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Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which someone may experience little, situational, or nosexual attraction. From its complicated existence in queer spaces to its complete invisibility insociety and media representation, why does it continue to lack an understanding even as queertopics continue to enter the mainstream conversation? How is this orientation, seeminglystraightforward, shrouded in confusion, mystification, and false stereotypes? As an asexual andaromantic woman, I believe that the cultural obsession with glamorizing sex and romance andportraying it as essential to a fulfilling life plays a part in confusing the general public on howone could live without the desire to participate fully or at all with these cultural norms andexpectations. To better represent these points and how they affect the lives of asexual people ofvarying intersecting identities, I intend to use an ethnographic approach in this study to betterunderstand these shared experiences and the diversity of the asexual subjectivity. My researchengages with an individual method, including descriptive survey, interview, interaction, andobservation, especially participant observation. My aim in this research is to establish a dialogueon asexuality for a better understanding of an orientation underdeveloped in theory. I identifythis as an opportunity to examine and better understand the spectrum of sexuality. In general, Iintend to interrogate the ways the mainstream norm of sexuality itself still seeps into media andqueer spaces and how to further encourage new forms of asexual inclusivity and acceptance invarious areas of society.

Asexual eukaryotes tend to occupy broader geographical ranges than their sexually reproducing relatives, with this phenomenon seemingly linked to ecological differentiation among closely related asexual and sexual lineages. Here, we used sympatric asexual and sexual Corbicula lineages to assess their ecological niche divergence and genetic differentiation within East and Southeast Asia. The predicted suitable area for asexual lineages was concentrated to Southern China, South Korea, Japan and a small region in Thailand and Vietnam, while that for sexual lineages mainly covered the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines as well as Indonesia. Potential sympatric distribution of both lineages was found in the Yangtze River Basin in China, the Central and Southern Japan. Anthropogenic activity was an important variable for the distribution of asexual lineages, while precipitation variables underpinned that of sexual lineages. Although both lineages had distinct distribution patterns, the identity and similarity tests overall indicated that the asexual and sexual lineages had similar niche. Genetic analyses suggested that 348 COI sequences from 47 populations were separated into two major clusters; one consisted of sexual lineages, and the other comprised asexual lineages across all studied regions and minor sexual lineages from China. The present study suggests that sexual and asexual Corbicula lineages have similar ecological niches accompanying COI genetic differentiations in East and Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores the stressful experiences faced by asexual individuals in South Korea. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 South Korean adults who identified as asexual and analysed their data using consensus qualitative research. The analyses revealed 20 categories across five domains, including difficulties in defining and articulating asexual identity due to a lack of language and representation, facing denial and invalidation, navigating ambivalent experiences of invisibility, combating misconceptions, and encountering difficulties in connecting with asexual individuals and other members of the queer community. The study identified several stressors reported by South Korean asexual individuals, such as the dearth of language and representation regarding asexuality, lack of access to asexual networks, misconception that experiencing little or no sexual attraction is caused by a lack of love, casual use of the term ‘asexual’, and fear of increasing invisibility by concealing one’s asexual identity. Although these stressors have not been widely documented in other contexts, further research is needed to determine whether they are unique to the South Korean context. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding of asexuality in South Korea to promote the well-being and inclusion of asexual individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic partnerships with approximately 80% of plant species. AMF, and their diversity, play a fundamental role in plant growth, driving plant diversity, and global carbon cycles. Knowing whether AMF are sexual or asexual has fundamental consequences for how they can be used in agricultural applications. Evidence for and against sexuality in the model AMF, Rhizophagus irregularis, has been proposed. The discovery of a putative mating-type locus (MAT locus) in R. irregularis, and the previously suggested recombination among nuclei of a dikaryon R. irregularis isolate, potentially suggested sexuality. Unless undergoing frequent sexual reproduction, evolution of MAT-locus diversity is expected to be very low. Additionally, in sexual species, MAT-locus evolution is decoupled from the evolution of arbitrary genome-wide loci. Results: We studied MAT-locus diversity of R. irregularis. This was then compared to diversification in a phosphate transporter gene (PTG), that is not involved in sex, and to genome-wide divergence, defined by 47,378 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Strikingly, we found unexpectedly high MAT-locus diversity indicating that either it is not involved in sex, or that AMF are highly active in sex. However, a strongly congruent evolutionary history of the MAT-locus, PTG and genome-wide arbitrary loci allows us to reject both the hypothesis that the MAT-locus is involved in mating and that the R. irregularis lineage is sexual. Conclusion: Our finding shapes the approach to developing more effective AMF strains and is highly informative as it suggests that introduced strains applied in agriculture will not exchange DNA with native populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined relations between political ideology, religiosity, individual characteristics, personal belief in a just world, and attitudes towards asexuals' parenting rights, aiming to understand the complex roots of sexual prejudice better. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey in Greece between May 2 and 30 July 2021. Two hundred and four participants were recruited for this study. A between-subject, correlational design was employed. Bivariate correlation was generated to explore the associations between variables of interest. Next, a bootstrapping analysis for simple mediation models was conducted. Also, a multiple regression model was employed to predict attitudes towards asexuals' parenting rights from the study measures. This study suggests that religious opposition to asexuals' parenting rights is attributable, at least in part, to political ideology. In addition, gender is also a significant factor influencing the formation of attitudes towards asexuals' parenting rights. In light of the current debates regarding expanding sexual and gender minority rights in several countries, this study presents a timely investigation into the underpinnings of opposition to asexuals' parenting rights. Research data in this scarcely researched field may support the efforts of advocacy groups to promote social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the construction of the identity of asexuals in Czech society. The author focuses on coming out and feelings of stigmatisation, relationships and