 2021.
Written by Sheena, staff member, Halifax Central Library.

The "A" in 2SLGBTQIA+ stands for asexual (also referred to as Ace). Asexuality is a sexual orientation where a person experiences little to no sexual attraction to others, and/or does not experience desire for sexual contact. An asexual person may or may not experience romantic or emotional attractions, and have all kinds of connections and relationships with others.

Asexuality is a continuum of people who experience no attraction or desire, to those who experience low levels, or only in specific contexts. It is often an umbrella term that includes a spectrum of asexual experiences and identities. You can read more about the spectrum of asexuality here, opens a new window.

Created in 2010, the asexuality flag is stripes of black, grey, white, and purple. Each colour has a meaning:

• Black: Asexuality
• Grey: Grey-Asexuality and Demisexuality
• White: Non-asexual partners and allies
• Purple: Community

Asexuality as an identity is under-represented and misunderstood in our society. There is nothing wrong with being asexual; it’s a normal aspect of human diversity! Asexuality is not a choice, and asexual people are not broken. More and more asexual people are writing about their experiences, and our collection is always growing —read on to find recommendations!

Find your next Ace read

Non-Fiction

Ace, opens a new window

The Invisible Orientation, opens a new window

Asexualities, opens a new window

How to Be Ace, opens a new window

Gender Queer, opens a new window

Fiction

Asexual Fairy Tales, opens a new window

Loveless, opens a new window

Blank Spaces, opens a new window

Finding Your Feet, opens a new window

Upside Down, opens a new window

Perfect Rhythm, opens a new window

All the Wrong Places, opens a new window

The Heart of Aces, opens a new window

How to Be A Normal Person, opens a new window

For A Good Time, Call, opens a new window

Young Adult Fiction

Rick, opens a new window

Let's Talk About Love, opens a new window

Tash Hearts Tolstoy, opens a new window

Not Your Backup, opens a new window

Resources

I Think I Might Be Asexual, opens a new window

Aces & Aros, opens a new window

Ace Week, opens a new window

Debunking Myths About Asexuality, opens a new window

The Asexual Visibility and Education Network, opens a new window

The Asexuality Archive, opens a new window