Posted by Ellen Bommarito LGBT Center I'm so glad to see you write us! Let me start out by at least trying to address some of the issues you brought up. First, we certainly do recognize and acknowledge the concept of asexuality. It is our firm belief here in the center that however one chooses to define him-, her, or hirself (if they choose to define themselves at all) is not only acceptable, but the best way to go and deserves the utmost respect. With that being said, though we do not encounter many self-identified asexuals often, we absolutely acknowledge its existence and are happy to offer whatever services or support that we can. It is true that asexuality is little discussed, even within the non-heterosexual, non-gender conformative communities. This is unfortunate. And although this is not an excuse, one probable cause for this invisibility is the seeming lack of self-identified asexuals. This physical invisibility then unfortunately turns into invisibility of less material sorts. So what needs to be done? Well, first and foremost there needs to be a better understanding of what the term "asexual" means for people who identify this way. We need asexuals to openly discuss what it means to be asexual for them, how this manifests in their lives, and how the experiences of asexuals in both their private and public lives. This, of course, is no easy task for any social minority, to find the courage to be open about their minority status and their personal life. It opens up a floodgate of possibly negative results for these people, and so understandably many shy away from this path. Just know (and this goes out to anyone reading this response) that there are a lot of us out there that can offer a support network. You're not alone. There are others around to help you when you need it. Trust me, we have all been there at some point in our lives, each with our own personal unique histories and backgrounds, but all united in the fact that we don't fit the norm (and that's okay!) Asexuality, as a sexual identification, is growing in the US and in other parts of the world. Sadly, it's growing slowly (to my understanding) in Flint, at least, and probably throughout Michigan. That's why we need more research, more personal stories, more visibility into the experiences and identifications of asexuals. If anyone has more information on where to learn more about asexuality and its growing movement in the US and globally, please contact the Ellen Bommarito LGBT Center. We would love to hear from you. So, with all that, I hope I have answered at least some of your questions. Undoubtedly you will have more. What I suggest is just stopping by and having a one-on-one with me or with the student volunteers. This can be at a random time that you see the office is open, or we could schedule a time to just talk (inside or outside the office). I understand the need to be in "stealth mode." When you are ready, though, I really suggest at least checking us out. No rush at all, but I think you'll find a great support network with the students here. They're all really wonderful. In the meantime, as I said earlier, if you'd like to schedule a time to meet and speak outside of the office, perhaps just sit down in UCEN to have a talk, write me and we'll find a time. Thanks SO much for showing interest in our office. We can't survive if it weren't for people like you who take the initiative to learn more about sexual and gender minorities. Best of luck to you! ~Greg~
on 1/11/2007, 11:52 am, in reply to "Question"
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Hello Anonymous A!
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