intimacy, the the perceived existence of a separate asexual community, and the visibility of asexuals in society. In this research, a qualitative study was carried out among among people who identify as asexuals. The aim of the analysis was to determine how asexual people construct their social identity. People often do not know the meaning of the term 'asexuality' and this can result in the social stigmatisation of asexuals. In some respects, asexual people are similar to other sexual minorities, but not all of them feel they are a part of the LGBT+ community. The study's participants shared the view that Czech asexual people are invisible in Czech society. They form networks through the internet forum asexual.cz, but they do not form a separate community or a social movement and they still remain socially invisible. Approaching asexuality as a separate category of sexual identity is key for them to understand how they differ from others and for them to communicate with other people. They also regard education on asexuality as a way of promoting the public understanding and de-stigmatisation of asexuality in Czech society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic partnerships with approximately 80% of plant species. AMF, and their diversity, play a fundamental role in plant growth, driving plant diversity, and global carbon cycles. Knowing whether AMF are sexual or asexual has fundamental consequences for how they can be used in agricultural applications. Evidence for and against sexuality in the model AMF, Rhizophagus irregularis, has been proposed. The discovery of a putative mating-type locus (MAT locus) in R. irregularis, and the previously suggested recombination among nuclei of a dikaryon R. irregularis isolate, potentially suggested sexuality. Unless undergoing frequent sexual reproduction, evolution of MAT-locus diversity is expected to be very low. Additionally, in sexual species, MAT-locus evolution is decoupled from the evolution of arbitrary genome-wide loci. Results We studied MAT-locus diversity of R. irregularis. This was then compared to diversification in a phosphate transporter gene (PTG), that is not involved in sex, and to genome-wide divergence, defined by 47,378 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Strikingly, we found unexpectedly high MAT-locus diversity indicating that either it is not involved in sex, or that AMF are highly active in sex. However, a strongly congruent evolutionary history of the MAT-locus, PTG and genome-wide arbitrary loci allows us to reject both the hypothesis that the MAT-locus is involved in mating and that the R. irregularis lineage is sexual. Conclusion Our finding shapes the approach to developing more effective AMF strains and is highly informative as it suggests that introduced strains applied in agriculture will not exchange DNA with native populations.

This paper explores the interplay between romantic family imaginaries and asexual identity-making through the agentic negotiation of pragmatic trade-offs. Romantic family imaginaries refer to ideational and aspirational aspects of idealized romantic relationships that mark them as chosen family and engender associated feelings of security and normalcy. I analysed idiographic case studies (chosen from a larger sample of 44 interviewees) of two interviewees with asexual tendencies, romantic family aspirations, and ambivalence towards asexual identification. Romantic family imaginaries accentuated ambiguities in how my interviewees experienced and labelled their asexual feelings. Extending ideas about pragmatism explored within family studies and queer Singapore studies, this research conceptually proposes two ways through which pragmatic negotiation may take place: the deployment of provisional and prospective identities. Provisional identities affirm ambiguity by tethering themselves to ongoing relationships that live out family imaginaries. Prospective identities affirm ambiguity by qualifying themselves in relation to future unknowns. Examining these trade-offs reveals how romantic and sexual normativity, usually thought to be allied, may sometimes be situationally opposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify components of asexual identity development and internalisation in the context of an allonormative society, with an added focus on the intersection of gender roles and romantic identities. 99 participants between the ages of 18 and 72 (M = 27.97, SD = 10.36) completed an open-ended questionnaire which was analysed using thematic analysis. Four major themes were identified: being asexual; becoming asexual; intimate social expression; and internalisation. Findings suggest that the process of discovering asexuality and identifying with the asexual community is a common experience among asexuals, and is not dependent upon a specific sexual, romantic or gender identity. Moreover, the negative ways in which many participants understand their lack of sexual attraction may be related to allonormativity and the internalisation of negative attitudes towards asexuality. However, participants' approach to disclosure and relationships, as well as their willingness to openly express their asexuality appeared to be dependent upon their gender identities and the nature of their desired relationships. Romantic-identified participants typically sought emotional intimacy and considered their asexuality to hinder their relationships, and female participants experienced greater sexual coercion when coming out. The theoretical implications of each theme within asexual identity development and internalisation are discussed. The research outlines asexual identity development within the context of a sexualised society. Evidence suggests that while discovering and adopting an asexual identity is a common experience among asexuals, disclosure and how participants navigate their relationships may be subject to other features of identity such as gender and romantic attractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper contributes towards the beginnings of asexual geographies, an area that has been largely overlooked within sexualities and queer geographies. Indeed, despite gradually increasing awareness of asexuality as a concept and identity, asexuality remains an underdeveloped area of academic research and is still widely misunderstood and invisible across society. Scholarship in the burgeoning field of asexuality studies has sought to redress this invisibility by exploring asexual people’s lives, identities, and experiences. Through these explorations, asexuality scholars have developed the concept of ‘compulsory sexuality’ to describe the ways in which social norms and practices assume that all people are sexual. However, within this growing field, the spatialities of asexuality and compulsory sexuality have yet to be fully developed. In this paper, I therefore aim to bring together work in geography and asexuality studies to introduce the concept of the allosexualisation of space. Drawing from qualitative interview data collected from seven asexual people living across Ireland, I examine the ways in which participants described feeling excluded, invisible, and/or out of place in a variety of spatial contexts – illustrating how spaces can come to reflect and co-produce the logic and assumptions of compulsory sexuality. In doing so, I argue that space matters to our understandings of asexuality and asexual people’s lived experiences, as well to the ways in which compulsory sexuality is manifest throughout our everyday lives. This paper thus contributes to beginning geographical discussions of asexualities, and extends emerging research on asexuality by introducing a geographical lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexuality, a sexual identity that refers to those who experience low/no sexual attraction, has garnered increasing attention