This Asexual Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the experiences and identities of asexual individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Asexuality, while often misunderstood, is an important and valid part of the spectrum of sexual orientations. By taking the time to learn and educate ourselves, we can create a more inclusive environment where asexual young people feel seen, valued, and supported.

What Does it Mean to Be Asexual?

Asexuality means that someone may not experience sexual attraction, but it’s important to understand that asexual individuals still experience love, connection, and deep, meaningful relationships. As our guide on understanding asexuality explains, "Love doesn't have to equal sex." Asexuality exists on a spectrum, with people identifying in different ways, such as asexual, graysexual, or demisexual. 

How Can Supportive Adults Make a Difference?

For asexual young people, having supportive adults can make all the difference in their experience. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Validate their experience without making assumptions or judgments.
• Use inclusive language that affirms their identity and orientation.
• Respect their boundaries and be mindful of how you discuss relationships and attraction.

Supporting Asexual Youth in Coming Out
Coming out as asexual can feel complex, especially when people don’t always understand what it means. Our Coming Out Handbook offers guidance on how to discuss sexual orientation and provides supportive tools for young people coming to terms with their identity.

Support from individuals like you enables The Trevor Project to continue our work to end LGBTQ+ youth suicide through our crisis services as well as the development of resources and guides like these to promote education and allyship.