An engaging exploration of what it means to be asexual in a world
that’s obsessed with sexual attraction, and what the ace
perspective can teach all of us about desire and identity.
What exactly is
sexual attraction and what is it like to go through life not
experiencing it? What does asexuality reveal about gender roles,
about romance and consent, and the pressures of society? This
accessible examination of asexuality shows that the issues that aces
face—confusion around sexual activity, the intersection of
sexuality and identity, navigating different needs in
relationships—are the same conflicts that nearly all of us will
experience. Through a blend of reporting, cultural criticism, and
memoir, Ace addresses the misconceptions around the “A” of
LGBTQIA and invites everyone to rethink pleasure and intimacy.
Journalist Angela
Chen creates her path to understanding her own asexuality with the
perspectives of a diverse group of asexual people. Vulnerable and
honest, these stories include a woman who had blood tests done
because she was convinced that “not wanting sex” was a sign of
serious illness, and a man who grew up in a religious household and
did everything “right,” only to realize after marriage that his
experience of sexuality had never been the same as that of others.
Disabled aces, aces of color, gender-nonconforming aces, and aces who
both do and don’t want romantic relationships all share their
experiences navigating a society in which a lack of sexual attraction
is considered abnormal. Chen’s careful cultural analysis explores
how societal norms limit understanding of sex and relationships and
celebrates the breadth of sexuality and queerness.