in recent years, yet its sociological exploration remains relatively nascent. This review article examines the burgeoning interdisciplinary field of asexuality studies through a sociological lens, examining asexual studies' conceptualizations, theoretical frameworks, and empirical contributions. First, I review how asexuality is defined and conceptualized in existing literature, highlighting diverse understandings and complexities surrounding this sexual orientation. I analyze the various conceptualizations of asexuality, ranging from the absence of sexual attraction to conceptualizations that emphasize the fluidity and spectrum of asexual identities. Next, I identify the subfields in sociology where asexuality studies is making or has the potential to make theoretical and empirical interventions. I examine how asexuality intersects with broader sociological themes such as gender, sexuality, identity, the family, intimacy, relationships, stigma, and community. Drawing on existing research, I examine how asexuality challenges normative assumptions about sexuality and how it contributes to ongoing conversations within sociology. Finally, I offer recommendations for how sociologists can approach the study of asexuality. I advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological pluralism, and intersectional analyses to capture the complexity and diversity of asexual experiences. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of centering asexual voices and perspectives in research, while also acknowledging the ethical considerations and challenges inherent in studying a marginalized and often misunderstood sexual orientation. Overall, this review provides a scoping overview of the sociology of asexuality, offering insights into its conceptualizations, theoretical implications, and avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the identity development and internalization of an asexual orientation and how asexual individuals attempt to reject and resist societal attitudes held towards their orientation. Participants were recruited through the online community the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) and included five women between the ages of 18 and 40. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Five themes emerged from the data: The Asexual Self, Discovering Asexuality, Disclosure, Navigating Relationships and Barriers to Accepting Asexuality. The development of an asexual identity was initiated through an awareness of the self as different within society and supported by external resources such as the online asexual community. Although all participants described a sense of pride surrounding their asexual identity, some participants at times attempted to minimize the importance of asexuality to their self-concepts. Social norms and the values of a heteronormative society influenced participants' abilities to accept their orientation, as well as their coming-out processes. There were notable discrepancies between participants' accounts that were specific to their romantic orientation and age. The theoretical implications of each theme within the development of an asexual identity and internalization of an asexual orientation are discussed. This research outlines the process of developing an asexual identity including an awareness of the self as different, active searching, finding a community and coming-out. These findings inform our understanding of how asexual individuals develop a positive sense of self and come to accept their lack of sexual desire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual assault is a pervasive problem that has devastating consequences for college students. California's legislation stipulates that public colleges and universities must define sexual misconduct and sexual consent as well as provide ongoing sexual assault prevention education on campus. Despite these efforts, little is known about how well students understand consent or whether their knowledge differs by gender identity and sexual orientation. To address this gap, we collected data from 291 students attending a public university in Northern California and found that most (presumably well-informed) students had only cursory understandings of consent. We argue that colleges and universities need to do more to provide gender and sexual-orientation informed, creative, interactive and context-based approaches to consent education. Additionally, consent education should be tailored to the unique needs of specific subgroups, including cisgender heterosexual men and asexual students who had the lowest level of consent understanding in this study. Such an approach is needed to support college students to enjoy mutually respectful, fulfilling, and fun sexual and romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexuality studies are an emerging field in North America and Europe which lack large-scale, qualitative studies. Much existing research focuses on defining and categorizing asexuality, with researchers calling for more focus on the romantic and sexual relationships of asexual people. Drawing from an online survey with 349 participants, this paper describes the perceptions and experiences that asexual people have with dating and relationships. Participants answered 16 open-ended and 9 close-ended questions. After rounds of coding, three themes were selected for examination. These were dating, romantic and/or sexual relationships, and platonic relationships. These results showcase the challenges asexuals face with dating while also demonstrating how asexual people actively dismantle understandings of romantic, sexual, and platonic relationships through their own experiences and perspectives. Overall, this study provides greater legitimacy to the fluidity of asexuality and asexual relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While predictors of attitudes toward lesbians and gay men, as well as bisexuals and trans individuals, have been investigated relatively thoroughly, attitudes toward asexuality are a recently emerging field. The current study investigates predictors of attitudes toward asexuality, operationally defined using the Attitudes Towards Asexuality (ATA) scale created by Hoffarth and colleagues in 2016. Predictors included authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, intergroup disgust sensitivity, sexism, erotophobia–erotophilia, sociosexuality, motivation to respond without prejudice, singlism, and demographic characteristics of the perceiver. Response to the ATA indicated positivity toward asexuality, with the majority of participants expressing disagreement with the negative statements about asexuality. Many of the individual difference variables correlated moderately with the ATA. Multiple regression analyses indicated that significant predictors of the ATA included right-wing authoritarianism, internal motivation to respond without prejudice, intergroup disgust sensitivity, benevolent sexism, participant sexual orientation, and religiosity. Together, these six predictors accounted for half of the variance in the ATA. The findings of this study suggest that attitudes toward asexuality are similarly predicted by those individual difference variables that predict attitudes toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transpersons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research on the Investment Model of Commitment suggests that satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment consistently predict commitment levels in romantic relationships. Previous research examining the Investment Model has focused on allosexual and alloromantic populations – i.e. individuals who experience sexual and romantic attraction, respectively. We extended this research to asexual and aromantic individuals. Asexual and aromantic participants in relationships completed the four Investment Model subscales (i.e. satisfaction, investments, quality of alternatives, commitment). