“Sex without Sexual Attraction?": Perceived Sexual Experiences of Indian Sex-favourable Asexuals

Asexuality is not a complete aversion to sex or sexual activity; instead, there are a range of ways that some asexual people engage with sexual activities. The current qualitative study explored the sexual experiences (self-pleasure and partnered activities) of sex-favourable asexuals within the Indian cultural context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed how sex-favourable asexuals experience sexual arousal without experiencing ‘sexual attraction’, leading them to engage in sexual activities. Participants understood their sexuality through feeling different from others, followed by self-exploration, resulting in self-acceptance. Further, participants identified self-pleasure as a tool for self-empowerment and stress management, leading to a preference for masturbation over partner-involved sex. Partner-involved sex was primarily due to extrinsic demands (peer pressure, pressure from partner). This study calls attention towards developing inclusive practices, sex education and community awareness about this understudied section of the queer community and, most importantly, enabling representation of their experiences within the academic literature about sex and sexuality.