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the model fit to the original Investment Model factors was poor. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed that the investments and quality of alternatives items mostly loaded on the original factors; however, satisfaction items and commitment items mostly loaded on the same factor. These results suggest that asexual and aromantic individuals may not distinguish between relationship satisfaction and commitment, or individuals may have relatively equal amounts of satisfaction and commitment in their relationships. In addition, many asexual and aromantic individuals practice non-monogamous relationships, and have a higher quality of alternatives than those who practice monogamous relationships. Ultimately, the findings could guide practitioners when working with asexual and aromantic individuals as well as future research focusing on these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 30 years, an increasing number of people have identified within the asexual (ACE) spectrum recognizing an absence/low/situational sexual attraction to individuals of any gender. The current study aims to deepen the knowledge of sexual desire, erotic fantasies, and related emotions within the ACE spectrum. A total of 1072 Italian volunteers were recruited to take part to the present study via social media. Data were collected from October 2021 to January 2022 using the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire and the Sexual Desire Inventory-2. Participants were divided into four groups: asexual, demisexual, gray-asexual, and questioning. Focusing on sexual desire, asexual people reported significantly lower scores than the other groups in all the dimensions except for "negative feelings to sexual desire," while demisexual participants showed the higher scores in all the domains except for "negative feelings to sexual desire." The questioning group reported the highest scores in the "negative feelings toward sexual desire" compared to the asexual and demisexual ones. The asexual group reported significantly lower scores than the other groups in fantasies frequency, fantasies importance, negative emotions, and sharing and experiencing. The demisexual group showed higher frequency of romantic fantasies than the asexual and gray-asexual ones. The results showed some specific patterns of desire and fantasies among the asexual, gray-asexual, demisexual, and questioning groups. These data may provide relevant material to clinicians working with asexual patients who need greater awareness about the diversity and heterogeneity of the sexual experience within the ACE spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread and abundant brooding brittle-star (Amphipholis squamata) is a simultaneous hermaphrodite with a complex mitochondrial phylogeography of multiple divergent overlapping mtDNA lineages, high levels of inbreeding or clonality and unusual sperm morphology. We use exon-capture and transcriptome data to show that the nuclear genome comprises multiple (greater than 3) divergent (π > 6%) expressed components occurring across samples characterized by highly divergent (greater than 20%) mitochondrial lineages, and encompassing several other genera, including diploid dioecious species. We report a massive sperm genome size in A. squamata, an order of magnitude larger than that present in other brittle-stars, and consistent with our SNP-based measure of greatly elevated ploidy. Similarity of these genetic signatures to well-known animal systems suggests that A. squamata (and related taxa) is a hybrid polyploid asexual complex of variable subgenome origins, ploidy and reproductive mode. We discuss enigmatic aspects of A. squamata biology in this light. This putative allopolyploid complex would be the first to be reported from the phylum Echinodermata.

Abstract Background Transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction are common in eukaryotes, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly known. The pea aphid—Acyrthosiphon pisum—exhibits reproductive polymorphism, with cyclical parthenogenetic and obligate parthenogenetic lineages, offering an opportunity to decipher the genetic basis of sex loss. Previous work on this species identified a single 840 kb region controlling reproductive polymorphism and carrying 32 genes. With the aim of identifying the gene(s) responsible for sex loss and the resulting consequences on the genetic programs controlling sexual or asexual embryogenesis, we compared the transcriptomic response to photoperiod shortening—the main sex-inducing cue—of a sexual and an obligate asexual lineage of the pea aphid, focusing on heads (where the photoperiodic cue is detected) and embryos (the final target of the cue). Results Our analyses revealed that four genes (one expressed in the head, and three in the embryos) of the region responded differently to photoperiod in the two lineages. We also found that the downstream genetic programs expressed during embryonic development of a future sexual female encompass ∼1600 genes, among which miRNAs, piRNAs and histone modification pathways are overrepresented. These genes mainly co-localize in two genomic regions enriched in transposable elements (TEs). Conclusions Our results suggest that the causal polymorphism(s) in the 840 kb region somehow impair downstream epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulations in obligate asexual lineages, thereby sustaining asexual reproduction.

Background: Transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction are common in eukaryotes, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly known. The pea aphid—Acyrthosiphon pisum—exhibits reproductive polymorphism, with cyclical parthenogenetic and obligate parthenogenetic lineages, offering an opportunity to decipher the genetic basis of sex loss. Previous work on this species identified a single 840 kb region controlling reproductive polymorphism and carrying 32 genes. With the aim of identifying the gene(s) responsible for sex loss and the resulting consequences on the genetic programs controlling sexual or asexual embryogenesis, we compared the transcriptomic response to photoperiod shortening—the main sex-inducing cue—of a sexual and an obligate asexual lineage of the pea aphid, focusing on heads (where the photoperiodic cue is detected) and embryos (the final target of the cue). Results: Our analyses revealed that four genes (one expressed in the head, and three in the embryos) of the region responded differently to photoperiod in the two lineages. We also found that the downstream genetic programs expressed during embryonic development of a future sexual female encompass ∼1600 genes, among which miRNAs, piRNAs and histone modification pathways are overrepresented. These genes mainly co-localize in two genomic regions enriched in transposable elements (TEs). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the causal polymorphism(s) in the 840 kb region somehow impair downstream epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulations in obligate asexual lineages, thereby sustaining asexual reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compulsory sexuality refers to the ways that social institutions both assume and privilege sexualities while marginalizing asexuality—the relative lack of sexual attraction. However, experiences of compulsory sexuality are not uniform. This paper documents how the institutions of compulsory sexuality can variously impede or facilitate the development of asexual citizenship, sometimes simultaneously. Data come from exploratory, semi-structured interviews with young adults who identify as asexual in the central U.S. Informants talk about their experiences with intimate relationships, religion, media, and LGBTQIA + groups in contradictory ways: each institution figures into discourses of both citizenship and alienation. We argue that there are multiple pathways to sexual citizenship for aces, which depend not only on how compulsory sexuality intersects with other structures, like race and gender, but also according to one's experiences with the institutions of compulsory sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity formation for asexual people can be complicated by limited societal awareness of asexualities. Consequently, people who eventually identify on the asexuality spectrum often adopt other sexual identities in their early lives. In this paper, we extend sexual identity development theory by analyzing the identity trajectories of asexual-spectrum people who once identified as bisexual or pansexual. Quantitative data suggests that about half of asexual-spectrum respondents once identified as bisexual or pansexual and a third closely associate with bisexual or pansexual terminology. Qualitative data supports these findings, revealing that bisexuality, pansexuality, and asexuality are not always seen as mutually exclusive categories by asexual individuals. We argue that the intelligibility of bi-/pansexuality positions them as identity pathways for many asexual-spectrum individuals who experience equal (albeit little to no) attraction toward people of any gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexual reproduction is assumed to lead to the accumulation of deleterious mutations, and reduced heterozygosity due to the absence of recombination. Panagrolaimid nematode species display different modes of reproduction. Sexual reproduction with distinct males and females, asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis in the genus Panagrolaimus, and hermaphroditism in Propanagrolaimus. Here, we compared genomic features of free‐living nematodes in populations and species isolated from geographically distant regions to study diversity, and genome‐wide differentiation under different modes of reproduction. We firstly estimated genome‐wide spontaneous mutation rates in a triploid parthenogenetic Panagrolaimus, and a diploid hermaphroditic Propanagrolaimus via long‐term mutation accumulation lines. Secondly, we calculated population genetic parameters including nucleotide diversity, and fixation index (FST) between populations of asexually and sexually reproducing nematodes. Thirdly, we used phylogenetic network methods on sexually and asexually reproducing Panagrolaimus populations to understand evolutionary relationships between them. The estimated mutation rate was slightly lower for the asexual population, as expected for taxa with this reproductive mode. Natural polyploid asexual populations revealed higher nucleotide diversity. Despite their common ancestor, a gene network revealed a high level of genetic differentiation among asexual populations. The elevated heterozygosity found in the triploid parthenogens could be explained by the third genome copy. Given their tendentially lower mutation rates it can be hypothesized that this is part of the mechanism to evade Muller's ratchet. Our findings in parthenogenetic triploid nematode populations seem to challenge common expectations of evolution under asexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study aims to: 1) examine demographic correlates of LGB, asexual, or not sure participants 2) describe the prevalence of diverse sexual behaviors, 3) assess the prevalence of event-level sexual behaviors and 4) examine predictors of sexual pleasure. 761 non-heterosexual undergraduates at a large, public U.S. university. Randomly sampled undergraduate students completed a confidential, cross-sectional online survey. Of 761 non-heterosexual respondents; 567 identified as LGB, 47 asexual, and 147 not sure. Asexual students, those not sure were less likely to report having engaged in solo and partnered sexual activities and report sexual activities being less pleasurable at most recent sexual event, compared with LGB students. This difference (relative to LGB) became nonsignificant when accounting for reported sexual activities. Our findings inform how college students define and experience their sexual identities and assist college health professionals in training on sexuality and prevention of risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dichotomous views of gender and sexuality primarily categorize people according to opposing binaries – either those attracted to the 'opposite' sex (heterosexual people) or those attracted to the same sex (gay or lesbian people). This 'either/or' notion greatly stigmatizes people who exist outside of this binarized categorization due to their attraction, or lack thereof, to multiple gender identities as well as the non-binary nature of their own genders. Past scholars have coined the term 'monosexism' to describe the social and cultural structures that operate on the premise that all individuals experience attractions, and that all are (and should be) attracted to no more than one gender (Eisner, 2013; Meyer, 2019; Roberts et al., 2015). Hence, asexual, bisexual, pansexual, and other plurisexual people experience oppression rooted in the normativity of monosexuality, while heterosexual people, lesbians, and gay men–all who adhere to the societal norm of monosexuality– receive privileges. While the impacts of monosexism are evident in the literature (Kaysen et al., 2011; Walters et al., 2013), there are scholars (Hemmings & Blumenfeld, 1996; Weiss, 2004) who oppose using the term monosexism and its presumed monosexual categorization – denoting it as pejorative and divisive to the 2SLGBTQIA + community as it groups lesbians and gay men together with heterosexual people as the oppressing, monosexual group. With the increasing scholarly focus on representation and recognition of 2SLGBTQIA + individuals and communities, we contend that understanding the complexity of monosexism is important for a more clearly articulated analysis of gender and sexuality-based inequality and experience. This paper provides a critical review of scholarly perspectives discussing monosexism and at the same time, contributes to a fuller understanding of the nature of this system of oppression and discrimination. Overall, we suggest that comprehending monosexism as a neutral term to describe a social structure that oppresses all sexual identities (not just asexual and plurisexual people) can lead to better understanding and potentially to resisting and dismantling this form of oppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction. Sexual attraction is likely associated with preferences for certain characteristics in romantic partners, such as physical attractiveness. Preferred partner characteristics can be influenced by an individual's sexual orientation, gender, and age. Allosexual (N = 239; male = 48, female = 181, other = 4; Age M = 20.48 years) and asexual participants (N = 149; male = 36, female = 88, other = 23; Age M = 25.54 years) recruited from a pool of psychology students and through online asexual communities were presented with a survey in which a total of 388 participants rated 13 characteristics according to how desirable they were in a potential long-term romantic partner. Characteristics that are related to physical attractiveness were predicted to be rated lower by asexual participants than by allosexual participants. Asexual participants rated the desire to have children as being less desirable in a romantic partner than allosexual participants did. However, preferences for other traits, such as exciting personality, creative and artistic, and religious, were dependent on interactions of gender and attraction to men or women. Because asexual individuals report generally lower levels of sexual attraction, it will be important for future research to consider romantic attraction as a more nuanced measure than sexual orientation alone when considering sex differences in asexual and allosexual populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This analytic essay challenges the psychiatric practice of treating absent/ low sexual interest/desire/arousal as a mental disorder. It does so by calling attention to the fact that asexuality is treated differently than other non-heterosexual orientations. The current DSM contains no psychiatric diagnosis which has, as its primary symptom, same-sex sexual desire. Yet, the same DSM offers diagnoses such as male hypoactive sexual desire disorder and female sexual interest/arousal disorder which have, as their primary symptom, absent/low sexual interest/desire/arousal. One of the unfortunate consequences of treating absent/low sexual desire as a mental disorder is that it perpetuates the false belief that those who experience their sexuality differently than the heterosexual ‘sexusociety’ norm are less healthy and more dysfunctional. It is also troubling because of the implied gender bias: women are more likely to experience absent/ low sexual interest/desire/arousal than men and more likely to be diagnosed with a sexual interest/desire/arousal disorder. Women’s sexual desires, or the absence thereof, are, thus, more likely to be seen as abnormal. Since that judgment has long been used to pressure women to engage in sex they do not want, the unavoidable inference is that the psychiatric tradition of diagnosing absent/low sexual desire as pathological has placed, and continues to place, women at greater risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. The remedy: stop treating absent/low sexual desire as pathological. Recognize that people are sexually different and are entitled to desire sex a lot, a little, or not at all—whatever feels right for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines men as a minority in asexual (experiencing low/no sexual attraction) and aromantic (experiencing low/no romantic attraction) communities. First, we situate our research in existing literature on asexuality, compulsory sexuality/compulsory romance, and hegemonic masculinities. In our analysis, we use survey data from the 2020 Asexual Community Survey (n = 4974) and 2020 Aromantic Census (n = 3018) to provide evidence that asexual and aromantic men are demographic minorities within asexual and aromantic communities. Next, we turn to two interview samples with 39 individuals who identify as aromantic and 77 individuals who identify as asexual. We analyzed these interviews to explore how sexuality and romance contribute to the construction of hegemonic masculinities. Our interviews reveal several important themes that highlight how asexual and aromantic men navigate their masculinity and identity amid asexual and aromantic communities as majority‐woman spaces. We focus on three main themes: (1) masculinity as inherently sexual; (2) masculinity, heteronormativity, and the gendered construction of romance; and (3) asexual/aromantic identity, masculinity, and the split attraction model. Taken together, our results show how (hetero)sexuality and romantic relationship formation are fundamental to hegemonic masculinity. We find that asexual and aromantic men face cultural pressures and social stigma around initiating sex and performing romance. Asexual men must contend with managing a sexual identity that runs counter to men's supposedly innate sexual desire, thus situating them as inadequately masculine. Aromantic men, meanwhile, must manage inhabiting an identity that is conflated with the fuckboy/player trope, situating them as excessively masculine. This study demonstrates how centering asexual and aromantic perspectives reveals complexities in the ways hegemonic masculinity relies on participation in both sex and romance. We conclude by relating our findings to larger conversations on gender and sexualities as well as implications for future research on marginalized sexual identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I expand popular readings of Chicana lesbianism focused on sexuality by tending more deeply to the affective terrains of love and kinship represented in the 1991 anthology Chicana Lesbians: The Girls Our Mothers Warned Us About edited by Carla Trujillo. Countering the (il)logics of white supremacy and Chicano nationalism which reduce Chicana lesbians to symbols of sexual deviance, I argue that Chicana Lesbians embodies an expansive matrix of intimacies that reconstruct the Chicana lesbian figure from a one-dimensional symbol of sexual deviance to a multi-faceted figure who redefines what it means to love one's people and culture beyond colonial paradigms that privilege heterosexuality. Drawing upon theories of decolonial love and queer asexuality, I examine the expansive inner lives and intimacies of Chicana lesbians to construct a more thorough portrait of how we love and relate to each other. While many studies foreground the sexual lives and politics of Chicana lesbians as subversive to the heteronormative status quo, I elevate the equally powerful forces of love and kinship in our struggle to transform the legacies of colonialism and Chicano nationalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obligately parthenogenetic species are expected to be short lived since the lack of sex and recombination should translate into a slower adaptation rate and increased accumulation of deleterious alleles. Some, however, are thought to have been reproducing without males for millions of years. It is not clear how these old parthenogens can escape the predicted long-term costs of parthenogenesis, but an obvious explanation is cryptic sex. In this study, we screen for signatures of cryptic sex in eight populations of four parthenogenetic species of Timema stick insects, some estimated to be older than 1 Myr. Low genotype diversity, homozygosity of individuals and high linkage disequilibrium (LD) unaffected by marker distances support exclusively parthenogenetic reproduction in six populations. However, in two populations (namely, of the species Timema douglasi and T. monikensis) we find strong evidence for cryptic sex, most likely mediated by rare males. These populations had comparatively high genotype diversities, lower LD, and a clear LD decay with genetic distance. Rare sex in species that are otherwise largely parthenogenetic could help explain the unusual success of parthenogenesis in the Timema genus and raises the question whether episodes of rare sex are in fact the simplest explanation for the persistence of many old parthenogens in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid, polyploid, and clonal fishes are found naturally in wild populations, but they can also be induced artificially by cross-breeding and chromosome manipulation. The dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus includes various naturally occurring as well as artificially induced hybrid, polyploid, and clonal biotypes. This review aims to organize the results from previous works that used the dojo loach as the model animal for a better understanding of the interrelationship among the constitution of chromosome sets, the meiotic configuration, and the resultant gametogenesis. Autopolyploids with an even number of extra sets of homologous chromosomes were observed to be fertile. However, autopolyploids with an odd number of extra sets of homologous chromosomes and allopolyploids (polyploid hybrids) with exotic non-homologous chromosomes were found to exhibit a broad range of sterility ranging from retarded gonadal development to the production of aneuploid gametes with various abnormal characteristics. Sterile biotypes often showed meiotic configurations, including univalents. Past hybridization events likely triggered the atypical reproduction phenomena, such as the formation of unreduced isogenic gametes by doubling each chromosome for sister chromosome pairing, the elimination of a non-homologous chromosome set by meiotic hybridogenesis, and clonal development by spontaneous gynogenesis of unreduced eggs. The results obtained by studying a series of works using the dojo loach as the model organism highlight the mechanisms of sterility in hybrids and polyploids as well as of unisexuality in isogenic clones. These results contribute to the understanding of basic and aquaculture-oriented reproductive biology and genetics in fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on sexual minorities has demonstrated that they face greater risks of experiencing poorer mental health due to minority stress factors, but there has been limited investigation into how these factors affect the well-being of asexual individuals. This study addressed this gap by examining whether shame played a mediating role in the relationship between discrimination and the mental health outcomes (i.e., social anxiety and psychological distress) of asexual individuals, as well as whether social support moderated the association between discrimination and shame. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected through an online questionnaire as part of the VisaJe project, which examined the stigmatization of sexually inexperienced emerging adults. Validated scales were used to measure the study variables among a sample of 177 asexual individuals aged between 18 and 42. Structural equation modelling revealed that social support did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between discrimination and shame. However, after controlling for variables such as social support, gender, developmental period and ethnic minority status, the results indicated that shame partially mediated the relationship between discrimination and psychological distress, and fully mediated the relationship between discrimination and social anxiety. These findings indicate that asexual individuals face similar pathways linking discrimination to mental health, mirroring those observed in other sexual minority groups, as they derogate from the norms of compulsory sexuality. However, general support may not serve as a protective factor for asexual individuals facing discrimination. The implications of these findings for future studies and professional practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freud's readings of Shakespeare are notorious for their universalizing claims about human sexuality. What is less commonly noticed, and what this article foregrounds, is the asexuality that underwrites psychoanalytic theories of sex. Venus and Adonis shows that Shakespeare's poem is replete with asexual encounters. In other words, it is not Adonis alone who spurns sexual romance. Venus's insatiable kissing is a textbook example of Freud's point about the paradoxicality of sex: when it comes to the pleasures of kissing, Freud says, "It's a pity I can't kiss myself." This essay reads asexuality not as a particular orientation; rather, it asks how asexuality, psychoanalysis, and Shakespeare disorient our readings of sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although asexual lineages evolved from sexual lineages in many different taxa, the genetics of sex loss remains poorly understood. We addressed this issue in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum , whose natural populations encompass lineages performing cyclical parthenogenesis (CP) and producing one sexual generation per year, as well as obligate parthenogenetic (OP) lineages that can no longer produce sexual females but can still produce males. An SNP-based, whole-genome scan of CP and OP populations sequenced in pools (103 individuals from 6 populations) revealed that an X-linked region is associated with the variation in reproductive mode. This 840-kb region is highly divergent between CP and OP populations (FST = 34.9%), with >2,000 SNPs or short Indels showing a high degree of association with the phenotypic trait. In OP populations specifically, this region also shows reduced diversity and Tajima's D , consistent with the OP phenotype being a derived trait in aphids. Interestingly, the low genetic differentiation between CP and OP populations at the rest of the genome (FST = 2.5%) suggests gene flow between them. Males from OP lineages thus likely transmit their op allele to new genomic backgrounds. These genetic exchanges, combined with the selection of the OP and CP reproductive modes under different climates, probably contribute to the long-term persistence of the cp and op alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obligate parthenogenesis (OP) is often thought to evolve by disruption of reductional meiosis and suppression of crossover recombination. In the crustacean Daphnia pulex , OP lineages, which have evolved from cyclical parthenogenetic (CP) ancestors, occasionally produce males that are capable of reductional meiosis. Here, by constructing high-density linkage maps, we find that these males show only slightly and nonsignificantly reduced recombination rates compared to CP males and females. Both meiosis disruption and recombination suppression are therefore sex-limited (or partly so), which speaks against the evolution of OP by disruption of a gene that is essential for meiosis or recombination in both sexes. The findings may be explained by female-limited action of genes that suppress recombination, but previously identified candidate genes are known to be expressed in both sexes. Alternatively, and equally consistent with the data, OP might have evolved through a reuse of the parthenogenesis pathways already present in CP and through their extension to all events of oogenesis. The causal mutations for the CP to OP transition may therefore include mutations in genes involved in oogenesis regulation and may not necessarily be restricted to genes of the "meiosis toolkit." More generally, our study emphasizes that there are many ways to achieve asexuality, and elucidating the possible mechanisms is key to ultimately identify the genes and traits involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates asexual individuals experience stigma. Addressing this phenomenon, this study examined attitude functions – experiential, social-expressive, ego-defensive, and value-expressive – in the prediction of attitudes towards asexuality. As well, demographic variables – participant gender, religiosity, and sexual orientation – were examined vis-à-vis asexuality attitudes. Herek's Function of Attitudes Inventory assessed asexual attitude functions. General attitudes were assessed using the Attitude towards Asexuality scale, feeling thermometers, and semantic differential scales. Participants were asked to imagine developing a relationship with an asexual person; attitudes towards the asexual target were assessed by belief statements specific to the person, a feeling thermometer, and target-specific semantic differential items. On average, all asexuality attitudes measures were rated favourably. Men, religious individuals, and exclusively heterosexual participants were generally less positive in their asexual attitudes. While statistically significant, these demographic differences were quite weak. Participants generally denied the attitude functions as the basis for their asexuality attitudes. The ego-defensive attitude function was strongly predictive of all asexual attitudes measures. The value-expressive function was a significant but small multiple regression predictor of some asexual attitudes. Understanding attitudes towards asexuality would be advanced by further consideration of how the attitude serves the social perceiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclical parthenogenesis, where females can engage in sexual or asexual reproduction depending on environmental conditions, represents a novel reproductive phenotype that emerged during eukaryotic evolution. The fact that environmental conditions can trigger cyclical parthenogens to engage in distinct reproductive modes strongly suggests that gene expression plays a key role in the origin of cyclical parthenogenesis. However, the genetic basis underlying cyclical parthenogenesis remains understudied. In this study, we characterize the female transcriptomic signature of sexual versus asexual reproduction in the cyclically parthenogenetic microcrustacean Daphnia pulex and Daphnia pulicaria. Our analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), pathway enrichment, and gene ontology (GO) term enrichment clearly show that compared with sexual reproduction, the asexual reproductive stage is characterized by both the underregulation of meiosis and cell cycle genes and the upregulation of metabolic genes. The consensus set of DEGs that this study identifies within the meiotic, cell cycle, and metabolic pathways serves as candidate genes for future studies investigating how the two reproductive cycles in cyclical parthenogenesis are mediated at a molecular level. Furthermore, our analyses identify some cases of divergent expression among gene family members (e.g. doublesex and NOTCH2) associated with asexual or sexual reproductive stage, suggesting potential functional divergence among gene family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to other sexual minorities, asexual individuals often face prejudice and stereotyping. However, the source of these attitudes and beliefs is not well understood. We hypothesized that asexual stereotypes stem from the belief that sexual attraction is an inevitable part of human development. This attraction inevitability assumption can lead to the deduction that people who identify as asexual do so because they are going through a transitory stage or excusing socially avoidant tendencies. To test this stereotype deduction account, we examined whether specific asexual stereotypes (immaturity and non-sociality) were associated with adherence to the attraction inevitability assumption. Heterosexual participants (N = 322; 201 women, 114 men; mean age 34.6 yrs.) from the UK and the US read vignettes describing a target character that was either asexual or heterosexual. People who assumed that attraction is inevitable were more likely to evaluate asexual targets (but not heterosexual targets) as immature and non-social. The impact of the sexual inevitability assumption was present even when social dominance orientation, an attitude closely related to negativity toward all sexual minorities, was accounted for. Participants who adhered to the attraction inevitability assumption also showed a reduced inclination to befriend asexual individuals. These findings suggest that generalized negativity toward sexual minorities does not fully explain stereotypes and prejudice against asexual people. Instead, the current study highlights how perceived deviation from the shared understanding of sexuality uniquely contributes to anti-asexual bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic fern Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. is an invasive species that can have devastating effects on the freshwater habitats it colonizes. Currently, a lack of clarity surrounding the genomic composition and genetic diversity of S. molesta impedes eradication efforts. Salvinia molesta is a polyploid hybrid with unknown and controversial parentage, first noted in Africa but morphologically similar to South American species. Giant salvinia is also thought to reproduce primarily, perhaps exclusively, through vegetative reproduction, raising the possibility that the global invasion comprises one or a few clonal genotypes. This research focuses on identifying the maternal genome donor of S. molesta, determining if this species consists of a single or multiple independently derived lineages, and evaluating invasive-range genotypic diversity. Whole chloroplast genome (plastome) sequencing from field-collected and herbarium specimens was used to quantify genetic diversity in S. molesta and the phylogenetic relationships among Salvinia species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. molesta and S. herzogii share the same plastome, although S. herzogii is unlikely to be S. molesta's maternal progenitor due to its own hybrid status and odd ploidy. Rather, we conclude that S. molesta's maternal progenitor is either an undescribed or extinct species. The observed plastome diversity within S. molesta indicates the presence of multiple divergent genotypes which strongly suggest multiple origins of this hybrid. Additionally, this diversity clearly indicates that a single clone does not dominate the invasive range. This genomic diversity could have direct implications for the successful management of this invasive species, particularly for biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on language, sexuality, and affect has focused primarily on the presence rather than the absence of desire. This analysis investigates the linguistic manifestations of non-desire on two subreddits: r/AskReddit and r/Asexual. Contrasting asexual redditors' responses to threads such as When and how did you realize you were asexual? with straight, allosexual redditors' responses to a thread titled Straight redditors, when did you realize you were straight?, I find that allosexual and asexual redditors' responses differ in agency and emotionality. While straight allosexual redditors attribute their lack of homosexual desire to factors other than themselves, asexual redditors attribute their lack of allosexual desire to their own identity. Additionally, asexual redditors frame their realizations of their asexuality as processual and emotional, using feel and felt more often than straight allosexual redditors' responses. These results expose the importance of emotionality – including lack of desire – as a resource for asexual identity construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks at three performances of "Vaghe Stelle" from Cavalli's L'erismena to explore different ways of configuring questions of love and virtue. The focus is on three types of relationship: one couched in the language of the pastoral and the idyllic, suppressing the erotic impulse; the second, where that impulse is carefully controlled in the manner of what has been called "courtly love," and a third, where the erotic impulse has been given free reign. The question of what an "ideal" relationship between love and virtue might be is left unanswered by the composer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I use social exchange theory to contextualize relationship processes associated with relationship stability in asexual‐allosexual couples and to propose directions for future research. Social exchange theory suggests that asexual‐allosexual couples might experience varied relationship exchanges compared to other relationship types based on costs/benefits, equity, and available alternatives. These exchanges may also be influenced by differences in relationship commitment and power. I review literature on sexual desire, sexual frequency, willingness to engage in sexual behavior, asexual identity acceptance, and extradyadic behavior to examine how these relationship processes are associated with relationship maintenance for asexual‐allosexual couples. Such relationship processes are not necessarily unique to asexual‐allosexual couples, but partner expectations may be particularly different in asexual‐allosexual couples, thus altering their relationship exchanges. Further research may provide a nuanced understanding of asexual‐allosexual relationship maintenance, and recommendations for how to promote healthy interactions and relationship satisfaction in asexual‐allosexual couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]